Height Adjustable Floor Box Asymmetric Groove Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor boxes lack the ability to securely lock the installation frame in a fixed position relative to the base plate, allowing for potential accidental disengagement and instability under weight.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of grooved rods and locking members with a hook part and support part that engage in a groove, utilizing an elastically deformable tongue mechanism to lock the installation frame at a determined height, preventing reverse movement and ensuring stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If locking members with teeth engage on notched rods like quarter-turn screws, then the installation frame can be easily positioned and locked at different heights, but the locking members cannot block the sinking of the installation frame towards the base plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustmentVSAvoidlocking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rod features asymmetric grooves with different orientations (first groove at 45 degrees, second groove at 135 degrees relative to the vertical axis), while the locking member has corresponding asymmetric engagement surfaces. This asymmetric geometry allows the locking member to engage securely in the upward direction while preventing downward sinking, resolving the contradiction between ease of height adjustment and locking stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a simple radial engagement (like quarter-turn screws) to a multi-dimensional engagement system where the locking member interacts with grooves in multiple orientations. The first and second grooves engage different surfaces of the locking member, creating a three-dimensional locking mechanism that provides both height adjustability and sinking prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the installation frame projects slightly above the ground surface, then it prevents accidental bumping, but it must still support the weight of individuals stepping on it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebumping preventionVSAvoidweight support
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The floor box employs composite construction with a base plate, vertical uprights, and a reinforcement element forming a integrated structure. The combination of these components creates a load-bearing system that can support significant weight while maintaining a low profile that prevents tripping hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element is pre-installed within the base plate structure before the final assembly is completed. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that the installation frame has sufficient load-bearing capacity from the outset, allowing it to safely support weight while maintaining the desired low projection above ground level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively secures the installation frame to the base plate, preventing accidental disengagement and ensuring stability under weight, while allowing for adjustable height and easy installation.

Implementation Method 1

a locking member (220; 270; 280) mounted on said installation frame (200) in a releasably engaged manner on said grooved rod (131)... an elastically deformable tongue (230; 263; 293)... blocking means (230; 263; 293) of the attachment part (271; 281) in the engaged position in the groove of the grooved rod (131)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2422416B1Height adjustable floor box
Publication Date: 2017.02.01 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2422416B1 patent drawing
  • EP2422416B1 patent drawing
  • EP2422416B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a ground box (1) comprising: a base (100) including a plate (110) to be anchored in the ground; an installation frame (200) to be attached to said base (100); and means for securing the installation frame (200) at an adjustable height onto said base (100), that comprises a notched rod (131) extending from said plate towards the installation frame, a locking member (220) having a catch portion (221) to be engaged into a notch of said notched rod and comprising a bearing portion (222) connected to said catch portion for engaging said catch portion into the notch. According to the invention, the installation frame comprises means (230) for blocking the catch portion of the locking member in an engaged position in the notch of the notched rod.