Hinged Electrical Receptacle Cover with Sealed Lid

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Outdoor electrical receptacles are prone to contamination and water ingress due to gaps in existing cover designs, leading to frequent cleaning needs and potential electrical issues.

Innovation Solution

A stainless-steel electrical receptacle cover with integrated lids and a hinge mechanism that creates a smooth surface, reducing dirt accumulation and enhancing waterproofing, featuring a latch mechanism for secure closure and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a metal cover with hinge is used to protect outdoor electrical receptacles, then the receptacles are covered and protected, but gaps in the cover and hinge allow contaminants and water to enter and accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant accumulation and water ingressVSAvoidwaterproofing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible gasket or seal member that conforms to the contours of the receptacle and cover surfaces, creating a continuous sealing barrier that adapts to surface irregularities and prevents water and contaminant ingress through gaps and joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hinge assembly with integrated sealing elements that act as an intermediary between the cover and base, maintaining the seal across the moving joint and preventing contaminants from entering through the hinge gap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cover is designed with a bottom surface engaged with the base to cover receptacles, then the receptacles are covered, but the bottom surface does not tightly seal and allows water entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidwater infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional sealing approach by placing the sealing element on the movable cover portion rather than the stationary base, allowing the seal to actively track and conform to the receptacle contours as the cover moves or settles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the hinge is located above the base with open portions, then the cover can pivot for access, but contaminants collect and water enters through the hinge areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover accessibilityVSAvoidcontaminant collection and water entry at hinge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the sealing barrier into the third dimension by creating a three-dimensional sealing profile that protrudes into the hinge gap, blocking contaminants from reaching the hinge mechanism while preserving full rotational movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If the cover surface includes portions susceptible to contaminant collection, then the cover provides coverage, but the surface requires frequent cleaning with water under pressure that may infiltrate the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover structureVSAvoidcleaning frequency and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of protruding seal elements (which could create surface irregularities) into a benefit by designing the seal to protrude outward, creating an overhang that actively sheds water and prevents contaminants from adhering to the cover surface in the first place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11670926B2Electrical receptacle cover

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

An electrical receptacle cover, comprising a cover base, configured to be affixed to an electrical receptacle assembly. The cover base including a base surface having at least one opening configured to be aligned with an electrical receptacle of the electrical receptacle assembly. The cover base includes a base wall disposed about and extending from a perimeter of the base surface and the base surface and the base wall together define a base cavity. There is a cover lid interconnected with the cover base and it is moveable, via a hinge, from an open position, in which the base cavity is exposed, to a closed position in which the base cover is substantially disposed within the base cavity.