Pivoting Lid Deck Grommet for Outdoor Electrical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for safe and accessible electrical connections in outdoor environments, such as decks, where standard wall outlets are not conveniently located, and existing solutions like floor boxes may not adequately address the requirement for easy access and water runoff.
Innovation Solution
A deck grommet assembly comprising a liner, a grommet body, and a pivoting lid that secures an outdoor electrical extension cord, allowing the lid to pivot between closed and open positions to access the plug from above the deck surface, while preventing water ingress and featuring a latching mechanism to maintain the grommet body in an extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a floor box is used to provide electrical access in outdoor environments, then electrical connections can be provided at a distance from wall outlets, but the solution does not adequately address water runoff and easy access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to pivot between closed and open positions, allowing dynamic access to the electrical plug while maintaining protection when closed. The grommet body can move longitudinally between extended and withdrawn positions, enabling the plug to be accessed from above the deck surface when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet body is nested within the liner, and the lid is attached to the grommet body. This nested configuration allows the components to work together within the confined space of the floor box while maintaining their individual functions of protection and access
2Ease of operation
If the grommet body is extended to allow access to the plug from above the deck surface, then ease of access is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and may compromise sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism automatically engages to hold the grommet body in the extended position and can be released by lifting the lid. This self-latching system eliminates the need for complex external actuation mechanisms while maintaining reliable positioning
3Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to pivot between closed and open positions for access, then ease of operation is improved, but the sealing against water may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible grommet is provided at the interface between the lid and grommet body to maintain sealing during pivoting motion. The flexibility of the grommet allows it to accommodate the dynamic movement while maintaining continuous contact to prevent water ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet assembly includes a liner, a grommet body, and a lid. The liner is configured to be secured within a hole in a deck surface. The grommet body is configured to move longitudinally within the liner between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The lid is attached to the grommet body in a pivoting configuration and is configured to secure a plug of an outdoor electrical cord fed through the liner from under the deck surface. The lid pivots between a closed position and an open position that permits access to the plug from above the deck surface when the grommet body is in the extended position.