Electrical Device Cover with Keyhole Adapters for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical outlet covers do not effectively prevent water and moisture from entering the electrical box, potentially causing electrical shorts, especially in outdoor applications where full coverage is desired.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a cover base with a first opening and an adapter with a second opening, forming a keyhole configuration that removably couples to the base, providing a secure and watertight seal around the electrical device, with features like hinges, protrusions, and keyhole covers to ensure alignment and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cover plate is used that covers only the outer area, then the cover plate can be simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but moisture can enter through openings around the receptacle and cause electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple segments: a base portion with a first opening, an adapter with a second opening that fits within the first opening, and a keyhole cover. This segmentation allows each part to serve a specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection against moisture ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is nested within the base portion, with the second opening positioned inside the first opening. The keyhole cover is then positioned over the adapter assembly. This nested structure enables layered protection while maintaining a compact overall design.
2Reliability
If a full coverage weatherproof cover is used to prevent water contact, then protection against moisture is improved, but openings in the cover can still allow water to enter the electrical box
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the cover have different properties: the base portion provides structural support and outer coverage, the adapter provides precise fit-around-the-receptacle coverage, and the keyhole cover provides closure for the mounting opening. This local differentiation ensures comprehensive waterproofing while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary element between the base portion and the receptacle. It fills the gap between the outer base cover and the receptacle body, preventing water penetration through the interface region while allowing the keyhole cover to seal the mounting area.
3Reliability
If a fixed full coverage cover is used, then complete protection is achieved, but the cover cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is designed with dynamic characteristics through the removable adapter and keyhole cover. These components can be detached when access is needed while providing fixed protection during normal operation, combining the benefits of both fixed and removable covers.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the cover into a permanent base portion and removable adapter/keyhole cover components, the system allows easy removal and adjustment when needed while maintaining complete protection coverage during use. This segmentation directly addresses the need for both protection and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover base for an electrical device is disclosed. The cover base includes a base portion with a front surface and a back surface, the base portion also having a first opening extending through the base portion from the front surface to the back surface, the first opening having a size larger than an electrical device face; and an adapter having a second opening sized and configured to receive the electrical device face therein, wherein the adapter is configured to fit within the first opening in the base portion to removably couple to the base portion. Numerous electrical device cover bases including keyholes formed in either the base or the adapter, or both, depending on the arrangement are disclosed.