Underfloor Box Cover With Reversible Cord Outlet Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underfloor installation boxes with cord outlets lack flexibility in positioning, requiring precise coordination between the cover and installation box, limiting their versatility and application flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The underfloor installation box features a closure body with a locking mechanism that includes a closure element and a flexible cord outlet filling, allowing the closure body to be positioned in two different orientations, enabling the cord outlet to be closed by either element depending on use, and can be detached for flexible mounting on the lid, with guide slots and guide strips for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover and installation box are coordinated with specific dimensions and positions, then the cord outlet opening can be properly closed by the flexible cord outlet insert, but the cover can only be positioned in one specific way on the box, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The closure body is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element with guide strips and a flexible cord outlet insert with its own guide strips. These segments can be independently positioned and oriented on the cover, allowing the same cover to work with different installation box configurations while maintaining proper sealing at the cord outlet opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design with detachable closure bodies and guide strips enables universal applicability across different installation box types and positions. The closure body can be mounted in various orientations on the cover, making the cover suitable for multiple installation scenarios without requiring custom coordination between cover and box dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is fixed on the cover to close the cord outlet opening, then the cord outlet can be sealed when not in use, but the cover requires precise coordination with the installation box position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable and repositionable on the cover rather than fixed in a specific location. The guide strips enable the locking element to be positioned at different locations and orientations on the cover, allowing easy adjustment to match different installation box positions while maintaining the cord outlet closure function.
3Reliability
If the cord outlet opening is closed by a fixed locking element, then the opening can be sealed, but protruding components may create tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cord outlet insert acts as a flexible barrier that seals the cord outlet opening when the locking element is in the closed position. This flexible membrane provides effective sealing without creating rigid protruding components that could pose tripping hazards, as it can conform to the opening shape and remain relatively flush with the cover surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the versatility of the cover by allowing it to be used with any installation box or frame, enabling the cord outlet to be positioned as needed, even after installation, and provides a secure closure without protruding components, improving user flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a support structure with a tubular elastic element projecting from it towards a cover
Implementation Method 2
The bristles of the brush strip close the cord outlet opening. A cable exiting the junction box passes through the flexible bristles of the brush row, which conform to the cable, thus sealing the remaining cable outlet opening against the ingress of dust or other contaminants
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Described is a cover for an installation box for accommodating electrical/electronic installations, the cover 1 having a cord outlet, the cord outlet opening 4 of which can be closed by a closing element 6 when not in use and at least partially by a flexible cord outlet filling 11 allowing one or more conductors to pass through when in use, wherein the closing element 6 and the flexible cord outlet filling 11 are part of a closing body 7 held on the cover side, which can be arranged in the cord outlet opening 4 of the cover 1 in a first position held on the cover with its closing element 6 and in its second position held on the cover with its flexible cord outlet filling 11.