Tool-Free Latching Floor Box Cover Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical floor box covers require tools to open and close, creating inconvenience and posing a tripping hazard due to their design, especially when in the open position.
Innovation Solution
An electrical box cover with a pivotally mounted lid and a biasing device that urges the lid away from the closed position, allowing tool-free operation and maintaining a low profile even when open, using a latch that can be actuated without tools to secure the lid in both closed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool-activated latch is used to secure the lid, then the lid can be retained in the closed position, but additional steps and equipment are required to open and close the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The lid automatically latches when closed through self-latching members that engage without requiring external tools. The biasing device automatically returns the lid to the closed position after opening, eliminating the need for manual intervention to reset the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual tool-activated mechanical latch is replaced with an automatic self-latching mechanism using spring-loaded latching members and a biasing device that uses elastic potential energy to automatically return the lid to its closed and latched position.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to extend upwardly when open, then access to electrical components is permitted, but a tripping hazard is created
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to rotate horizontally within the plane of the cover rather than extending vertically upward. This dimensional change allows access to electrical components while maintaining a low profile that eliminates tripping hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is made dynamically movable through a rotating mechanism that allows it to swing open horizontally. The biasing device provides the force to return the lid to its closed position, enabling repeated opening and closing operations without manual lifting.
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 easy, tool-free opening and closing of the lid, reducing tripping hazards and maintaining a low profile by allowing the lid to lie flat when open, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame.