Modular In-Floor Receptacle Box with Removable Gang-Plate Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-floor receptacle boxes lack the ability to accommodate different types of temporary and permanent cables and wires, and they do not allow for easy internal rearrangement or safe enclosure of high-voltage wiring, posing a tripping hazard and safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A user-configurable in-floor receptacle box with gang-unit holders and dividers that can be rearranged to accommodate various cable configurations, using commonly available gang plates for electrical isolation and safety, and a weight-bearing lid designed to blend with the floor décor and meet safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional floor boxes with fixed chambers are used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different cable configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The floor box is divided into multiple modular chambers that can be independently configured. Each chamber can accommodate different types of connections (power, data, audio/video), allowing the system to adapt to various cable configurations by selectively activating or arranging specific chambers rather than requiring a completely different box design.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor box chambers are designed with universal mounting mechanisms and standardized connection points that can accommodate multiple types of cables and connectors. The same chamber structure can serve different functions (power outlet, data port, audio jack) depending on how receptacles are installed, providing multi-functionality without increasing structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cables are laid across the floor to reach wall receptacles, then the installation is simple, but the safety risk increases due to tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The connection points are extracted from the walls and relocated directly into the floor through embedded receptacles. This removes the need for cables to stretch across the floor surface to reach wall-mounted outlets, eliminating the tripping hazard while keeping cable management simple through dedicated in-floor access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor box acts as an intermediary device between the building's electrical infrastructure and the temporary AV equipment. It provides a centralized location where multiple cable types can be connected to appropriate receptacles, organizing cable pathways and preventing them from lying across the floor where they could cause trips.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If permanent wiring is exposed in floor boxes, then the electrical connections are accessible, but the safety risk increases due to potential electrical injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles and cable connections are nested within the enclosed floor box structure. The permanent wiring is housed inside the box chambers, with receptacles providing controlled access points. This nesting arrangement protects exposed electrical components while maintaining accessibility through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor box provides an enclosed shell structure that contains and protects the permanent wiring. The receptacles act as controlled access points through this protective barrier, allowing electrical connections to be made safely without direct exposure to high-voltage wiring, thus preventing electrical injuries while maintaining operational accessibility.
4Strength
If the floor box lid is made lightweight for easy removal, then the ease of operation improves, but the load-bearing capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be easily removed when needed (for cable access or maintenance) while maintaining high static load-bearing capacity during normal use. The mounting mechanism transitions between a secure locked state for strength and a easily released state for operation, adapting to different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates preliminary release mechanisms (such as latch levers or snap-fit features) that are engaged during installation but can be easily activated later for removal. This preliminary action design allows the lid to maintain full load-bearing capacity during normal operation while enabling simple removal when access is required, without compromising either strength or ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-floor receptacle or electrical conduit box with a compartment divider removably attached to a gang-plate divider, a gang-plate divider removably attached to a gang-unit holder, at least one gang-unit holder removably attached to the inside of the box, and at least one knockout located on each side or floor of the box. The in-floor electrical conduit box enables the connection of permanent cables, wires or cords to temporary cables, wires or cords.The in-floor electrical conduit box further comprises a lid with at least one removable door whereby the removal of the door permits cable access to the box while the box is still covered.