Slim Line Outlet Cover With Flexible Membrane Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weatherproof covers for electrical outlets are bulky and unsightly, failing to address the aesthetic concerns while providing adequate protection from elements like water and debris.
Innovation Solution
A while in use cover assembly with a lid hingedly attached to a base, featuring a current member with blade apertures and an orientable adaptor that maintains a constant depth when in use or not, allowing for easy plug insertion and protection without protruding excessively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the base and lid are made deep enough to allow the cover to close without interfering with the plug, then the outlet and plug are protected from elements, but the cover protrudes three or more inches from the exterior of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cover employs a flexible membrane lid that can dynamically change its configuration. When closed, the lid flexes to accommodate the plugged-in connector, allowing the cover to maintain a shallow profile (less than 2 inches) while still providing protection. The flexibility enables the lid to adapt to the presence of the plug without requiring excessive depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is constructed with a flexible membrane that can bend and deform to accommodate the electrical connector when plugged in. This flexible shell approach allows the cover to maintain a slim profile while still enclosing and protecting the outlet area, eliminating the need for the rigid, deep structures of traditional bubble covers.
2Length of stationary object
If the cover is made shallow to improve aesthetics, then the cover profile is improved, but the plug cannot be inserted while the cover is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The lid transitions from a static structure to a dynamic, flexible membrane that can actively accommodate the plug during insertion. The flexibility allows the lid to deform and make space for the connector without requiring the cover to be opened or removed, enabling seamless plug insertion while maintaining a shallow profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid's physical parameters (flexibility, deformability) are changed to allow it to adapt its shape and volume in response to the plug insertion event. This parameter change enables the shallow cover to function as if it were deeper during the plugging operation, resolving the contradiction between shallow depth and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made expandable to accommodate the electrical connector, then the plug can be inserted while the cover is closed, but the lid expands to at least 2.5 inches when in use
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane lid provides the necessary expansion capability through material flexibility rather than structural expansion. The thin, flexible film can deform and shift to accommodate the connector while maintaining an overall depth of less than 2 inches, avoiding the 2.5-inch minimum expansion of traditional expandable designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A while in use cover assembly includes a lid hingedly attached to a base having a back wall; a current member attached to the base, wherein the current member comprises a face with blade apertures configured to receive a power cord plug; and a orientable adaptor attached to the current member, wherein the orientable adaptor is symmetrical about a center line and wherein the orientable adaptor allows the current member to have a constant orientation within the base; and wherein the while in use cover assembly is configured to be attached to an outlet socket.