Pivoting Electrical Box Cover for Access and Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical boxes with perpendicular covers limit access and visibility when inserting plugs, as they do not allow for easy viewing or alignment of receptacles, and do not provide sufficient protection from precipitation when open.
Innovation Solution
An electrical box with a pivotably opening cover featuring an asymmetric channel and flanged pins, allowing the cover to open to an obtuse angle, enhancing visibility and accessibility while maintaining weatherproof protection, and including a removable back wall for power supply connections and strain relief for wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cover opens perpendicular to the wall (90 degrees), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visibility and accessibility to receptacles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the cover to pivot through a wide arc (at least 125 degrees) rather than being fixed at a single perpendicular position. This dynamic range allows the cover to transition from a closed position to an open position that provides both manufacturer simplicity and user accessibility, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by allowing the cover to open at obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees) relative to the wall surface. This angular dimensionality change enables simultaneous achievement of manufacturing simplicity and improved visibility/accessibility, as the cover can pivot beyond the traditional perpendicular limit to an optimal viewing angle while maintaining the same hinge mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the cover opens to a wide angle for better visibility, then accessibility is improved, but protection from precipitation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by making the cover position adjustable through a controlled pivot range. The cover can dynamically transition between a closed position (providing precipitation protection) and an open position at least 125 degrees (providing visibility and accessibility). This dynamic positioning allows users to obtain the benefits of both wide opening and weather protection as needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If receptacles are fixed to the box housing, then installation is simplified, but access to receptacles is limited when cover is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cover (with attached receptacles) pivotable rather than fixed. This allows receptacles to remain securely mounted to the box housing for simplified installation, while the entire cover assembly can dynamically pivot to an open position that provides easy access and visibility to the receptacles, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical box device including an electrical box housing and pivotable cover which function as an integral unit and rotate on a fixed frame.