Configurable Mounting Bracket for Junction Box Adaptability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting brackets for electrical or communication devices on wall studs lack versatility in accommodating different junction box sizes and wall stud depths, often requiring multiple brackets and insecure attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket with a face plate and stabilizing extension that can be configured into various stabilizing configurations to fit different wall stud depths, featuring plaster ring mounting tabs for secure attachment without a junction box and stud mounting tabs for flexible installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single mounting bracket design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different junction box sizes and wall stud depths is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates a stabilizing extension with legs that can be bent and configured into different stabilizing configurations to fit various wall stud depths. This dynamic adjustability allows a single bracket design to adapt to multiple installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized brackets, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket allows changing the configuration parameters of the stabilizing extension legs through bending and positioning at different locations along the wall stud. By varying the leg positions and angles, the bracket adapts to different junction box sizes and stud depths while maintaining a unified base design, thus achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mounting brackets are used for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate different junction box sizes and wall stud depths through the configurable stabilizing extension. The face plate with mounting holes and the adjustable legs enable this single bracket type to perform multiple functions that previously required different specialized brackets, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional attachment methods are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but attachment security and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing extension legs are pre-configured with bending lines and positioning features that guide the installer through a systematic bending and securing process. This preliminary design of the bending geometry and hole patterns enables secure attachment through straightforward manual operations, achieving high reliability without requiring complex manufacturing or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9780545B2Mounting bracket for electrical or communication device

Publication Date: 2017.10.03

AI summary

A mounting bracket for a junction box includes a face plate, a first leg extending from the face plate, a second leg extending from the face plate, and a leg connector extending between and interconnecting the first and second legs.