Integrated Electrical Box Support Plate for Multi-Orientation Conduit Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical box and conduit support systems struggle to efficiently mount electrical boxes and conduits in various orientations while meeting national and local electrical codes, particularly in terms of spacing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of one-piece electrical box and conduit support plates with built-in offsets, hanger tabs, and clip mounting apertures that allow for flexible orientation and secure attachment of conduits within specified spacing, using materials like steel or aluminum alloys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate mounting systems are used for electrical boxes and conduits, then installation flexibility in various orientations is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical box mounting function and conduit support function into a single integrated support plate. The support plate includes a box mounting portion for attaching electrical boxes and a conduit mounting portion with built-in offsets for securing conduits, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing installation time while maintaining orientation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts electrical boxes in various orientations using hanger tabs and aperture assemblies, and provides built-in offsets for conduit attachment within code-compliant spacing. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and streamlines the installation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If built-in offsets are integrated into the support plate, then conduit spacing compliance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The built-in offsets are pre-formed as integral features of the support plate during manufacturing, positioning conduit mounting locations at precise distances that comply with electrical codes. This preliminary positioning ensures code compliance is built into the component design itself, eliminating the need for field measurements and adjustments while the integrated design keeps manufacturing processes straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting apertures and hanger tabs are provided, then mounting versatility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate incorporates multiple aperture assemblies with hanger tabs that can accommodate different hanging methods (rod hangers, wire hangers, etc.) and orientation requirements. The box mounting portion and conduit mounting portion share common structural elements, allowing the single component to fulfill multiple mounting functions without requiring proportionally complex structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides improved electrical box and conduit support plates that allow for central mounting of an electrical box to a support plate and mounting of electrical conduits for suspended installations in various orientations. The support plate includes a body having a plurality of built-in offsets, a plurality of built-in hanger tabs, and a plurality of clip mounting apertures that may be arranged as pairs. Each built-in offset preferably has two side walls extending from the body and a mounting arm between the side walls. Each mounting arm includes a plurality of clamp mounting apertures used to attach a conduit clamp to the mounting arm. Each of the plurality of built-in hanger tabs are preferably bendable relative to the body. Box and conduit support kits that includes a body and a plurality of hanger clips are also provided.