Adjustable-Depth Ring Assembly for Late-Stage Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional process for installing electrical devices in junction boxes is inefficient due to the need for early installation, potential for design changes, and risk of damage during drywall installation, leading to costly replacements and cash flow issues, as existing adjustable-depth solutions do not fully address these problems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable-depth ring assembly that includes a cover plate, extension ring, and tabs, allowing for adjustable axial distance to accommodate different wall thicknesses and enabling secure mounting of electrical devices, with movable components to accommodate various configurations and reduce the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical devices are installed early in the construction process, then the installation timeline is accelerated, but the risk of damage during drywall installation increases and design changes require costly replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The mud ring is designed with adjustable depth capability, allowing it to be repositioned along the cover plate after the electrical device is installed. This dynamic adjustment feature enables the system to adapt to design changes and protects the electrical device from damage during drywall installation, while still allowing early installation to maintain productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable-depth mud rings are used, then adaptability to design changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable-depth mud ring is divided into separate components: a cover plate and a mud ring that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mud ring to be adjusted to different depths without complicating the overall assembly, as each component remains relatively simple in structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an adjustable-depth ring assembly including a cover plate, an extension ring, and at least one pair of tabs. The cover plate includes a planar rigid plate and a raised portion. The raised portion projects laterally from the rigid plate and defines an opening. The extension ring defines a cavity and is sized for reception in the opening of the cover plate. The extension ring is movable relative to the cover plate along an axis extending in front-to-back direction such that an axial distance between a front of the extension ring and the cover plate can be adjusted. Each tab of the pair of tabs defines an opening for mounting an electrical device to the extension ring. The pair of tabs extends laterally from the extension ring such that a line segment connects centers of the openings of the pair of tabs.