Electrical Box Support Bracket with Integrated Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical box assembly support brackets are cumbersome, costly, and lack user-friendliness, particularly when integrating back-side support and cable management features, leading to complex installations and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket with a slidable clip-on attachment feature that indirectly attaches to the electrical box via a connector mounting base, providing adjustable back-side support and stationary cable management, eliminating the need for fasteners and allowing easy installation with multiple configuration options for different wall cavity depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing support brackets integrate both back-side support and cable management features, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines back-side support and cable management features into a single integrated support bracket. The bracket includes a main body with a cable management channel formed as an integral part of its structure, eliminating the need for separate cable management accessories and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides back-side support for the electrical box and incorporates a cable management channel for organizing and protecting cables. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the electrical box assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing support brackets integrate both back-side support and cable management features, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management channel is formed as an integral part of the support bracket body through a single molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of cable management accessories and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs despite the enhanced functionality.
3Strength
If existing support brackets use fasteners for attachment, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fastener-based attachment system with a snap-fit mechanism. The support bracket includes engagement protrusions that mate with corresponding recesses in the electrical box, allowing for tool-free installation while maintaining adequate attachment strength through elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box assembly is provided. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a support bracket positioned proximate the back wall of the electrical box and coupled to the electrical box. The support bracket includes a plate member and a cable management member extending laterally from the plate member and forming at least one pass-through opening sized to receive an electrical cable. The plate member includes a bending line that divides the plate member into a first portion and a second portion. The plate member has first and second configurations. The plate member is generally planar in the first configuration. When the plate member is in the second configuration, the first portion of the plate member bends along the bending line and extends laterally from the second portion to engage a second wall opposing the first wall and opposing the back wall of the electrical box.