Weatherproof Outlet Enclosure with Modular Slider Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weatherproof enclosures for outdoor electrical outlets are bulky and inflexible, failing to adequately protect receptacles in tight spaces and requiring multiple insert parts for different orientations, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular weatherproof outlet enclosure with rectangular slider plates featuring a click stop mechanism, a vertically elongated base plate with guiding channels, and a hinged cover that allows for easy assembly and secure interconnection, enabling flexible fitting and quick interchange of face plates to accommodate various receptacle shapes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual orientation scheme with octagonal, circular, or polygonal base plate is used, then the outlet cover can accommodate both vertical and horizontal receptacles, but the cover becomes bulky and oversized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual orientation capabilityVSAvoidcover size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is divided into multiple rectangular opening variations (first, second, third, fourth openings) that can be selectively used depending on receptacle orientation needs. This segmentation allows the cover to maintain a compact rectangular shape while providing flexibility for both vertical and horizontal installations by choosing the appropriate opening configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the base plate are designed with specific opening patterns tailored to particular orientations. The first and second openings accommodate vertical receptacles while the third and fourth openings serve horizontal receptacles, allowing each local area to be optimized for its specific function rather than designing for all orientations uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple insert parts are designed to fit different orientations, then various receptacle configurations can be accommodated, but the number of insert shapes increases and manufacturing complexity rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceptacle configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of insert shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single base plate design serves multiple functions by incorporating different opening variations that can accommodate both vertical and horizontal receptacles. The base plate can be configured with first openings for vertical installation, second openings for vertical installation, third openings for horizontal installation, or fourth openings for horizontal installation, eliminating the need for separate base plate designs for each orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing different base plate shapes to fit different receptacle orientations, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the base plate shape consistent (rectangular) and varying the internal opening patterns to match different orientations. This reversal simplifies the overall design while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid base plate and housing are used, then the existing receptacle configurations can be adapted to fit, but the system lacks flexibility for different receptacle shapes and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidreceptacle configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates multiple discrete opening patterns (first, second, third, fourth openings) that can be selectively activated based on the receptacle configuration. This segmentation maintains the structural integrity of the overall base plate while providing flexible opening options to match different receptacle shapes and orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate design allows dynamic adaptation to different installation scenarios by selecting appropriate opening patterns. The housing and base plate structure remain rigid and stable, while the configurable openings provide the necessary adaptability for various receptacle arrangements, achieving both structural stability and configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7915528B2Face slide weatherproof electric enclosure

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 WENZHOU MTLC ELECTRIC APPLIANCES

AI summary

A weatherproof outlet enclosure is provided for connections between a number of electrical outlets and various electric loads comprising: at least one rectangular slider plate for replacing existing receptacle face plate in a gentle sliding way; a base plate for mating with a predetermined number of the slider plates which lock into place by a single click stop, and a cover having a hinged attachment to one of the side walls of the base plate and a latching connection with an opposite location of the side walls from the hinged attachment, the cover in its a lower latched position enclosing the electrical outlets leaving passages for up to four cords leading from the electric loads connected.