Front-Side Wire Locking Mechanism for Wall-Mounted Electrical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accidental release of electrical wires during installation or removal of electric devices from walls or ceilings is common due to the location of locking mechanisms at the back side, leading to malfunction or non-functioning devices.
Innovation Solution
The electric device features a housing with recesses and a frame for fixing to the wall or ceiling, with locking mechanisms for electrical wires located at the front side, including a ridge with apertures and barriers to prevent accidental unlocking, and a snap connection locking mechanism to secure wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism is located at the back side of the electrical socket, then the electrical wires can be locked securely, but the fingers of the user may accidentally touch the locking mechanism during mounting or dismounting, causing loosening or release of the electrical wires
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is inverted from the conventional back-side location to the front-side location of the electrical socket. This inversion allows the locking mechanism to be protected from accidental finger contact during installation, while still providing secure wire locking. The front-side positioning ensures that the locking mechanism is not exposed to accidental touches from the back side during mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover or housing structure acts as an intermediary between the user's fingers and the locking mechanism. This intermediary element prevents direct contact between fingers and the locking mechanism during installation, eliminating the harmful effect of accidental wire release while maintaining the locking function.
2Device complexity
If the locking mechanism is located at the back side of the electrical socket, then the structure is compact, but the installation process becomes complex and error-prone due to accidental wire release
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the locking mechanism to the front side, the patent simplifies the installation process. The locking mechanism becomes accessible and controllable from the front, allowing installers to securely lock wires before final assembly without risk of accidental release from the back side, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged in a preliminary step during installation, before the final assembly is complete. This preliminary locking action secures the wires in place, preventing any subsequent accidental release and simplifying the overall installation process by establishing wire security early.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is exposed at the back side, then it is accessible for wire locking, but it is vulnerable to accidental contact causing wire loosening or release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is relocated from the back side to the front side of the electrical socket. This repositioning maintains accessibility for wire locking operations while eliminating vulnerability to accidental finger contact from the back side during installation, thereby improving wire connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective structure or cover serves as an intermediary that allows controlled access to the locking mechanism while preventing accidental contact. This intermediary element ensures that the locking mechanism remains accessible for intentional wire locking but is protected from unintentional finger contact that could cause wire loosening.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An electric or electronic device (1) for being built into a wall or ceiling comprises a housing front (2a), a housing back (2b), and a frame (11). The housing front (2a) comprises at least two recesses (16) for housing an electric or electronic device function (13). The frame (11) comprises a central opening (17) to receive at least two electric or electronic device functions (13). The housing front (2a) comprises, in between two neighboring recesses (16) and at an outer surface (SI) of a side wall (4) of the housing front (2a), three pairs of apertures (14) for receiving electrical wires (23) for connecting the electric or electronic device (1) to an electrical network. The housing front (2a) further comprises a ridge (19) between every two neighboring recesses (16). The ridge (19) extends towards the frame (11) and comprises apertures (20) to receive electrical wires guided from the three pairs of apertures (14). A locking mechanism (22) is provided in each of the three apertures (20) for locking and unlocking the electrical wires (23).