Magnetic Template With Spirit Level For Electrical Installation Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation aids for electrical elements, such as sockets and hollow wall boxes, lack effective means to align these components horizontally, particularly for hollow wall boxes, which complicates their precise positioning during installation.

Innovation Solution

A flat template with a magnetic element and a spirit level, featuring engagement openings for screw heads and a stop mechanism, allows for horizontal alignment and secure attachment to steel frames, enabling precise positioning and rotationally fixed connection of electrical elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a template is used for aligning electrical installation elements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to align cavity wall boxes horizontally is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidalignment capability for cavity wall boxes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element is designed to be movable relative to the template, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the edge. This dynamic configuration enables the template to adapt to different alignment requirements for various electrical installation elements, including cavity wall boxes, while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system is divided into separate functional components: a template for positioning and a detachable stop element for defining alignment references. This segmentation allows the stop element to be independently positioned or removed based on the specific alignment needs, providing versatility without compromising the template's precision functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a fixed stop structure is used on the template, then alignment reference is improved, but adaptability to different installation scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment referenceVSAvoidadaptability to different scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element can be moved to different positions on the template and removed when not needed, transforming a fixed reference system into a dynamic one. This allows the alignment reference to be adapted to different installation scenarios while maintaining precision when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element is extracted from the template as a separate, detachable component. This extraction allows the stop to be removed when alignment is not required or when a different alignment method is needed, providing flexibility while maintaining the ability to provide precise alignment references when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Facilitates the accurate horizontal alignment and secure installation of electrical elements and hollow wall boxes by providing a stable, adjustable, and rotatable interface, ensuring proper angular positioning and easy marking of installation points.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic element (22) for adhering the template (1) to the installation element (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a spirit level (18) for horizontally aligning the template (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpirit level: Spirit Level

Data Source

PatentEP4177566A1Installation aid for electrical installation elements
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 WOLFCRAFT GMBH
  • EP4177566A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177566A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4177566A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for facilitating the installation of sockets, switch inserts, or other electrical installation elements (25, 30) comprising a template (1), a magnetic element (22) for adhering the template (1) to the installation element (30), and a spirit level (18) for horizontally aligning the template (1). Stops (7) extending in a line may be provided on the back of the template (1). Furthermore, access openings (17) arranged in a line may be provided. Both the stops (7) and the access openings (17) can be used for the horizontal alignment of an installation insert or a cavity wall box (25).