Electrical Box Attachment Without Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing electrical boxes to support structures often require separate fasteners, which can be inefficient, cumbersome, and limit the flexibility in securing the boxes at continuous locations along the support structure.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system that secures electrical boxes to support structures without using fasteners, featuring a body with engagement arrangements such as arms and protrusions that allow for adjustable and secure engagement at various locations, including telescoping support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate fasteners are used to secure electrical boxes to support structures, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment body merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support, incorporates engagement arrangements with arms that secure to mounting openings, and includes locking features for telescoping support structures. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners while maintaining connection strength and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement arrangements are designed to self-secure to the electrical box through the mounting openings without requiring additional fasteners. The arms engage with the openings and the attachment body itself provides the securing force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating extra installation steps.
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are used to secure electrical boxes, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment mechanisms are merged into a single attachment body component. The engagement arrangements with arms, the locking features for telescoping structures, and the support function are all integrated into one piece, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining reliable connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate attachments are used to allow flexible positioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment body includes locking features specifically designed for telescoping support structures, allowing the attachment to adapt to different positions along the support structure. The arms can engage with mounting openings at various locations, providing flexibility while the integrated design keeps the structure manageable.
4Strength
If separate fasteners are used, then the securing strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment body self-secures to the electrical box through its engagement arrangements. The arms engage with the mounting openings and the integrated design allows the attachment to secure itself without requiring separate fasteners or additional tools, making installation simple while maintaining strong connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment can secure an electrical box to a support structure without the use of fasteners. An attachment body can be configured to be secured to the support structure. One or more engagement arrangements can include first and second arms that are configured to engage first and second mounting openings of an electrical box without use of a separate fastener.