Electrical Box Fitting Prevents Rotation on Support Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for connecting electrical boxes to ceiling support rods using friction retainers fail to prevent rotation and sliding, leading to instability and the need for repeated installations.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with three key features - an attachment pin, an alignment pin, and a rod screw - is used to securely anchor the electrical box to the support rod, preventing rotation and allowing adjustable height without sliding, using a method that includes anchoring the support rod, connecting the fitting with a rod screw, and attaching the electrical box with pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a friction retainer is used to attach the electrical box to the support rod, then the installation process is simple, but the electrical box rotates and slides downward due to inadequate prevention of rotation and sliding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into three distinct functional components: a friction retainer for simple attachment, an alignment pin to prevent rotation, and a rod screw to prevent sliding. Each component addresses a specific failure mode, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving reliability through segmented functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment pin introduces asymmetry into the otherwise symmetric friction retainer structure. By adding a directional element (the pin) that fits into a corresponding asymmetric feature on the electrical box, rotation is prevented while maintaining the simple friction-based attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If heavy cables are installed in the electrical box, then the electrical service capacity is improved, but the electrical box rotates due to the weight distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical service capacityVSAvoidelectrical box orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment pin is installed beforehand to create preliminary anti-action against the rotational force generated by heavy cables. By preventing rotation at the source through the pinned connection, the system can accommodate heavy cable loads without orientation instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical box is allowed to slide downward over time, then adjustment flexibility is maintained, but the installation must be redone which wastes time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidreinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rod screw is used to perform preliminary action by pre-tightening the connection between the friction retainer and the support rod. This preliminary securing prevents the electrical box from sliding downward over time, eliminating the need for reinstallation while preserving the ability to make initial height adjustments during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11644149B2Electrical box connection to a support rod

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 FLORES VICTOR MANUEL

AI summary

A fitting and a method of using that fitting to install electrical boxes to a vertical ceiling support rod. This installation does not require a complex bracket that attaches to a wall or a stud in a wall. Prior installation problems of electrical box dropping and rotation are eliminated with this invention. Installation is simple and cost effective. Special tools are not required.