Hinged Weatherproof Cover with Integrated Cord Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacle covers fail to effectively retain cords, leading to inadvertent separation of plugs from receptacles, especially in weatherproof applications where strain relief is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A weatherproof cover assembly with hinged design and strategically positioned cord retention members, such as hooks or notches, that attach to the electrical box and receptacle to securely hold cords in place, preventing disconnection and providing strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cord retention member is added to the cover assembly, then cord retention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord retention member is integrated directly into the cover assembly structure, merging the cord retention function with the existing cover components. This eliminates the need for separate cord retention devices while providing effective cord holding capability through the hinged cover design with built-in retention features.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed to be weatherproof with a hinged closure, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cord interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cord retention member is positioned and configured in advance on the cover assembly to anticipate cord placement. The hinged cover is designed with the retention feature pre-integrated, allowing the cord to be naturally guided and held by the retention member during the closure operation, preventing interference before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A weatherproof cover assembly for an electrical wiring device such as an electrical receptacle includes a base having a front face and an opening in the front face for receiving the face of the electrical wiring device. A cover is hinged to the base to pivot between an open position and a closed position covering the electrical wiring device. The cover assembly includes a first cord retention member proximate a first side of the cover assembly having an opening with a dimension for gripping an electrical cord and a second cord retention member proximate a second side of the cover assembly with an opening with a dimension for gripping the electrical cord. The cord retention member can be a hook formed on the base and spaced outwardly from the cover or a slot formed in the peripheral edge of the cover.