Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket With Gravity-Assisted Wire Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of ceiling fans is challenging due to the difficulty in connecting wires from the fan assembly to the electrical junction box, often requiring two people to hold the fan assembly while connecting wires, which can be unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mounting bracket with a receiving portion and a hangable structure featuring a mating member and electrical connectors, where the hangable structure is designed to engage the mounting bracket under gravity, facilitating easy alignment and secure electrical connection without the need for manual holding, allowing for single-person installation and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan assembly is held manually while connecting wires, then the electrical connection can be made, but the installation requires two people and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical connector assembly with a canopy that acts as an intermediary device between the fan assembly and the electrical junction box. The canopy incorporates electrical connectors that automatically engage with corresponding connectors on the fan assembly when the canopy is installed, eliminating the need for manual wire connection while the fan is held. This intermediary structure enables single-person installation by automating the electrical connection process through mechanical engagement of the canopy and its integrated connectors.
2Reliability
If the fan assembly is held manually while connecting wires, then the electrical connection can be made, but the installation time increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the electrical connectors on the canopy before installation. The canopy is manufactured with electrical connectors already attached and positioned, so that when the canopy is mechanically installed on the fan assembly, the electrical connections are automatically made in the correct configuration. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming coordination of connecting wires manually while ensuring reliable electrical connections, as the connectors are pre-positioned and engage automatically during installation.
3Productivity
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the fan can be installed, but the wire connection process is challenging and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical mounting function and the electrical connection function into a single integrated canopy assembly. The canopy serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical mounting structure that secures the fan assembly to the ceiling, and it simultaneously provides the electrical connection interface through integrated connectors. This merging of functions eliminates the separate wire connection step that requires holding the fan assembly, thereby improving installation efficiency and eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual wire connection while the fan is unsupported.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables safer and more efficient ceiling fan installation by ensuring reliable electrical connections and reducing the need for multiple personnel, enhancing the ease and speed of the mounting process while maintaining structural integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the hangable structure is designed to engage the mounting bracket under gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mounting an electrically-powered device to a ceiling or other supporting structure. The electrically-powered device can be, for example, a ceiling fan, a ceiling fan with a lighting fixture, or a lighting fixture.