Junction Box Abutment Protrusion Water Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical junction boxes experience water infiltration through the abutment surface due to protrusions extending beyond the upper box section, compromising their waterproof function.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclined surface and a through-hole in the abutment protrusion part of the lower box section, which guides water downwards or outwards, preventing infiltration and enhancing waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the abutment protrusion part extends outwards beyond the upper box section to provide mounting support, then the mechanical support function is improved, but water infiltration through the abutment surface occurs compromising waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a downward slope in the vertical dimension at the outer peripheral portion of the abutment protrusion part. This slope redirects water that would otherwise flow horizontally along the abutment surface into a downward trajectory, causing water to drip off before reaching the sealing interface between the upper and lower box sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of water flowing along the abutment surface into a beneficial drainage function. By designing the outer peripheral portion with a downward slope, the structure that could have been a water pathway becomes a water diversion feature, actively channeling water away from the critical sealing area.
2Ease of manufacture
If the abutment protrusion part has a flat outer surface for mounting, then the mounting function is simplified, but water accumulates and infiltrates through the abutment surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the abutment protrusion part. The inner peripheral portion maintains a substantially flat surface for reliable mounting and sealing, while the outer peripheral portion features a downward slope for water drainage. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the outer peripheral surface of the abutment protrusion part by creating a downward slope. This dimensional change transforms the surface from a two-dimensional flat plane that accumulates water into a three-dimensional profile that actively drains water away from the sealing interface.
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
Effectively prevents water from entering the junction box, ensuring a robust waterproof seal by directing water away from the abutment surface, thereby maintaining the electrical components' protection.
Implementation Method 1
the inclined surface connecting to the abutment surface and being inclined downwards from the abutment surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical junction box includes an upper box section having an opened lower part, and a lower box section whose upper part is open and is mounted to the lower part of the upper box section, wherein the lower box section includes an abutment protrusion part which protrudes from an outer surface of the lower box section and has an abutment surface that abuts against an edge surface of the lower part of the upper box section when the lower box section is mounted to the upper box section. The abutment protrusion part includes an inclined surface at a place where the abutment protrusion part further extends outwards at least than an outer surface of the upper box section in a direction parallel with the abutment surface, the inclined surface connecting to the abutment surface and being inclined downwards from the abutment surface.