Wall-Mounted Electrical Device Levelling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical devices for wall mounting face difficulties in levelling due to the need for manual adjustment with one hand while holding the mounting frame or a spirit level, often risking damage during the process.

Innovation Solution

An electrical device with a mounting frame featuring a moveable fixation and levelling device, including a slidable fixation element and an adjustment element, which allows for easy levelling and alignment with a horizontal plane using a screwdriver, and a visible spirit level for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment is performed with one hand while holding the mounting frame or spirit level, then levelling can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and risks damaging the mounting frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevelling accuracyVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation element is designed to be self-adjusting through its interaction with the elongated orifice. When the fixation screw is inserted, the fixation element automatically slides along the elongated orifice to achieve proper alignment and levelling without requiring manual manipulation of the mounting frame or spirit level by the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation element acts as an intermediary between the fixation screw and the mounting frame. It translates the linear motion of the fixation screw into positional adjustment of the entire mounting frame, enabling precise levelling control without direct manual handling of the frame itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the mounting frame is forced into horizontal position with fixation screw partially screwed on, then levelling can be achieved, but the mounting frame risks damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizontal alignmentVSAvoidmounting frame damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation element is designed with dynamic capability to slide along the elongated orifices during the fixation process. This dynamic adjustment allows the mounting frame to be gradually guided into horizontal position as the fixation screw is progressively tightened, rather than being forcibly positioned, thereby preventing damage to the mounting frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If elongated fixation holes are used for adjustment and levelling, then positioning flexibility is provided, but the levelling process becomes uneasy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidlevelling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a positioning guide within the elongated orifices, a levelling mechanism through its sliding motion, and a fixation component that secures the mounting frame to the wall. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall levelling process while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 easy and accurate levelling and alignment of electrical devices on walls without risking damage, enhancing the installation process by allowing single-handed operation and clear visual feedback from the spirit level.

Implementation Method 1

the mounting frame further comprises a spirit level mounted on the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpirit level: Spirit Level

Implementation Method 2

levelling the electrical device with respect to a horizontal plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3840148B1Electrical device
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 BERKER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3840148B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3840148B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3840148B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

This invention has its object in an electrical device (20) to be mounted to a wall (100), comprising a mounting frame (30) having a base plate (32). The electrical device (20) further comprises at least one fixation and levelling device (40) for fixing the electrical device (20) to the wall (100) and for levelling the electrical device (20) with respect to a horizontal plane (H). The fixation and levelling device (40) comprises a fixation element (50) being moveably mounted on the base plate (32) and having at least one fixation opening (52) for receiving a fixation screw (110).