Flush-Mounted Box With Adjustable Holding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted boxes for electrical connections in concrete structures face challenges with variable concrete coverings, requiring sensitive installation and hindering the attachment of connecting pipes due to metal grids or coupling rails, which limit their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mounted box design featuring adjustable holding elements with coupling means that allow for secure attachment to reinforcement before concreting, enabling use with different concrete coverages and maintaining accessibility for pipe connections through offset positioning and dovetail guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal grids or coupling rails are used to attach flush-mounted boxes to reinforcement, then secure fixation is achieved, but accessibility for pipe connections is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented from the box housing by using separate holding elements that can be independently positioned. These holding elements are attached to the box via coupling means but can be positioned away from pipe connection points, allowing secure fixation without interfering with pipe accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are positioned in a different spatial arrangement relative to the box, extending outward from the housing in directions that do not obstruct side connection pipes. This dimensional separation allows the fixation mechanism to operate independently from the pipe connection zone.
2Ease of operation
If assembly aids are used to attach flush-mounted boxes without nails, then installation sensitivity is reduced, but versatility for variable concrete coverings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are designed to be adjustable in position relative to the box housing through the coupling means. This allows the attachment mechanism to adapt to different concrete covering thicknesses while maintaining easy installation, as the holding elements can be repositioned without requiring different assembly aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means provide a universal attachment mechanism that can accommodate multiple holding element configurations. This single coupling system serves multiple functions: securing the box to reinforcement, allowing adjustment for different concrete covers, and maintaining pipe accessibility, replacing the need for multiple specialized assembly aids.
3Strength
If holding elements are positioned centrally on flush-mounted boxes, then secure attachment is achieved, but pipe connection accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are positioned asymmetrically relative to the box housing, specifically offset from the center and from the side walls where pipes connect. This asymmetric positioning allows the attachment mechanism to function effectively while leaving the pipe connection areas accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the box are assigned different functions: the housing provides pipe connection access points on its sides, while the holding elements positioned away from these areas provide attachment functionality. This local differentiation ensures that each component performs its function without interfering with others.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flush-mounted box comprising a housing with a base and at least one side wall adjoining the base laterally; at least one retaining element projecting laterally from the flush-mounted box for fastening the flush-mounted box, in particular to a reinforcement; and a coupling means for operatively connecting the at least one retaining element.