Hinged Mud Ring Assembly for Electrical Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mud ring assemblies do not provide efficient access to both the front and back of electrical devices during installation and maintenance, often requiring one-hand operation and limited accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A hinged mud ring assembly with a base member and a movable member, featuring multiple hinge features that allow the movable member to pivot between closed and open positions, providing access to the electrical device while securely attaching to a junction box, allowing for two-handed operation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed mud ring assembly is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but access to the back of electrical devices is limited and requires one-hand operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mud ring assembly incorporates a movable member that can pivot between closed and open positions relative to the base member. This dynamic configuration allows the assembly to transition from a fixed protective state to an accessible installation state, enabling two-handed operation and improved access to the back of electrical devices while maintaining structural simplicity when closed
2Ease of operation
If the movable member is always in the open position, then access to the electrical device is easy, but the protective function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member's ability to pivot between closed and open positions allows the system to dynamically switch between protection and accessibility modes. When closed, the movable member covers the opening to protect the electrical device; when opened, it provides full access for installation and maintenance operations
Data Source
AI summary
A mud ring assembly for supporting an electrical device including a base member configured to be coupled to a junction box having a first corner and a second corner. The base member has a perimeter configured to extend around the first corner and not reach the second corner so that the base member is not positioned above the second corner. The mud ring assembly also includes a movable member configured to support the electrical device. The movable member is pivotably connected to the base member and pivotable relative to the base member between a closed position in which a back of the electrical device is enclosed in the junction box and an open position permitting access to the back of the electrical device. The movable member is couplable at a second portion of the junction box to selectively secure the movable member in the closed position.