Wall Connection Box Extension Sleeve for Flush Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted connection box units face challenges in precisely specifying the position of the junction box unit relative to the finished building wall surface, particularly during flush-mounted installations, where the installation depth is not accurately determined until the building wall is finished.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a wall-mounted junction box unit with an extension sleeve that is coaxially arranged on the sleeve section and axially retractable. A holding structure, including a retaining bead structure made of sealingly flexible material and a counter-holding structure made of stiffer material, allows for variable axial height adjustment and secure retention of the extension sleeve in its desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the extension sleeve is made axially retractable to achieve precise position adjustment relative to the finished wall surface, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the holding structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extension sleeve allows changing the axial position parameter to achieve precise alignment with the finished wall surface. The holding structure includes positioning elements that engage with the sleeve section to secure the extension sleeve at the desired axial position, enabling parameter adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the extension sleeve and the sleeve section. It includes positioning elements that engage with both components to enable precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus improving positioning precision while controlling device complexity.
2Reliability
If the holding structure uses sealingly flexible material for the retaining bead structure to ensure secure retention, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to material and structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure employs composite material construction, combining sealingly flexible material for the retaining bead structure with stiffer material for the counter-holding structure. This composite approach ensures reliable frictional and/or positive engagement while maintaining manufacturability through the use of different material properties in different functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bead structure is formed from sealingly flexible material specifically at the engagement interface with the counter-holding structure, while other parts of the extension sleeve may use different materials. This local quality differentiation ensures secure retention at the critical interface without requiring complex materials throughout the entire component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the extension sleeve is designed to be axially retractable from assembly position to end-use position, then the adaptability to different wall depths is improved, but the ease of assembly worsens due to the retraction and positioning process
Solution Approach 1:
The extension sleeve is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be axially retracted from the assembly position to the end-use position. The holding structure enables this dynamic adjustment while providing stable positioning at the desired depth, accommodating variations in wall thickness and finishing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection box unit is segmented into distinct components: the sleeve section, the extension sleeve, and the holding structure. This segmentation allows the extension sleeve to be independently adjusted axially relative to the sleeve section, providing adaptability to different wall depths while simplifying the assembly process through modular construction.
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
This design enables precise adjustment and secure retention of the extension sleeve at a variable axial height, ensuring that the junction box unit is flush with the finished wall surface, eliminating the need for laborious cutting and reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
a holding structure (7), which allows axial retraction of the extension sleeve (6) on the sleeve section (3) from a pre-assembled mounting position (MS) into a pushed-back end-use position (ES) at a variable axial height and which holds the extension sleeve (6) in the end-use position (ES) on the sleeve section (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A wall-mounted connection box unit for use in sanitary and electrical installation technology has: a box housing body (1) with a rear base section (2) and a sleeve section (3) projecting forward from the base section, which circumferentially surrounds a component receiving space (4) accessible via an open front end (5) of the sleeve section; and an extension sleeve (6) designed for coaxial arrangement on the sleeve section and axial retraction relative to the sleeve section; and a retaining structure (7) which allows axial retraction of the extension sleeve on the sleeve section from a mounting position (Ms) to an end-use position (Es) at a variable axial height (HE) and holds the extension sleeve in the end-use position on the sleeve section.The retaining structure (7) comprises a retaining bead structure (7a) projecting radially from the sleeve section (3), which is formed integrally with at least one adjacent axial section (3a) of the sleeve section (3) made of a sealingly flexible material, and a counter-retaining structure (7b) that interacts with the retaining bead structure in a frictional and/or form-fit manner and is formed on the extension sleeve from a material stiffer than the sealingly flexible material. Additionally or alternatively, the wall-mounted connection box unit includes a spacer element that can be detachably attached to the box housing body in a locking position, in which it secures the extension sleeve against axial displacement in the installation position.