Adjustable Electrical Box Cover Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical box systems face challenges in accommodating varying wall thicknesses and ensuring electrical devices are flush with the wall surface, particularly in new and renovated constructions, where the original electrical boxes may be recessed, making them inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable electrical box cover plate assembly featuring a telescoping sleeve that allows for manual adjustment of the electrical device's position relative to the electrical box and wall surface, coupled with a locking mechanism to secure the sleeve in place, enabling the device to be positioned flush with the wall surface regardless of wall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical box is mounted to accommodate varying wall thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but the electrical device position consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrical box cover assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The cover includes an adjustable component that can be positioned at different locations along the cover edge, allowing the assembly to adapt to various wall thicknesses while maintaining consistent device positioning. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic, adjustable one that preserves precision across different adaptation states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the position of the adjustable component to be varied along the cover edge. This positional parameter can be changed to accommodate different wall thicknesses, while the mechanism ensures that the electrical device maintains its proper position relative to the wall surface. The parameter change in cover component position directly compensates for variations in wall thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical box is recessed in the wall, then adaptability to existing construction is improved, but device accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable cover assembly provides a dynamic solution for recessed electrical boxes. By allowing the cover component to be positioned at different locations, the system can compensate for the recessed condition and bring the electrical device to the proper flush position with the wall surface, thereby maintaining accessibility even when adapting to existing construction with recessed boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the cover assembly position to address recessed electrical boxes. By adjusting the position of the cover component along the cover edge, the system can extend the electrical device forward to achieve flush positioning with the wall surface, transforming the inaccessible recessed state into an accessible flush state.
3Device complexity
If a fixed electrical box cover is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wall configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces minimal dynamic complexity to the cover assembly by incorporating an adjustable component that can be positioned at different locations. This adds only the necessary degree of freedom for adjustment while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The adjustable mechanism allows the cover to adapt to different wall configurations without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed cover for standard installations and an adjustable cover for non-standard wall thicknesses or recessed boxes. This multi-functionality allows a single cover assembly design to handle various wall configurations, replacing the need for multiple different fixed cover designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box cover assembly includes a base having a central opening and a collar encircling the central opening. A sleeve slides through the collar and is adjusted to a selected position by manually moving the sleeve and then locking the sleeve in place by a locking device. An expandable locking device contacts an inner surface of the sleeve to lock the position of the sleeve with respect to the base. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the sleeve has at least one channel that extends in an axial direction with respect to an axial passage in the sleeve. The locking device expands outwardly to engage the opposing surfaces of the channel to prevent axial movement of the sleeve. A divider plate can be coupled to the sleeve to move with the sleeve and divide the electrical box into separate compartments. The divider can have fixed plate attached to the electrical box and movable plate coupled to the movable sleeve that slide on the fixed plate.