Deep Electrical Receptacle Box Symmetric Component Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multiple electrical receptacle boxes increases labor costs and drywall cuts due to inadequate consideration of parts cost, labor, and aesthetics, as existing solutions do not efficiently accommodate symmetric installation of switches, dimmers, and other components.
Innovation Solution
An electrical receptacle box apparatus with doubled depth, designed to secure to an upright wall stud, allowing for symmetric installation of switches, dimmers, and plugs, constructed from metal or plastic, with oppositely facing component securing surfaces and mounting surfaces, reducing the need for additional parts and labor, and minimizing sheet rock cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electrical receptacle boxes are installed using conventional shallow depth boxes, then electrical components can be installed in multiple locations, but labor costs and drywall cuts increase due to the need for separate boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shallow receptacle boxes into a single deep receptacle box that can accommodate multiple electrical components (switches, dimmers, plugs) within one unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate boxes, reducing the number of drywall cuts and installation steps while maintaining the capability to install multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using multiple shallow boxes distributed across different locations to a single deep box that extends further into the wall cavity. By utilizing the depth dimension more effectively, the design consolidates multiple component installation surfaces within one box, reducing the number of separate installation points needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate receptacle boxes are used to accommodate switches and dimmers, then components can be installed, but the number of drywall cuts and parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate receptacle boxes into a single deep receptacle box that provides multiple component securing surfaces. This single box can accommodate switches, dimmers, and plugs simultaneously, reducing the total number of parts needed while maintaining full adaptability for various component configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deep receptacle box is designed with universal applicability to accommodate multiple types of electrical components (switches, dimmers, plugs) on its opposing component securing surfaces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different specialized boxes for different components, reducing parts quantity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional shallow receptacle boxes are used, then installation is straightforward, but aesthetic appearance suffers due to asymmetric component placement
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the extended depth dimension of the receptacle box, the invention enables symmetric placement of electrical components on opposing surfaces that are equidistant from the front faceplate. This symmetric arrangement, made possible by the increased depth, significantly improves aesthetic appearance while the box's standard width and mounting interface maintain installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle box apparatus, in combination with a wall structure that includes an upright wall stud. The electrical receptacle box apparatus is constructed and arranged for securing to the upright wall stud. The wall structure forms a barrier that defines and demarcates adjacent rooms. The electrical receptacle box apparatus includes an electrical receptacle box having oppositely facing first and second component securing surfaces and a mounting surface, fasteners for securing the electrical receptacle box to the wall stud by securing the mounting surface of the electrical receptacle box to a side surface of the wall stud, a first electrical component positioned within the electrical receptacle box at the first component securing surface of the electrical receptacle box, and a second electrical component positioned within the electrical receptacle box at the second component securing surface of the electrical receptacle box.