Enclosure Wall Mount With Spacer for Hygienic Sealed Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing metal enclosures to walls, such as using holes or welded brackets, create moisture and dust entry points, are unsuitable for environments requiring high hygiene and can be difficult to clean, and may not work when wall structure limitations prevent direct attachment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support member with aligned apertures and fasteners, along with a spacer that creates a gap between the enclosure and wall, allowing for easier cleaning and flexible installation, and includes a seal to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If holes are formed in the rear panel of the enclosure to fix it to the wall, then the enclosure can be securely attached, but moisture and dust can enter through the holes creating hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
A support member acts as an intermediary between the enclosure and the wall, allowing the enclosure to be fixed to the wall without direct penetration through the enclosure panel. The support member receives fasteners from the wall side and transfers the fixing force to the enclosure, eliminating the need for holes in the enclosure rear panel and thus preventing moisture and dust ingress while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If external brackets are welded to the enclosure to elevate it away from the wall, then cleaning access is improved, but the welded brackets create bacteria traps and are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed as a separate, removable component rather than a permanently welded bracket. This segmentation allows the support member to be detached for thorough cleaning, eliminating the bacteria trap problem associated with welded brackets while still providing the necessary elevation and cleaning access behind the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions from a static welded bracket to a dynamic, removable component. This allows the support structure to be taken apart when cleaning is required, enabling complete access to all surfaces for hygiene maintenance while maintaining the enclosed space behind the enclosure during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the enclosure is fixed directly to the wall, then the installation is simple, but it cannot be used when wall structure limitations prevent direct attachment or when fixing centres are outside the enclosure footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides attachment points for fasteners, extends the fixing locations beyond the enclosure footprint, adapts to various wall structures, and maintains proper enclosure positioning. This multi-functionality allows the same support member design to be used in diverse installation scenarios including different wall types and fixing centre requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fixing an enclosure to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a support member, a first fastener, a spacer and a second fastener. The support member has a first aperture located adjacent a first end and a second aperture located adjacent a second end. The first fastener is used for fixing the first end to the enclosure through the first aperture, wherein when the support member is fixed to the enclosure said second end extends beyond an edge of the enclosure. The spacer includes a third aperture therethrough and is removably attached to the second end of the support member such that the second aperture and the third aperture align. The second fastener is used for fixing the second end to the wall such that the second fastener extends through the second aperture.