Flexible Box-Fastening Hook for Secure Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening methods for electrical and electronic devices in boxes are ineffective due to the use of rigid hooks that lose strength with movement, require tools for installation and removal, and can trap cables, leading to potential malfunctions or short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A flexible box-fastening hook with a deformable part that accumulates elastic energy upon bending, providing secure fastening through friction and optional grooves and gripping features, which increases extraction force and prevents accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rigid hooks are used for fastening, then the fastening structure is simple, but the fastening strength decreases with movement and the hooks can trap cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible hook made of elastomeric material instead of rigid hooks. The flexible hook can deform to accommodate movements of the electrical device while maintaining continuous contact with the box wall, thereby preserving fastening strength despite device movement. The flexibility allows the hook to wrap around cables rather than trap them, eliminating the cable trapping problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the hook from rigid to flexible by using elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the hook to dynamically adapt its shape during device movement, maintaining effective fastening force. The material's elastic properties enable the hook to absorb movement energy without losing fastening strength, directly resolving the reliability issue.
2Strength
If screws are used to tighten the hooks, then the hooks can be securely fastened, but tools are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hook is designed to be self-installing by utilizing the elastic recovery force of the bent hook to push against the box wall and secure itself without requiring screws or tools. For removal, the user simply needs to apply lateral pressure to deform the hook and release the fastening, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure fastening through the hook's elastic properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent hooks are used, then the fastening can be adjusted, but it is difficult to balance the position of the element due to different pressure from screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent hook-screw assemblies into a single integrated flexible hook that connects multiple fastening points simultaneously. This unified structure distributes pressure evenly across all attachment points, eliminating the positioning imbalance problem caused by unequal screw pressures. The flexible material allows the hook to adapt to slight variations in box wall position while maintaining consistent fastening force.
4Strength
If the hooks are installed by curved movement towards the internal walls, then the fastening is achieved, but cables may be trapped causing malfunction or short-circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric hook wraps around cables in a gentle arc rather than forcing them through a rigid curve. The material's flexibility allows it to conform to the space available without creating sharp edges or tight bends that could trap or damage cables. The hook secures the device through friction and elastic pressure while leaving cable pathways clear.
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
The flexible hook ensures secure fastening and easy installation/removal with reduced risk of cable trapping, maintaining stability and preventing accidental disconnection, thus enhancing the reliability of electrical and electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the distance between the joining point of the hook to the element to be fastened and the internal wall of the box is less than the projection of the distance between the same joining point of the hook and the distal end of the hook, said distal end being responsible for exerting pressure against the internal wall of the box for the fastening of the element to be fastened, through the accumulated elastic energy due to bend of the hook in the installation process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1-A~1-E
Figure 2-A~4
AI summary
Flexible box-fastening hook and element to be fastened by said hook, it is configured from, at least, one part with, at least, a flexible part and comprising a distal end (12), a first horizontal projection (L) between the joining point of the hook (1) with the element to be fastened (2) and the distal end (12) of the hook (1) is greater than a second horizontal projection (L2) between the same joining point of the hook (1) with the element to be fastened (2) and the internal wall of the box (3) where it is going to be installed. Furthermore, said distal end (12), on abutting with the internal wall of the box (3), bends being curved in direction opposite the direction of the installation of the device or support (2) inside box (3). Optionally, the distal end (12) incorporates fastening means (14), consisting of teeth claws or edges which are driven into the internal wall of the box (3).