Wall-Mounted Electrical Box Retaining Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical boxes face difficulties during assembly due to protruding fixing screws interfering with the base, making centering and screwing complicated, and the use of springs to address this issue increases manufacturing costs and complexity while causing screwing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The electrical box incorporates retaining means with a second thread that allows fixing screws to remain housed initially, preventing interference during installation, and can be disengaged to project for screwing into the base, using a disengageable mechanism that simplifies the assembly process without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If springs are used to retain the head of the fixing screw at a distance from the cover surface, then installation of the cover is facilitated, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the expensive and complex spring mechanism with a simple, inexpensive plastic retaining ring that performs the same function of holding the fixing screw head at the appropriate distance from the cover surface. This retaining ring is a simple molded part that integrates into the cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining function is merged with the cover structure itself by integrating the retaining ring into the cover's molding process. This combines the cover and retaining mechanism into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate spring parts and reducing assembly steps.
2Ease of repair
If a second thread is added to the fixing screw for disengagement, then easy disassembly is achieved, but screw complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing screw is designed with dual functionality: the first thread engages with the base for securing, while the second thread engages with the retaining ring for positioning and easy disengagement. This multi-functionality allows a single screw design to handle both securing and positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw thread is segmented into two distinct sections: a first thread for engagement with the base and a second thread for engagement with the retaining ring. This segmentation allows each thread to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy disassembly while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Facilitates easier installation by preventing screw interference and simplifying the assembly process, reducing manufacturing costs and screwing difficulties, while allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining means comprise a second thread and to disengage the means for retaining each fixing screw of said second abutment of the cover so that this fixing screw comes into engagement with the corresponding threaded well of the base, it is then sufficient for the installer to screw said screw into the shaft of the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8A~8F
AI summary
The box has a fixing screw (40) for fixing a cover on a base, and comprising a body (42) that includes a free end carrying a thread (43) to be screwed in a threaded well of the base. The body has a captive collar (44) arranged between a head (41) of the screw and the thread. The body includes a retaining unit i.e. thread (45), arranged between the captive collar and the head for cooperating with a complementary stop of the cover in disengageable manner in order to maintain the head at a distance from a complementary face of the cover.