In-floor Fitting Cover with Recessed Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-floor electrical fittings have an exposed outer flange that is visible and undesirable, and experience appreciable shear stress due to its cantilever-like design, which can lead to instability and an increased top-view profile.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising an upper ring, a lower ring, and a flange member clamped between them, which extends radially outward to support the fitting and reduces the top-view profile by allowing floor coverings to conceal the flange, while minimizing shear stress through a separate and adjustable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the outer flange extends radially outward from the cover ring to support the fitting, then the fitting stability is improved, but the top-view profile increases and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outer flange is separated from the cover ring and formed as a distinct component. This segmentation allows the flange to be positioned independently, extending radially outward to provide support while being recessed relative to the lid to minimize the top-view profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is positioned in a recessed dimension relative to the lid, creating a stepped configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows the flange to extend radially for support while remaining hidden beneath the lid's top surface, reducing the visible profile.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer flange is integral to the cover ring and extends outward in a cantilever fashion, then the fitting can be supported, but shear stress at the junction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is separated from the cover ring and formed as a distinct component. This segmentation eliminates the cantilever junction, allowing the flange to be supported by the lower ring from below, thereby eliminating the shear stress concentration at the junction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower ring acts as an intermediary component that supports the flange from below. This intermediary support structure eliminates the need for the flange to act as a cantilever, distributing the load and eliminating shear stress at the junction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer flange top surface is flush with the lid top surface, then the fitting can be installed, but the exposed flange creates aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is positioned in a recessed dimension relative to the lid, creating a stepped configuration. This allows the flange to be installed and supported while its top surface remains below the lid's top surface, hiding it from view and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the assembly have different vertical positions: the lid top surface is at one level while the flange top surface is recessed at a lower level. This local quality differentiation allows the flange to be functional while aesthetically concealed.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a cover assembly for an in-floor fitting includes an upper ring, a lower ring connectable to a housing configured to accommodate electrical receptacles, and a flange member clamped between the upper ring and the lower ring. The flange member extends radially outward from the upper ring and lower ring and is configured to support the in-floor fitting on a surface.