Telescoping Outlet Cover Enclosure for Compact Sealed Plug Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outlet covers are typically large and boxy, making them inefficient for use on rarely used electrical outlets, as they do not collapse or configure to take up less space, which can lead to issues with water and dirt ingress when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A configurable electrical outlet cover with a base, a hingedly coupled lid, and a telescoping enclosure that slides between a collapsed and extended position, featuring a gasket with sealing edges that lock the enclosure in place, and a latch assembly for secure closure, allowing for compact storage and protection against contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If outlet covers are made large and boxy to accommodate power plugs, then sufficient space is provided for electrical devices, but the covers occupy excessive space when outlets are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover employs a telescoping enclosure that can dynamically change its configuration between extended and collapsed states. The enclosure includes movable walls that slide relative to each other, allowing the cover to adapt its volume based on whether the outlet is in use or not, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient space for plugs and minimizing space occupation when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet cover is divided into multiple separable components including a base, a lid, and a telescoping enclosure with movable walls. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be collapsed into a compact configuration by moving the walls, enabling the cover to reduce its overall volume while maintaining the capability to expand when needed for plug accommodation
2Volume of moving object
If outlet covers are made collapsible to reduce space, then space efficiency is improved, but sealing and protection against contaminants may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover incorporates a gasket with a sealing edge that flexes to maintain contact with the lid frame during telescoping movements. This flexible sealing mechanism ensures continuous protection against water and dirt ingress even as the enclosure transitions between collapsed and extended configurations, resolving the contradiction between collapsibility and reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping enclosure is designed with movable walls that can slide while maintaining sealing contact through the flexible gasket. The dynamic design allows the enclosure to collapse for space efficiency while the gasket continuously adapts to maintain the seal, ensuring reliable protection against contaminants throughout the entire range of motion
3Volume of moving object
If a telescoping enclosure with grooves and gaskets is added to lock the enclosure, then device complexity increases, but space efficiency and sealing are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the telescoping structure by incorporating grooves into the walls of the enclosure itself. The gasket's sealing edge engages with these grooves to provide both sealing and locking functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired space efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet cover with a lid having an adjustable enclosure. The electrical outlet cover includes a base coupled to an electrical outlet and a hinged lid. The lid includes a frame with a central aperture and a gasket with a sealing edge surrounding the central aperture. The enclosure is slidably coupled to the lid within the central aperture and is configured to move between a collapsed position and an extended position. The enclosure has a front wall, a side wall extending rearward from the front wall, and a ledge extending outward from the side wall. The side wall of the enclosure has a first groove and a second groove. When the enclosure is in the collapsed position, the sealing edge of the gasket is in the first groove and when the enclosure is in the extended position, the sealing edge of the gasket is in the second groove.