Telescoping Outlet Cover Enclosure for Space-Saving Weather Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outlet covers are bulky and inefficient in space utilization, especially when not in use, and lack effective mechanisms to prevent water and dirt ingress.
Innovation Solution
A configurable electrical outlet cover with a base, hinged lid, and a telescoping enclosure that can collapse or expand to minimize space usage and include features like a gasket, ledges, and windows to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outlet covers are made large and boxy to accommodate power plugs, then protection function is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover employs a telescoping enclosure that can dynamically change its configuration between extended and collapsed states. The enclosure includes telescoping sides with ledges that engage with the lid frame gasket in the extended position to provide full protection, and can be collapsed against the base in the retracted position to minimize space usage. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to fulfill both protection and space-efficient storage requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If outlet covers are designed for exterior use, then protection against contaminants is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover incorporates a gasket surrounding the central aperture on the lid frame, which provides a flexible sealing mechanism. The telescoping enclosure sides include ledges that engage with this gasket to create a seal that prevents water and dirt ingress. This flexible sealing approach achieves effective contaminant protection without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
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 telescoping enclosure with a flange at a front edge of a sleeve, the flange extending outward from the sleeve. The sleeve may include a ledge extending outward from the sleeve adjacent a back edge of the sleeve on at least two sides of the sleeve. The sleeve is slidably coupled within the central aperture and movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A front surface of the sleeve enclosure may include a window that extends forward of the sleeve walls and may further bulge forward of the front surface.