Outlet Cover With Perpendicular Shelf For Object Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outlet covers are aesthetically unpleasing and lack additional functionality beyond covering electrical outlets, failing to provide a useful surface for placing objects near the outlets.
Innovation Solution
A new outlet cover design featuring an attachment member with apertures and a perpendicular shelf, which can support objects and is made rigid with stiffeners, allowing it to serve as both a cover and a functional platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional outlet covers are used, then the outlet space is covered and aesthetics are improved, but no additional functionality is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover is designed to perform multiple functions: it covers the outlet space for aesthetic purposes and simultaneously provides a shelf surface for placing objects. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating additional utility into the existing structure without requiring a completely separate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outlet cover and shelf into a single integrated structure. The shelf is formed as an extension of the cover body, merging two distinct functional elements (coverage and storage/support) into one unified component, thereby adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shelf is added to the outlet cover, then additional functionality is provided, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf extends from the flat planar cover into a third dimension, creating a perpendicular surface that protrudes from the wall. This dimensional change allows the addition of storage functionality while maintaining a compact form factor that does not excessively increase overall structural complexity.
3Strength
If the shelf is made rigid with stiffeners, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf structure is divided into segments with stiffeners positioned at specific intervals to provide reinforcement where needed. This segmentation allows the stiffeners to be integrated into the molding process as separate features rather than requiring post-manufacturing assembly, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the required structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with example embodiments a cover may include an attachment member having at least one aperture and a shelf substantially perpendicular to the attachment member.