Adjustable Electrical Box Hanger for Suspended Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching electrical outlet or junction boxes to fixed overhead or vertical structural members are not applicable in situations like suspended ceilings, necessitating a system for adjustable installation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable suspension system comprising an elongated wire, a wire gripper with a passageway, and a knockout engagement device that secures the wire to an electrical box, allowing vertical adjustment and attachment to a fixed overhead member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional attachment methods are used to fixed structural members, then the installation is simple and direct, but it cannot be applied in suspended ceiling installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspension system as an intermediary between the electrical box and the fixed overhead member. This system includes a suspension element that attaches to the overhead member, a connector that engages with the electrical box, and an adjustable mechanism that bridges the gap between them, enabling installation in suspended ceilings without direct attachment to structural members
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a suspension element for overhead attachment, a connector for electrical box engagement, and an adjustable linkage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables adaptability to suspended ceiling environments
2Ease of operation
If direct attachment to fixed overhead members is used, then the installation structure is simple, but vertical adjustment of the electrical box location is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates an adjustable mechanism that transforms the static direct attachment into a dynamic system. The adjustment feature allows the electrical box to be positioned at different vertical heights along the suspension element, providing operational flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension element is pre-configured with adjustment capabilities, allowing the electrical box location to be set before final installation. This preliminary adjustability simplifies the installation process by separating the positioning decision from the physical attachment action
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the adjustable suspension of electrical outlet, junction boxes or the like including in combination an elongated wire for attachment to an existing fixed overhead member, a wire gripper including a passageway therethrough, and a knockout engagement device that engages an opening in an electrical junction or outlet box and further includes an engagement mechanism for engaging the elongated wire as it passes from a fixed overhead member through the passageway to the engagement member and returns thereto through the passageway where it is secured by an appropriate screw, bolt or the like.