Above-Surface Power Outlet Housing With Debris-Sealed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing above-surface power distribution assemblies often fail to provide secure and accessible power outlets while protecting against environmental debris and contaminants, as they typically remain open, allowing insects, debris, and rodents to enter and potentially damage the outlets.
Innovation Solution
A modular above-surface power distribution assembly with a movable second housing portion that can be biased into a use position, providing secure access to power outlets while being sealed against ingress of solid debris and fluids, utilizing a door mechanism and biasing members to toggle between accessible and inaccessible states, and an optional lock for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power outlet remains open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against environmental debris and contaminants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing portion is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state. The biasing member provides automatic movement to the open position when needed, while the lock mechanism secures it in the closed position for protection, dynamically adapting the coverage state based on operational needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the power outlet is covered to prevent contamination, then protection against environmental debris and contaminants is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically moves the housing portion to the open position when the lock is disengaged, eliminating the need for manual effort to open the cover. The system serves itself by providing automatic opening action, making the operation easier while maintaining protection when closed.
3Ease of operation
If a movable housing portion is added to enable selective access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing portion and a second movable housing portion that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the power outlet to be selectively accessed by moving only the second portion, providing functional complexity without requiring complete redesign of the entire housing structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures secure, accessible power outlets while preventing contamination, enhancing the longevity of the power distribution unit by keeping unwanted elements out, unlike traditional covers that remain open and vulnerable.
Implementation Method 1
the second housing portion is biased by a biasing member into the use position
Data Source
AI summary
An above surface power distribution assembly includes a housing including a first housing portion supported by a support surface and a second housing portion movably coupled to the first housing portion. The second housing portion is movable relative to the first housing portion between a non-use position in which the second housing portion is secured relative to the first housing portion, and a use position in which the second housing portion is unsecured relative to the first housing portion. The power distribution assembly further includes a power distribution unit positioned within the housing, the power distribution unit including at least one power outlet in electrical communication with a power source. When the second housing portion is in the non-use position, the at least one power outlet is inaccessible, and when the second housing portion is in the use-position, the at least one powder outlet is accessible.