Weatherproof Electrical Outlet Cover With Diagonal Hinge Shield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor electrical outlet covers fail to protect the hinges from weather-related contaminants and often only open along parallel or perpendicular planes, leaving them exposed to rain, snow, and debris.

Innovation Solution

An electrical device cover assembly with a base and lid configuration that includes a hinge shield to protect the hinges from the elements, allowing the lid to move diagonally and featuring a flexible element and latch for secure closure, accommodating electrical connectors even when the lid is closed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a hinged lid cover is used for electrical outlets, then the outlet can be shielded from contaminants, but the cover can only open along parallel and/or perpendicular planes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminantsVSAvoidopening direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge shield is positioned asymmetrically relative to the base walls, allowing the lid to open at diagonal angles rather than being constrained to parallel or perpendicular planes. This asymmetric configuration provides greater opening direction flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism is positioned to enable rotation along a diagonal axis rather than being limited to rotation parallel or perpendicular to the base walls. This adds another dimension of movement freedom to the lid opening action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid lid is used to cover the electrical outlet, then the outlet is protected from weather, but electrical connectors cannot be accessed when the lid is closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from weatherVSAvoidaccess to electrical connector

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform and accommodate electrical connectors when closed. The flexible lid can bend or flex to allow plug insertion while maintaining protection from weather when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is constructed from flexible material that can deform to accommodate electrical connectors. This flexible shell approach allows the lid to maintain its protective function while adapting to the presence of plugs or connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS7598454B1While in-use electrical device cover

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

An electrical device cover assembly is described. A base includes a perimeter edge, a cord port, at least two substantially perpendicular base walls joined by an angled wall, and an electrical outlet opening. A lid is moveable between open and closed positions. The lid includes two substantially perpendicular base walls joined by an angled lid wall, and a cord port notch. The base includes a hinge member adjacent the angled base wall that extends from the base toward the lid. The lid includes a hinge member adjacent the angled lid wall that extends from the lid toward the base, and a hinge shield that extends over both the lid hinge member and the base hinge member. The lid has a flexible element coupled to a lid ring, and is expandable so that the flexible element extends beyond the lid ring to enclose an electrical connector coupled with the electrical outlet.