Spring-Jaw Electrical Box Bracket for Adjustable Bar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical box mounting systems lack flexibility in positioning the electrical box along a mounting bar, as they are either fixed or require complex adjustments, limiting their adaptability to different installation scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with movable front and rear jaws, biased towards a closed position by a spring, allowing for adjustable placement along a mounting bar while securely gripping it, and featuring a mechanism for attaching an electrical box, all integrally formed from sheet metal for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting bracket is used to attach an electrical box to a mounting bar, then the installation position is determined during manufacturing, but the flexibility for repositioning after installation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket employs movable jaws that can shift along the mounting bar between engaged and disengaged states. The jaw assembly includes a jaw body that slides within a slot in the bracket body, allowing the electrical box to be positioned at different locations along the bar while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides positioning flexibility without requiring complex removable fastening systems.
2Reliability
If a spring-biased jaw mechanism is used to grip the mounting bar, then secure attachment is achieved, but the force required to reposition the bracket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw mechanism is divided into separate components: a jaw body that grips the mounting bar, a spring element that provides biasing force, and a slot that guides movement. The jaw body can be independently actuated to open and close the gripping action, while the spring maintains constant contact pressure. This segmented design allows the operator to overcome spring pressure only during intentional repositioning, while normal operation benefits from secure automatic engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the bracket body acts as an intermediary guide that constrains the jaw body's movement to a specific linear path. This guided movement reduces friction and ensures smooth operation during repositioning, making it easier to overcome the spring bias force when adjustment is needed while maintaining reliable gripping during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket allows easy movement along the mounting bar, then repositioning flexibility is improved, but the clamping force may be insufficient to secure the electrical box
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism operates in periodic cycles: during installation or repositioning, the jaw is manually actuated to open and slide along the bar; once positioned, the spring automatically closes the jaw to engage and secure the electrical box. This periodic transition between movable and secured states allows easy repositioning when needed while ensuring strong clamping force during normal operation.
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
Enables easy and secure positioning of electrical boxes along a mounting bar, allowing for adjustments post-installation and ensuring reliable attachment with a balanced clamping force, accommodating various installation depths and orientations without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The jaws are biased toward their closed position. A device is provided for attaching an electrical box to the bracket.
Implementation Method 2
A spring urges the jaws toward their closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is disclosed for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar. The bracket comprises a front jaw and a rear jaw. The jaws are movable toward an open position for allowing movement of the bracket relative to the mounting bar and toward a closed position for gripping the mounting bar at a selected position along the mounting bar. The jaws are biased toward the closed position. An electrical box is attached to the front jaw. In one embodiment, the front jaw, rear jaw and a spring for urging the jaws closed are integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal.