Electrical Box Conduit Flexible Casing Support Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical boxes attached to receiving supports often deform due to unevenness in the support surface, leading to weakened structures and sealing issues, as they have multiple points of contact that exert uneven forces on the bottom wall.

Innovation Solution

The electrical box design features conduits separated from the bottom wall by a flexible casing, allowing relative movement to compensate for support surface defects and prevent deformation, ensuring better sealing and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electrical box is fixed with multiple contact points (support zone and pressure surfaces of ducts) on the receiving support, then the fixing stability is improved, but the bottom wall deforms due to uneven support surface and uneven forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidbottom wall deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the duct from the bottom wall by introducing a flexible casing between them. This segmentation allows the duct to move independently relative to the bottom wall, so that forces exerted on the pressure surface during fixing do not directly deform the bottom wall, while still maintaining the mechanical link through the flexible casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the connection between duct and bottom wall from rigid to flexible. The flexible casing allows relative movement and absorbs force variations, enabling the system to adapt to uneven support surfaces without transmitting deforming forces to the bottom wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the bottom wall is rigid to maintain structural strength, then the box strength is improved, but the box cannot compensate for unevenness in the receiving support surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebox strengthVSAvoidadaptability to uneven support surface
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the electrical box into rigid parts (bottom wall, frame) that maintain strength and a flexible part (casing around the duct) that provides adaptability. This allows the rigid bottom wall to maintain structural integrity while the flexible casing compensates for surface unevenness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a flexible casing (shell) around the duct that can deform to accommodate unevenness in the receiving support surface. This flexible shell allows the rigid bottom wall to maintain its strength while the system as a whole adapts to varying support conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the duct is rigidly connected to the bottom wall to ensure structural integrity, then the assembly strength is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates due to bottom wall deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the connection between duct and bottom wall, introducing a flexible casing as an intermediate element. This maintains the mechanical link (structural integrity) while allowing relative movement that prevents deformation transmission, thereby preserving sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible casing acts as an intermediary element between the duct and the bottom wall. It transmits the mechanical link while absorbing deformations and force variations, preventing the transmission of deforming forces that would compromise sealing while maintaining assembly strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prevents deformation of the bottom wall and enhances the assembly and sealing of the electrical box by isolating the force exerted by fixing elements, thereby improving the box's resistance and sealing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible casing (180) belonging to the bottom wall (102) and being interposed between said conduit (150) and said bottom wall (102), said flexible casing (180) authorizing, if necessary, the relative movement of said conduit (150) with respect to the wall bottom (102)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3840143B1Electric box to be fixed on a surface of a support
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP3840143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3840143B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3840143B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical box made of rigid plastic, comprising a base (102) intended to be fixed to a receiving support. This base has at least one bearing surface (120) on its external face (102B) and is traversed by at least one conduit (150) intended to accommodate a fastener for said receiving support. Each conduit has, at one external end (152), a pressure surface (155) on said receiving support. According to the invention, the electrical box includes at least one flexible casing (180) surrounding each conduit such that the casing is interposed between said base and said conduit to allow relative translational movement of the pressure surface of each conduit with respect to each bearing surface of the base, without generating mechanical stress deforming said base.