Flexible Rim Masking Gap in Recessed Electrical Switchgear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical equipment for flush-mounting boxes often leaves a noticeable gap between the facade and the partition surface due to the design of the overhanging portion, which can lead to assembly difficulties and an unsightly appearance.
Innovation Solution
The electrical device features a flexible rim along the periphery of the facade that is inclined backward and inward, allowing it to contact the partition surface and mask the gap between the facade and the partition across a range of positions, providing an optimal appearance by flexing inward and forward as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the facade is designed with a rigid support plate and fixed positioning, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gaps appear between the facade and partition surface, and assembly becomes difficult when the box is not flush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible rim (lèvre flexible) made of elastomeric material as the rearmost element of the overhanging portion. This flexible rim can deform elastically to fill gaps between the facade and partition surface, accommodating variations in installation conditions while maintaining a clean appearance. The flexible nature allows the rim to adapt to different positions and angles of the box relative to the partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the rim from rigid to flexible, allowing it to undergo elastic deformation. The rim can flex forward and inward when the box is recessed or at an angle, and return to its original position when flush-mounted. This parameter change enables the same component to effectively seal gaps under multiple installation conditions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positions for fixing the facade are provided, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases and gaps may still remain
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rim serves as a universal adaptation element that eliminates the need for multiple fixed positioning options. Its elastic properties allow it to accommodate various installation scenarios (flush-mounted, recessed, angled) without requiring different fixing mechanisms or adjustable components, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rim performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals gaps, provides aesthetic coverage, accommodates installation variations, and maintains structural integrity. This single multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components or adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Shape
If the facade is brought close to the partition surface, then the appearance is improved, but assembly becomes impossible when the box is recessed or protrudes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rim acts as a buffer element that allows the facade to be positioned close to the partition surface for optimal appearance while accommodating installation variations. When the box is recessed or protrudes, the rim deforms elastically to maintain contact and seal gaps, preventing the facade from being forced into impossible positions during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rim provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned at the rearmost part of the overhanging portion. This cushioning effect absorbs position variations and prevents direct contact between the rigid facade and partition surface under problematic installation conditions, allowing smooth assembly while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
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
This design effectively eliminates daylight between the facade and the partition, offering a discreet and aesthetically pleasing solution that masks the gap from the rearmost element of the overhanging portion, enhancing the appearance and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
said flexible rim being configured to flex inward and forward upon contact with a surface located behind the faceplate as the faceplate approaches that surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~12
AI summary
The equipment i.e. electric switch (10), has a front part (12) mounted on a mechanism (11) to be fixed to an embedding box. The front part comprises a band-shaped flexible edge (31) arranged along the periphery of the front part, where the flexible edge is inclined towards rear and towards interior in the absence of stress. The flexible edge bends towards the interior and the front in contact with a surface of a partition located behind the front part when the front part approaches the surface. USE : Electrical equipment i.e. electric switch (claimed). Can also be used for a variator or a socket-outlet. ADVANTAGE : The band-shaped flexible edge of the front part bends towards the interior and the front in contact with the surface of the partition located behind the front part when the front part approaches the partition surface, thus masking an opening between the front part and the partition for all the relative positions of the front part and the partition from a rest position of the flexible edge to a position where the front part approaches the partition to the maximum, and hence optimizing the aspect of the equipment in all the relative positions of the front part and the partition. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a perspective view of an electric switch. 10 : Electric switch 11 : Mechanism 12 : Front part 15 : Control key 31 : Band-shaped flexible edge.