Modular Retaining Device for Wall Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining devices for plugs in wall openings lack flexibility and modularity, making it difficult to interchange, orient, and expand the number of plugs according to customer requirements, while also inefficiently using installation space and contact density.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with modular elements featuring hexagonal or rectangular through-holes and interface areas, allowing for interchangeable and orientable plugs, with a coding system for precise positioning, and a fastening mechanism that reduces installation space and increases contact density, enabling easy expansion and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mounting plate is used to secure multiple plugs to the same wall opening, then the plugs can be retained, but the device lacks flexibility and modularity for interchange, orientation, and expansion according to customer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is divided into multiple through-holes that can independently receive different modular elements. Each through-hole acts as an independent module that can be configured separately, allowing flexible arrangement of plugs while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with universal through-holes that can accommodate various types of modular elements with different interface areas. This allows the same mounting plate structure to serve multiple functions by accepting different plug configurations, orientations, and types without requiring structural modification.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional retaining devices are used, then plugs can be mounted, but installation space is inefficiently used and contact density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface areas are designed with hexagonal or rectangular geometries that optimize spatial arrangement in two dimensions. The hexagonal shape specifically allows for tighter packing and more efficient use of surface area, enabling higher contact density within the same installation space by arranging plugs in optimized geometric patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular elements with different interface areas are used to achieve variety of plugs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different modular elements feature asymmetric interface area designs (hexagonal vs. rectangular, different sizes) that provide unique identification and orientation characteristics. This asymmetry enables easy differentiation and correct positioning of various plug types without requiring complex labeling or identification systems, simplifying the user interface while maintaining high modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a retaining device for retaining a number of plugs and for arranging on a wall passage. In some embodiments, the retaining device comprises a number of substantially identically sized through-holes. In some embodiments, a modular element comprises an outer interface region for receiving the modular element in one of the through-holes. In some embodiments, the modular element comprises an inner interface region for receiving one of the plugs in the modular element.