Box Hanger Clip With Stabilizing Tabs For Electrical Box Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for supporting electrical boxes in ceiling grid systems often require additional mounting brackets and cables, which can be cumbersome and may not provide sufficient support for the weight of lighting fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A box hanger clip assembly that can be pivotally coupled to an electrical box, allowing it to be folded for storage and shipping, and easily extended for mounting on a support structure, featuring coupling tabs for secure attachment and stabilizing tabs to maintain an upright position, enabling independent support of the electrical box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting brackets and cables are used to support electrical boxes in ceiling grid systems, then the electrical box can be mounted, but the installation becomes cumbersome and requires multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated hanger clip assembly that includes coupling tabs for attachment to the electrical box, stabilizing tabs for positioning, and a body for cable support. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, braces, and cables, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing component count while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger clip assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it attaches to the electrical box via coupling tabs, provides structural support through its body, ensures proper positioning with stabilizing tabs, and enables cable suspension. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace traditional multi-component mounting systems, addressing both ease of operation and device complexity.
2Strength
If mounting brackets are used to support the weight of lighting fixtures, then the weight can be supported, but additional mounting brackets and braces are required which complicates the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger clip assembly merges the weight-bearing function with the mounting function in a single integrated structure. The body of the clip is designed to support the weight of lighting fixtures while simultaneously providing attachment points via coupling tabs, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed with distinct functional segments (coupling tabs, stabilizing tabs, and body) that work together as an integrated unit. Each segment performs a specific function related to weight support, but together they form a complete mounting solution that reduces overall component count while maintaining strength.
3Ease of operation
If the hanger clip is designed to be pivotally coupled for easy installation, then installation becomes simpler, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger clip incorporates pivotal coupling capability that allows it to rotate or pivot during installation, making it easier to attach to the electrical box. This dynamic feature enables the clip to adapt to different installation angles and positions, improving ease of operation while the pivot mechanism is integrated into the overall clip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling tabs are pre-formed with pivot capability, allowing the clip to be easily attached to the electrical box before final positioning. This preliminary pivotal action simplifies the installation process by enabling quick attachment, while the pivot feature is built into the tab structure itself rather than requiring separate moving components.
Data Source
AI summary
A box hanger clip is provided for coupling to an electrical box for supporting the electrical box during use. The box hanger clip has at least one and typically two L-shaped coupling tabs that are received in apertures in a wall of the electrical box and hook to the inner surface of the electrical box. The box hanger clip has a body extending substantially perpendicular from the coupling tabs away from the electrical box where the body is configured for coupling to a support such as a cable. At least one bendable stabilizing tab is provided on the body of the box hanger clip which can be bent out of the plane of the body. The stabilizing tab contacts the outer surface of the electrical box to maintain the box hanger clip in the upright position.