In-floor Electrical Fitting with Detachable Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern in-floor electrical fittings, particularly poke-thru fittings, need to be reconfigurable to accommodate changing wiring needs while maintaining compliance with UL safety requirements, such as withstanding 50 lbs of pulling force without dislodging from the floor.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a body with detachable retention clips that can be repositioned and an upper portion with a reconfigurable angular position relative to the lower portion, allowing for multiple orientations and easy installation/uninstallation, along with a cover mechanism that automatically locks to secure the compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fitting is made reconfigurable with detachable retention clips, then adaptability to changing wiring needs is improved, but the risk of dislodgement and compliance with UL safety requirements may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate detachable retention clips that can be independently removed and repositioned. Each clip has a specific engagement geometry with the body that ensures proper reinstallation, allowing the fitting to be reconfigured while maintaining secure attachment when properly assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clips are designed to be movable between an installed position (engaged with the body) and a removed position (disengaged from the body). This dynamic capability allows the fitting to transition between fixed and reconfigurable states, enabling adaptation to changing wiring needs while ensuring secure retention during proper installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper portion is made reconfigurable with multiple orientations, then adaptability to different wiring standards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into a lower portion and an upper portion that can be independently positioned. The upper portion can be rotated to different angular orientations (e.g., 0 degrees or 180 degrees) relative to the lower portion, allowing adaptation to different wiring standards without requiring complete redesign of the entire fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position of the upper portion is made reconfigurable relative to the lower portion, allowing it to be positioned in at least two distinct orientations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the fitting to adapt to different wiring configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If detachable retention clips are used for easy installation and uninstallation, then ease of operation is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented into separate detachable retention clips rather than using a fixed integrated retention system. Each clip can be independently accessed through openings in the flange, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation while maintaining a manageable number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable retention clips act as intermediaries between the fitting body and the installation hole. They provide the retention function while being accessible through openings in the flange, allowing for easy installation and uninstallation without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-floor electrical fitting includes a lower body, an upper body detachably connected to the lower body, and at least one detachable retention clip movable between a first position in which a portion of the at least one detachable retention clip extends outwardly past a periphery of the body and a second position in which the portion of the at least one detachable retention clip is moved inward from the periphery of the body. An angular position of the upper body may be reconfigurable relative to the lower body into at least two different orientations.