Junction Box Closure Segments Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation boxes require significant force to break out closure segments, risking deformation and damage, and are difficult to access for accurate pivoting, especially when installed in floors or ceilings.
Innovation Solution
The design features closure segments that can be pivoted relative to their outer partners without breaking initially, with ductile connecting webs allowing plastic deformation and multiple pivoting before breaking, and a recess for free pivoting without offsetting partners, enabling easy and intuitive adjustment of installation openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If closure segments are broken out by applying significant force, then installation openings are created, but the installation box risks deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting webs are designed to transition from a rigid state during installation to a ductile state during break-out, allowing plastic deformation through torsional stress. This dynamic property change enables the closure segments to be removed by pivoting motion rather than direct force application, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting webs are designed with specific geometric parameters (width, thickness, length) that change their mechanical behavior under stress. By optimizing these parameters, the connecting webs become ductile under torsional stress, allowing the closure segments to be broken out by pivoting rather than by applying significant force, thus preventing deformation of the installation box.
2Ease of operation
If closure segments are broken out by pivoting, then installation openings are created, but the installer must be very clear about the pivoting direction to avoid cutting out the wrong closure segment
Solution Approach 1:
The closure segments are designed with asymmetric features including slots positioned at specific locations and connecting webs with different orientations. The outer closure segment has slots that guide the pivoting direction, while the inner closure segment has slots positioned to work with the outer segment's geometry. This asymmetric design provides intuitive visual and tactile cues that guide the installer in the correct pivoting direction, reducing the cognitive load and complexity of the operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple closure segments are provided for different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure segments are designed in a nested configuration where the inner closure segment is positioned within the outer closure segment. Both segments share common connecting webs that connect them to their respective outer partners. This nested design allows multiple closure segments to be integrated into a unified structure rather than separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting webs serve multiple functions: they connect the inner closure segment to the outer closure segment, connect the outer closure segment to the installation box wall, and provide the pivot axis for breaking out both segments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while enabling adaptability to different cable or pipe diameters through selective break-out of either the inner or outer closure segment.
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
This solution reduces the risk of deformation, allows easy and quick opening of installation openings, and enables multiple uses for different diameters without damaging the installation box, facilitating easier installation and access in challenging locations.
Implementation Method 1
ductile connecting webs allowing plastic deformation and multiple pivoting before breaking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A junction box 1 with at least one installation opening 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 for inserting a conduit or cable is described, wherein the installation opening 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 is closed in the delivered state by several nested closure segments 8, 9, 10, wherein at least two closure segments 8, 9, 10 are connected to their respective outer partners 9, 10, 4 by means of two connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a, each forming a pivot axis 14, 15, 16, and the pivot axes 14, 15, 16 formed by the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a extend between different partners in the circumferential direction of the installation opening 7, 7.1, 7.3. 7.2, 7.3 are arranged at an angle to each other, wherein a circumferential recess 17, 18, 19, interrupted by the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a, is provided between each closure segment 8, 9, 10 and its respective outer partner 9, 10, 4, and wherein the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a are designed to be ductile with respect to torsional movement, so that each closure segment 8, 9, 10 is pivotable relative to its outer partner 9, 10, 4 about the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a and the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 13, 13a are opened to open an installation opening 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 12a, 13, 13a of a closure segment 8, 9, 10 can be severed as a result of a pivoting movement 21, 21a exerting a torsion on the connecting webs 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a.