Sliding Tab Electrical Device Cover for Simplified Screw Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw-mounted electrical device covers often require complex installation processes and do not provide adequate aesthetic appeal, with existing designs lacking versatility in accommodating various electrical devices and mounting configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical device cover featuring a frame with a sliding tab and screw channel that can be easily aligned with box mounting screws, allowing for secure mounting and optional cover plates with locking pins for enhanced installation simplicity and aesthetic appeal, accommodating different electrical devices and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screw-mounted covers are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a frame portion and a separate cover plate portion. The frame contains recesses that receive the cover plates, allowing independent installation of mounting structure and aesthetic cover, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary component between the electrical device and the cover plates. It provides mounting screws for secure attachment and simultaneously serves as a structural base for receiving multiple cover plate options, reducing installation complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional screw-mounted covers are used, then mounting stability is achieved, but aesthetic appeal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with multiple recesses that can accommodate different types and styles of cover plates. This universal design allows the same mounting structure to provide both functional security and various aesthetic options, enhancing appeal without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Separating the functional frame from the aesthetic cover plates allows independent selection and replacement of cover styles. The frame maintains mounting stability while the cover plates provide aesthetic customization, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and appeal
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional covers are used, then basic coverage is provided, but versatility in accommodating various electrical devices is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The frame design with multiple recesses configured in specific patterns can accommodate various electrical device configurations (single gang, double gang, etc.). This universal design approach enables one frame structure to serve multiple device types while maintaining simple construction
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement of multiple recesses in different spatial configurations within the frame allows adaptation to various device sizes and shapes without changing the basic frame structure, enhancing versatility through dimensional arrangement rather than structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slidable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.