Elastic Return Extension Accessory for Trunking Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical trunking extension accessories are difficult to install and require manual adjustment, leading to potential misalignment and an unsightly gap between the accessory and the wall, and they often have an unattractive appearance due to exposed secondary beams.
Innovation Solution
An extension accessory with elastic return means that automatically adjusts to the height of the wall, allowing for hands-free installation and aesthetic alignment, featuring a support with guide elements that slide within the trunking section and a cover that attaches securely to the support, ensuring proper positioning and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual holding and positioning of the support is used during installation, then the support can be fixed to the wall, but the installation process becomes difficult and requires one hand to hold the crosspiece while screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means enable the support to automatically adjust its position and maintain itself against the wall without requiring manual holding or positioning during installation. The support self-regulates its position through the elastic force, freeing both hands for the screwing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual positioning action is extracted from the installation process. The elastic return means take over the positioning function, eliminating the need for manual holding and positioning by the installer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory length is fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot automatically adapt to different wall heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed length to a dynamic, adjustable length through the incorporation of elastic return means. These means allow the support to extend or retract automatically to match different wall heights while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The length parameter of the support becomes variable through the elastic return means, allowing automatic adaptation to different wall heights. The elastic force enables the support to change its effective length without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary beam protrudes above the main beam, then the length adjustment mechanism is visible, but the post has an unattractive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element is introduced to enclose the secondary beam and elastic return means, providing a smooth, continuous surface that conceals the mechanical components. This cover maintains the aesthetic appearance while allowing the length adjustment mechanism to function internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary beam and elastic return means are nested within the main beam structure and covered by an outer casing. This nesting arrangement hides the adjustment mechanism while maintaining the visual integrity of the post.
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
Facilitates easy and correct installation of the trunking section by automatically compensating for height differences, maintaining the accessory against the wall, and providing a seamless aesthetic integration by covering the support, thus eliminating gaps and enhancing the appearance.
Implementation Method 1
extension accessory (52) comprising at least one support (70) and at least one cover (60) to be attached in an aesthetic manner above this support (70), characterised in that it comprises elastic return means (81, 82) for returning the guide elements (71) to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The extension accessory (52) comprises, for each rigid flange (71), two compression springs (81, 82) engaged on either side of the rigid flange (71) in opposing directions, exerting an elastic force on the rigid flange (71)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The accessory has a support (20) including a guidance element comprising a rigid wing (21) that is movably mounted in translation on a chute section (100) between a position raised inside the chute section and a position deployed in prolongation of the chute section. A flat shaped cap (10) is connected above the support by a positioning unit. The support accommodates an elastic return unit of the guidance element in the deployed position. The elastic return unit accommodates a compression spring (30) interposed between an external part (22) of the support and the chute section.