Electrical Box Hanger Wire Gripper Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to provide a system for installing electrical outlet or junction boxes in situations where direct attachment to fixed overhead or vertical structural members is not possible, such as in suspended ceilings, necessitating a solution for adjustable installation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongated wire attached to a fixed overhead member, a wire gripper with a passageway, and a knockout engagement device that secures the wire through an electrical junction or outlet box, allowing for vertical adjustment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional attachment methods are used to fixed overhead members, then the installation is simple and direct, but it cannot be applied in suspended ceiling installations where direct attachment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment system consisting of a wire, wire gripper, and knockout engagement device that mediates between the electrical box and the suspended ceiling structure. This intermediary mechanism enables installation in locations where direct attachment to overhead members is not possible, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing a specialized solution for suspended ceiling applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct attachment to fixed overhead members is used, then the installation structure is simple, but vertical adjustment of the electrical box location is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system where the wire length can be adjusted and the wire gripper can be repositioned along the wire. This dynamic capability allows vertical adjustment of the electrical box location while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
3Reliability
If a wire suspension system with multiple components is used, then vertical adjustment and secure attachment are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The wire gripper integrates gripping, positioning, and securing functions. The knockout engagement device combines attachment and engagement functions. This merging of functions reduces the effective complexity despite having multiple components, while maintaining high reliability through the coordinated action of these integrated elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the adjustable suspension of electrical outlet, junction boxes or the like including in combination an elongated wire for attachment to an existing fixed overhead member, a wire gripper including a passageway therethrough, and a knockout engagement device that engages an opening in an electrical junction or outlet box and further includes an engagement mechanism for engaging the elongated wire as it passes from a fixed overhead member through the passageway to the engagement member and returns thereto through the passageway where it is secured by an appropriate screw, bolt or the like.