Adjustable Electrical Box Mounting System With Sliding Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical box mounting systems require complete removal and re-fastening when repositioning, which is time-consuming and often necessitates additional apertures in the mounting structure.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mounting system featuring a clamp bar and elongate slots in the mounting plate, allowing threaded fasteners to adjustably attach the electrical box, enabling repositioning without complete removal from the mounting structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening devices are used to connect the electrical box to the mounting structure, then the electrical box can be securely attached, but repositioning requires complete removal and re-fastening which is time-consuming and may require additional apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed-position fastening to a dynamic adjustable system. The elongate slot in the mounting plate allows the fastener to move along its length, enabling the electrical box to be repositioned to different locations along the slot while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by making repositioning easy and fast without requiring complete removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separable components: the mounting plate with elongate slot, the fastener, and the clamp bar. This segmentation allows the electrical box to be quickly detached and reattached at different positions along the slot, eliminating the time-consuming process of complete removal and re-fastening required by traditional systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening devices are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but repositioning necessitates formation of additional apertures in the mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate slot provides a continuous range of positioning options along its length, allowing the electrical box to be moved to various positions without modifying the mounting structure. This eliminates the need to form additional apertures, resolving the contradiction between repositioning flexibility and ease of mounting structure manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate slot serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, allows repositioning to various locations, and eliminates the need for additional apertures. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability without requiring modifications to the mounting structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical box is securely fastened to prevent movement, then stability is achieved, but any repositioning requires complete removal of fastening devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides conditional stability: when the fastener is tightened, the electrical box is securely fixed; when the fastener is loosened, the box can be repositioned along the elongate slot. This dynamic stability resolves the contradiction by allowing both secure attachment and easy repositioning within the same system.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate slot acts as an intermediary element between the fastener and the mounting structure. It allows the fastener to maintain secure attachment while enabling movement along its length, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box assembly is disclosed including an electrical box having at least one sidewall, the sidewall including an aperture formed therein to receive a threaded fastener. A mounting plate is provided that is attached to a support member and includes an elongate slot formed therein, wherein at least a portion of the slot is aligned with the aperture of the sidewall. A clamp bar abuts the mounting plate and has a threaded aperture formed therein, wherein the fastener extends through the aperture formed in the sidewall and the elongate slot formed in the mounting plate and is threadably received in the aperture formed in the clamp bar to movably attach the electrical box to the mounting plate.