Outlet Box Lid Retention and Adjustable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outlet boxes face challenges such as cumbersome lid attachment during installation, potential loss or damage of lids and attaching mechanisms, and difficulty in adjusting the outlet box position after initial mounting.

Innovation Solution

The proposed outlet box design features a lid that is releasably attachable to an external retaining tab in an open configuration, allowing access to the internal space while preventing loss, and can be adjusted after initial mounting. This design includes an elongated mounting slot for flexible positioning and a tamper-resistant mechanism for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid is releasably attached to the lid opening of the outlet box, then the internal components are protected from water and weather, but access to the internal space becomes cumbersome during installation and inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal componentsVSAvoidaccess to internal space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid attachment mechanism is segmented into multiple engagement points around the perimeter, allowing the lid to be securely attached when closed for protection, yet easily removed or opened for access during installation and inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lid is removed during construction and installation, then easy access to the internal space is achieved, but the lid may be lost, damaged or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to internal spaceVSAvoidlid retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is preliminarily attached to the outlet box body through a releasable attachment mechanism that keeps the lid secured during construction and installation, preventing loss or damage while still allowing easy removal when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the outlet box is mounted to an underlying support surface with screws or bolts, then the outlet box is securely fixed, but adjustment of the physical position becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidposition adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position, allowing the outlet box to be moved or repositioned after initial mounting by manipulating the mounting mechanism to release and reposition the box on the support surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12348020B2Outlet box

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 IPEX TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An outlet box comprises a box body and a lid. The box body defines an internal space and has a lid opening permitting access to the internal space. The lid is releasably attachable to the lid opening of the body in a closed configuration, which prevents access to the internal space, and releasably attachable to an external retaining tab of the body in an open configuration, which permits access to the internal space through the lid opening. An attaching mechanism may optionally be used to releasable attach the lid to the external retaining tab, in the open configuration, and to prevent manual relative rotation of the lid with respect to the lid opening in the closed configuration. A gasket may be co-molded with the lid. The external retaining tab may extend from the base wall and has elongated mounting slots for receiving a mounting mechanism. The elongated mounting slots permit relative movement of the box body with respect to the mounting mechanism when in a semi-tightened position.