Pivoting Outlet Lid Assembly for Flat Work Surface Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power and communication outlet units mounted under furniture surfaces lack a reliable and functional lid assembly that securely covers the outlets when not in use, failing to maintain a seamless work surface and preventing equipment from being placed on top.
Innovation Solution
A lid assembly with pivot support members and stop members that pivotally attach to the outlet unit, allowing the lid to securely close and open, preventing excessive movement and maintaining a flat surface for equipment placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lid assembly is added to cover the outlets, then the work surface continuity and security are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is divided into separate functional components: the lid body, pivot support members, stop members, and interfering members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly incorporates dynamic elements including pivot support members that enable rotational movement, stop members that provide positional limits, and interfering members that control movement ranges. This dynamic design allows the lid to transition between closed and open states while maintaining security when closed.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to pivot open for full access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of excessive movement or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Stop members are positioned to prevent the lid from pivoting beyond predetermined limits, and interfering members are configured to restrict excessive movement in the opposite direction. These preliminary constraints prevent potential damage before it can occur, maintaining reliability while allowing full operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly controls movement parameters by defining specific pivot angles and distances through the geometric configuration of pivot support members, stop members, and interfering members. This parameter control ensures the lid can open fully for access while preventing excessive movement that could cause damage.
3Strength
If the lid structure is made robust to ensure durability, then the strength is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robust lid structure is segmented into the lid body and separate support components (pivot support members, stop members, interfering members). This segmentation allows the lid body to be sufficiently strong for durability while distributing the structural requirements across multiple lighter components, reducing overall moving weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid assembly for an outlet unit built into an article having a work surface, the power and communication outlet is positioned below an opening or cut-out in the work surface, the opening has an inner side that extends about the opening. The lid assembly has a lid structure that has a pair of lid support members that are joined to the lid at a corresponding side of the lid. The lid assembly further includes a pair of pivot support members that are configured to be joined to the inner side of the opening in the article. Each pivot support member has an inner side and a pivot pin member joined to the inner side. The lid structure is attached to the pivot pin members and pivotal between a closed portion and an opened portion. The lid structure pivots in a first direction to attain the closed position and in an opposite, second direction to attain an opened position. At least one stop member is joined to a corresponding pivot support member to prevent the lid structure from pivoting beyond a first predetermined distance. The lid structure rests upon the stop member when the lid structure is in the closed position. At least one interfering member is joined to one of the pivot support members so as to prevent the lid structure from pivoting in the second direction for a distance that is greater than a second predetermined distance.