Floor Box Cover Slide Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor box covers with pivotal lids lack a reliable, tool-free mechanism for securing and releasing lids in the closed position, often requiring manual operation and lacking automatic locking and unlocking functionality.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly with a lock mechanism that includes a spring-biased slide lock allowing lids to pivot between open and closed positions, automatically returning to a locking position when closed, and can be released by sliding radially, enabling multiple lids to be secured and unlocked without tools, with a design allowing foot-operated closure and automatic locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw mechanism is used to secure the lid, then the lid can be reliably locked in the closed position, but a tool is required to operate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical locking system with a spring-loaded cam mechanism. The cam, when actuated by pressing the lid closed, rotates and engages with a latch to secure the lid without requiring any tools. This substitution maintains reliable locking while enabling tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the lid when the lid is pressed closed. The system serves itself by using the closing action of the lid to trigger the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention or tools to secure the lid.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sliding door mechanism is used to block access, then the fixture is protected, but the mechanism cannot securely restrain the lid in the closed position under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sliding door access blocking function with the spring-loaded cam locking mechanism. The cam mechanism serves dual purposes: it secures the lid against pressure and maintains the sliding door in its blocked position. This merging ensures both access protection and pressure resistance are achieved through a single integrated system.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple lids are used to cover multiple receptacles, then complete coverage is achieved, but each lid would require a separate locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam locking mechanism is designed as a universal system that can secure multiple lids simultaneously. The cam rotates on a pivot and engages with latches associated with different lids, allowing a single locking mechanism to perform the function of multiple separate locks, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation is required to close and lock the lid, then precise control is achieved, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cam mechanism is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically engage the locking latches as soon as the lid is pressed closed. The system performs the locking action in advance, during the closing motion itself, rather than requiring a separate manual locking step. This preliminary action maintains user control while achieving automatic locking.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, tool-free operation of multiple lids, automatic locking and unlocking, and easy closure by foot, ensuring the lids remain locked when not in use, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the lock is generally biased toward the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention includes a cover assembly for a floor box supporting at least one receptacle mounted therein. The assembly comprises at least one cover plate, at least one lid and a lock. The cover plate for at least partially covering the floor box includes at least one lock receiving channel. The at least one lid is pivotally secured to the cover plate for movement between a closed position covering the receptacle and an open position permitting access to the receptacle. The lock retains the lid in the closed position. Also, the lock is disposed at least partially within the channel and moveable between a locking position for retaining the lid in the closed position and at least one release position wherein the lid is not retained by the lock.