Flush-Mounted Installation Box With Integrated Spirit Level

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation boxes require additional tools and manual effort for alignment during flush-mounted installation, which complicates the assembly process and increases labor costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a visible spirit level on the installation box that can be used as a template from the back, allowing for horizontal and vertical alignment without additional tools, and providing recesses or slots for marking the wall to outline the box's profile, enabling precise cutting of the opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a spirit level is added to the installation box, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the installation box with a spirit level and marking aids into a single integrated unit. The spirit level is embedded in the back plate of the installation box, and marking slots are incorporated into the flange structure, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools and reducing overall system complexity despite adding measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation box serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting structure, includes built-in spirit levels for horizontal and vertical alignment, incorporates marking slots for outlining the opening, and provides fastening points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment tools and marking devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If marking slots are added to the flange, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The marking slots are pre-formed during the manufacturing of the installation box, allowing precise marking positions to be established in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures accurate outlining of the wall opening without requiring complex manual measurement and marking procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the spirit level is made visible from the front, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of alignment deviceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back plate serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for mounting the installation box and incorporates the spirit level for alignment. The spirit level is positioned and oriented to be visible from the front, allowing users to check alignment while viewing the front of the box, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for extra tools, reducing manual labor, and ensuring accurate alignment and cutting of the installation opening, while the additional cost of the spirit level is offset by savings in manual work and increased efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The spirit level is provided in order to be able to align the installation box during its attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpirit level: Spirit Level

Data Source

PatentEP2181571B1Installation cabinet and method for producing a place for an installation cabinet
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2181571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2181571B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a meter or distributor cabinet of an electric building installation that is provided with a spirit level (2) for aligning the cabinet (1) horizontally or vertically. In a cabinet (1) that is flush-mounted, the spirit level (2) can be seen from the front side and the rear side of the cabinet and is arranged close to the edge of the cabinet. Said cabinet (1) comprises recesses and characteristics (10, 11) that are arranged in or on a flange (8) of the cabinet (1) that is against the wall and which is used to mark the vertical or horizontal position of its four lateral walls on one wall.