Bracket with Bendable Strap for Conductor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiring support devices fail to provide a stable and secure method for maintaining electrical conductors at a predetermined distance from a wall surface, as required by the National Electrical Code, while resisting displacement and damage from nails or other sharp objects.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with an anchor plate attached to a building stud and a perpendicular foot plate for stabilization, featuring a channel for conductor placement between a fixed barrier and a moveable jaw, secured by a bendable strap with a locking tab, ensuring conductors are held a fixed distance from the wall surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple single-plate bracket is used to hold conductors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bracket becomes unstable and susceptible to twisting relative to the stud
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two separate plates: an anchor plate for attachment to the stud and a foot plate for bracing against the stud. This segmentation allows each plate to perform its specific function independently, providing stable support while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The foot plate extends perpendicular to the anchor plate, adding a dimensional element that prevents twisting. This perpendicular extension creates a stable triangular bracing configuration that resists rotational forces without significantly increasing complexity
2Device complexity
If conductors are held close to the wall surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the conductors become vulnerable to penetration by nails or sharp objects
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to pre-position conductors at the required 1.25-inch offset from the wall surface before wallboard installation. This preliminary positioning ensures NEC compliance and protects conductors from nail penetration without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms later
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device between the stud and the conductors, maintaining the required spacing. This intermediary structure allows conductors to be held at a safe distance from the wall surface while keeping the overall assembly relatively simple
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed rigid channel is used to hold conductors, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation during installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is designed with a movable jaw that can flex open and closed. This dynamic feature allows the channel to accommodate conductors of varying sizes and makes installation easier, while still providing precise positioning when closed. The flexibility is achieved through a hinge connection that maintains manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for holding conductors at a selected distance from the surface of a wall board to be mounted to a building stud. The bracket has a channel formed between a pair of plates and a bendable strap for closing the channel. The strap has an angularly oriented return to engage a side wall and a locking tab to hold the strap in closed position. The channel width is adjustable to accommodate different sized conductors. One of the plates has a bend line for adjusting the total width of the bracket for mounting on a narrower stud.