Adjustable Mud Ring Assembly for Varying Wall Thicknesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mud ring assemblies lack the ability to adjust to varying wall thicknesses, which can lead to incomplete shielding of electrical conductors and unstable support for electrical devices during installation.
Innovation Solution
A mud ring assembly comprising a base member, a movable member, and actuators, where the movable member is positioned within the base member's opening and can be adjusted in depth by rotating the actuators to engage threaded holes, allowing for customizable fitment to accommodate different wall thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mud ring assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to varying wall thicknesses resulting in incomplete shielding and unstable support
Solution Approach 1:
The mud ring assembly incorporates a movable member that can be adjusted in depth within the base member's opening. This dynamic component allows the assembly to adapt to different wall thicknesses by changing its position, transforming a static structure into an adjustable one that maintains both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into distinct components: a base member, a movable member, and actuators. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system, enabling adjustability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If the movable member is made adjustable, then complete shielding and stable positioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and threaded holes
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator utilizes the threaded hole structure to achieve self-adjustment. By rotating the actuator within the threaded hole, the movable member is automatically positioned at the desired depth without requiring external adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both a positioning mechanism and a securing element. The actuator's threaded portion engages with the threaded hole while its head and bearing flange secure it within the slot, merging adjustment and fixation functions into one integrated component.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are added for precise adjustment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to more adjustment points
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator design allows for self-adjustment through simple rotation. The threaded portion engages with the threaded hole to provide precise positioning, while the head and bearing flange enable easy insertion and removal from the slot, maintaining ease of operation despite the precision adjustment capability.
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
Enables secure and adjustable support for electrical devices by ensuring complete shielding of conductors and stable positioning, accommodating various wall thicknesses during installation.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded portion engages one of the at least one threaded hole such that rotation of the actuator changes the depth of insertion of the movable member within the opening of the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A mud ring assembly includes a base member, a movable member, and at least one actuator. The base member is configured to be coupled to a junction box and includes a flange, an opening extending through the flange, and at least one threaded hole extending through the flange. Each threaded hole is spaced apart from the opening. The movable member is positioned in the opening and is configured to support an electrical device. The movable member includes a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is positioned adjacent the first side of the flange and the second edge is positioned adjacent the second side of the flange. The movable member further includes at least one slot positioned proximate the first edge. Each slot is aligned with one threaded hole. The actuator includes a threaded portion, a head, and a bearing flange. Each actuator is secured in one slot by the head and the bearing flange. Each actuator is rotatable relative to the slot. The threaded portion engages one threaded hole such that rotation of the actuator changes the depth of insertion of the movable member within the opening of the base member.