Ceiling Box Mounting Brackets for Beam-Transferred Fixture Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling junction box installation systems face issues such as deformation and breakage due to insufficient load-bearing capacity, particularly with non-metallic boxes, and lack of flexibility for retrofits or renovations, as they cannot effectively transfer the weight of suspended electrical fixtures to the ceiling beams.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling box installation assembly featuring grooved cuts on the side walls with claw fasteners and mounting brackets that redirect the weight of electrical fixtures from the junction box to the ceiling beams, allowing for adjustable mounting and improved load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional ceiling junction boxes are used to support electrical fixtures, then the installation process is simplified, but the junction box deforms or breaks due to insufficient load-bearing capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary load-transfer mechanism consisting of mounting brackets and fasteners that connect the junction box to ceiling beams. This intermediary system transfers the weight of electrical fixtures from the junction box to the ceiling beams, allowing the junction box to serve its electrical function without bearing suspension loads, thereby preventing deformation and breakage while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If ceiling junction boxes are installed in recessed fashion within the ceiling surface, then fixtures achieve flush mount compliance, but the boxes cannot be used for retrofits or renovations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflush mount alignmentVSAvoidretrofit capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic mounting brackets with adjustable positioning capabilities that allow the junction box to be mounted in various locations (recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended) depending on the application requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same junction box design to serve both new installations requiring flush mount compliance and renovation projects requiring surface mounting, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision alignment and versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If mounting tabs with threaded openings are used for securing fixtures, then standard industry mounting is achieved, but substantial weight must be sustained by the junction box itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard mounting compatibilityVSAvoidsuspension load on junction box
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the load-bearing function from the electrical housing function by introducing separate mounting brackets and fasteners that handle suspension loads. The mounting brackets are specifically designed to transfer weights to ceiling beams, while the junction box maintains its standard mounting tabs for electrical fixture attachment. This segmentation allows the junction box to provide standard industry mounting compatibility without having to sustain substantial suspension loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4369541A1Ceiling box installation assembly
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4369541A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4369541A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4369541A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a ceiling box installation assembly (100) to secure electrical fixtures suspended from a ceiling (146). The ceiling box installation assembly (100) comprises a ceiling junction box (102), at least a pair of oppositely disposed grooved cuts (110) and a fixing assembly (116). The fixing assembly (116) comprises: at least a pair of claw fasteners (118), at least a pair of claw members (120), and at least a pair of mounting brackets (124). The mounting brackets (124) comprise a first opening (126) to receive said claw fasteners (118), and a second opening (128) disposed adjacent to said first opening (126) to hang said electrical fixture. The mounted brackets are fitted with said claw fasteners (118) disposed at a proximal end (112) of said grooved cuts (110) to hang said electrical fixture and transferring its weight to said claw members (120).