Slide-In Adapter for Electrical Outlet Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical outlet covers require specific configurations for different types of outlets, leading to increased costs and inconvenience for electricians, and existing adapters made of plastic deform to achieve a friction fit, which is not suitable for metal components.
Innovation Solution
A slide-in adapter system with engagement tabs and tab pockets that allow the adapter to be securely coupled to a base without deformation, enabling compatibility with various electrical devices and materials, including metal, through a sliding mechanism that prevents removal without proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plastic adapters use friction fit engagement members, then the adapter can be coupled to the base, but the engagement members deform which is not suitable for metal components
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple adapters with different configurations, each designed for specific outlet types. This segmentation allows each adapter to be optimized for its intended material and application, providing reliable engagement without deformation for both plastic and metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with universal tab pockets that can accommodate different adapter types. The base serves multiple functions by supporting various outlet configurations through a standardized mounting interface, while each adapter provides material-specific engagement characteristics.
2Reliability
If each type of outlet device has a different type of cover plate, then the cover fits the specific device, but it increases cost and inconvenience for electricians
Solution Approach 1:
A single base design with universal tab pockets can accommodate multiple adapter types. This universal base design reduces the number of different cover components needed, lowering complexity and cost for electricians while maintaining reliable fits for various outlet devices through adapter-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the cover into a universal base and device-specific adapters. This allows the base to remain standardized and simple, while the adapters provide the necessary variations for different outlet types, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is made removable for adaptability, then the adapter can be adapted to different devices, but the engagement members must deform to form a tight friction fit
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple removable adapters that can be exchanged based on the outlet type. Each adapter is manufactured with precise, non-deforming engagement features tailored to its specific outlet configuration, eliminating the need for engagement member deformation while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device cover with a lid coupled to a base assembly includes an adapter that couples to the base through sliding lateral to the opening in the base. Particular implementations of an adapter include adapters with “L-” or other-shaped engagement tabs and adapters includes straight, flat or pin-shaped engagement tabs.In particular implementations using an engagement tab, the adapter may be moved toward the base either before or after sliding parallel to the base surface, and thus engages with the base. In other implementations, the adapter is simply slid parallel to the base surface to engage with the base.