Angled Tab Mounting Plate for Electrical Outlet Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for electrical outlets are cumbersome and time-consuming to install and repair, particularly in inaccessible locations like recessed floor boxes, where traditional fastening devices complicate the process of attaching and replacing outlets.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate with angled tabs and slots that engage a mounting feature on the outlet housing, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment with minimal parts and effort, facilitating quick installation and removal of outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening devices are used to attach outlets in housing, then the outlet can be securely attached, but the installation and repair process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is divided into distinct functional segments: a central region for outlet placement, angled tabs for mounting feature engagement, and slots for fastener reception. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick alignment and attachment without complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with angled tabs and slots in specific geometric arrangements before installation. This preliminary configuration allows the plate to self-align with the outlet housing features during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing installation time
2Reliability
If multiple fastening devices are used to secure the mounting plate, then the attachment is more secure, but the number of parts increases and installation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated mounting plate structure. The plate combines outlet support, mounting feature engagement, and fastener reception into one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure attachment through the coordinated action of angled tabs and slots
3Strength
If traditional face plate attachment methods are used, then the outlet is securely mounted, but the process requires numerous screws and complicated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is extracted from the traditional multi-screw face plate system and concentrated into the mounting plate's angled tabs and slots. This extraction eliminates the need for numerous separate fasteners while maintaining mounting strength through the geometric engagement of the tabs with mounting features and the slots with fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate for an electrical outlet includes a central region having a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening for accessing an outlet. A first mounting tab and a second mounting tab extend from the central region at an angle. The mounting plate may be used to attach an outlet to an outlet housing having a wiring compartment and a panel at least partially enclosing the wiring compartment. The panel has a front wall and an opening for receiving an outlet.