Modular Electrical Assembly With Orthogonal Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing multiple electrical equipment modules in a wall are cumbersome, particularly when trying to place them side by side or one above the other, as they require complex modifications to the wall structure and are not easily adaptable to hollow partitions or changing configurations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves two modular electrical equipment bases with orthogonal sets of electrical contacts and a connection strip that allows for easy connection along either horizontal or vertical directions without altering the module orientations, using retractable hooking means and adjustable fixing mechanisms to secure the modules directly to the wall, eliminating the need for extensive oblong openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional installation methods using oblong openings and multi-station boxes are used, then multiple modules can be installed side by side, but the installation process becomes long and tedious requiring multiple tools and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the installation system into independent modular units, each with its own circular opening and fixing mechanism. Instead of creating one large oblong opening for multiple modules, each module is installed separately through its own circular opening, allowing parallel installation and reducing overall installation time while maintaining placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing means are pre-integrated into each module base during manufacturing, including the retractable hooks and positioning elements. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of fixing components and reduces installation steps, directly addressing the time-consuming nature of conventional installation methods.
2Ease of operation
If modules are fixed directly to the wall without engagement in wall cavities, then installation is simpler, but the modules form large extra thicknesses that are unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means incorporate retractable hooks that can dynamically adjust their position. During installation, the hooks extend to engage with the wall structure from the rear, providing secure mounting. When retracted, they minimize the module's protrusion from the wall surface, achieving both easy installation and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is nested within the module base structure itself, with the retractable hooks stored inside the base and deployed only when needed for wall engagement. This integration eliminates the need for separate external mounting brackets that would increase protrusion, maintaining a sleek appearance while simplifying installation.
3Strength
If screwing operations are used to center modules, then modules can be securely fixed, but perfect centering along a horizontal axis becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable hooks and positioning elements are designed to automatically self-align and center the module during the installation process. As the module is approached to the wall, the positioning elements engage with corresponding features in the wall opening, automatically establishing correct horizontal and vertical alignment without requiring manual measurement or adjustment, thus achieving perfect centering while maintaining strong fixation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If existing modules are installed on the wall, then the wall structure is modified, but adding a new module requires removing an existing one to connect a new strip
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is designed as a completely independent unit with its own circular opening, fixing mechanism, and electrical connections. This segmentation allows modules to be installed, removed, or added independently without affecting the structural integrity or electrical connections of other modules, enabling easy expansion of the system while maintaining wall structure stability.
5Ease of manufacture
If modules are placed in horizontal lines only, then installation is simplified, but vertical placement along a vertical line is not possible without rotating modules 90 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The module base and fixing mechanism are designed with universal symmetry that allows identical installation procedures for both horizontal and vertical orientations. The circular opening and radially arranged positioning elements work equally well regardless of the module's rotational orientation, enabling installers to place modules in any orientation (horizontal or vertical) using the same installation method, eliminating the need to rotate modules or use different fixing mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly of electrical appliances to be mounted in a wall (1), comprising: two different modules (100, 200), each comprising a base (110, 210) and at least two sets of electrical contacts that can be accessed through the base (110, 210) by means of two sets of openings distributed around two mean directions; and a terminal strip (300) comprising electrical conductors for connecting the contacts of one contact set of one of the bases with the contacts of one contact set of the other base. According to the invention, the two mean directions are orthogonal.