Fence Post Extension for Secure Electrical Box Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies comprising a fence post, a box containing an electrical device, and a cover suffer from inadequate fixation, leading to potential separation upon impact, especially when the box is of a certain height.
Innovation Solution
The assembly incorporates an extended fence post with integral mounting means and a box with cooperating securing mechanisms, including first and second fixing means, and additional features like holes in the box bottom and tabs for enhanced stability and panel mounting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the box has a certain height to accommodate electrical devices, then the electrical device capacity is improved, but the fixation stability deteriorates because blows to the top can cause separation from the fence post
Solution Approach 1:
The fence post is segmented into the main post body and an integral extension that protrudes from the top of the box. This segmentation allows the extension to serve as a dedicated fixation element that extends beyond the box, providing additional attachment points for mounting panels while maintaining structural integrity and preventing separation upon impact
Solution Approach 2:
The extension is made integral with the fence post, merging the post structure with the fixation element. This integration ensures that the extension and post act as a unified structural unit, enhancing the overall rigidity and preventing relative movement between the box and post that could lead to separation
2Volume of moving object
If the box height is increased to fit electrical devices, then the device accommodation is improved, but the structural rigidity deteriorates making the assembly more susceptible to separation
Solution Approach 1:
The extension adds a vertical dimension to the fence post structure, protruding upward from the top of the box. This dimensional addition creates a new structural element that extends beyond the box height, providing additional leverage and attachment surface area for mounting panels, thereby enhancing structural rigidity without increasing box volume
3Device complexity
If traditional fixing methods are used for the box on the post, then the assembly simplicity is maintained, but the fixation reliability deteriorates under impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The extension serves multiple functions: it extends the fence post structure vertically, provides additional surface area for mounting panels, and creates integral fixation points that enhance attachment reliability. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to address both mounting requirements and fixation reliability without adding separate complex components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The assembly (100) has a case (104) for receiving an electric device, where the case has a base (204) whose shape is adopted for maintaining the case on top of a fence post (106). A cover (108) has an integrating unit (208) provided for maintaining the cover on top of the case. The fence post has an extension (216) extending the post along the case. The cover has integrating units (210) in the form of tongue to integrate the cover with the extension, where the extension is extended to the top of the case. The post has a hollow tubular element (206) opened at top of the post.