Internal Electrical Fitting for Tool-Free Box Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-connect fittings and manual electrical fittings require tools and cannot be installed from inside an electrical box, necessitating the removal and reinstallation of drywall, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electrical fitting with a connector body, external and internal snap rings, and an optional throat liner that allows secure cable attachment from within the electrical box, eliminating the need for tool use and minimizing interior volume occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional quick-connect fittings are used, then rapid cable connection is achieved, but installation from inside the electrical box is impossible requiring drywall removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed to be installed from the interior of the electrical box rather than from the exterior, reversing the conventional installation direction. The base flange with locking tangs engages with the box interior surface, allowing the cable to be secured without accessing the exterior mounting surface that would be covered by drywall.
2Strength
If manual electrical fittings requiring screwdrivers are used, then secure cable attachment is achieved, but tool-free installation from inside the box is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates self-gripping cable retention features where the cable itself is used to actuate the locking mechanism. When the cable is inserted and pulled, it automatically engages the cable retention feature and locking tangs, securing the cable without requiring any external tools or manual manipulation of screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-loaded snap-fit mechanism. The resilient base flange with locking tangs provides automatic engagement and retention through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and screwdrivers while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If conventional fittings are installed from the exterior, then proper cable securing is achieved, but drywall removal and reinstallation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed to be installed from the interior of the electrical box rather than from the exterior, reversing the conventional installation direction. The base flange with locking tangs engages with the box interior surface, allowing the cable to be secured without accessing the exterior mounting surface that would be covered by drywall.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates self-gripping cable retention features where the cable itself is used to actuate the locking mechanism. When the cable is inserted and pulled, it automatically engages the cable retention feature and locking tangs, securing the cable without requiring any external tools or manual manipulation of screws.
4Volume of moving object
If the fitting projects minimally into the box, then interior volume is preserved, but adequate cable retention space must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention mechanism is oriented perpendicular to the direction of fitting projection. The locking tangs extend radially outward from the central axis, engaging the cable in a direction that does not increase the fitting's projection distance into the box interior, thereby preserving volume while maintaining retention strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical fitting adapted for insertion from the interior of an electrical box in order to provide a secure means for attaching an electrical cable to the box. The electrical insider fitting includes a connector body having a leading end, a trailing end, and a base flange on the trailing end. A leading face is included on the base flange and a seat on the connector body adjacent the leading face of the base flange. A snap ring resides in the seat and includes one or more outward extending locking tangs. The leading end of the connector body includes an internal bore with an internal snap ring secured therein. The internal snap ring includes one or more cable retaining tangs for engaging and securing an electrical cable to the leading end of the connector body.