Mounting Box Awning Diverts Moisture During Construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing wirelessly controlled actuators in walls during the structural construction phase are time-consuming and require multiple expert interventions, as they are sensitive to moisture and liquids, and the electrical devices are not protected from weather conditions and finishing materials during this phase.
Innovation Solution
A mounting box design that includes an outer body with a cylindrical shaft and an inner body with an awning to divert moisture and finishing materials away from the electrical device, allowing the installation of the actuator during the structural construction phase, reducing the need for multiple expert visits and protecting the device from environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical devices are installed during the structural construction phase, then the construction time is reduced and early testing is enabled, but the electrical devices are exposed to moisture and weather conditions which they are sensitive to
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting box is divided into an outer body and an inner body, creating separate zones. The outer body protects against external moisture during construction, while the inner body provides an additional protective layer for the electrical device. This segmentation allows early installation during construction phase while maintaining protection against harmful moisture exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting box is designed with protective features before the electrical device is installed, including the outer body that shields against construction-phase moisture and weather conditions. The awning structure is pre-configured to divert water away from openings, providing beforehand cushioning against harmful factors before the device becomes vulnerable.
2Reliability
If multiple expert interventions are used for installation, then the electrical device is properly installed with correct wiring, but the installation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting box is pre-assembled with the inner body, awning, and opening structures before installation into the wall cavity. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the electrical device is installed, the protective framework is already in place, reducing the need for multiple expert interventions and subsequent visits, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting box has openings for electrical wires, then wiring installation is enabled, but moisture and finishing materials can penetrate into the inner body
Solution Approach 1:
The awning structure acts as an intermediary element between the opening (which allows wire passage) and the inner body (which must remain protected). The awning diverts moisture and finishing materials away from the opening, mediating between the need for wiring accessibility and the need to prevent moisture penetration into the inner body.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting box structure has different properties in different locations: the outer body provides robust protection against external moisture, the awning provides localized water diversion at the opening area, and the inner body provides targeted protection for the electrical device. This local quality differentiation allows wiring accessibility where needed while maintaining protection where vulnerable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mounting box (1) for mounting a wirelessly controllable actuator for home electronics systems into a cavity (3) of a wall (4), the mounting box (1) comprising: an outer body (6) as well as an inner body (28) that is mountable into the outer body and that comprises the actuator, wherein the at least one sidewall (9) of the inner body (28) comprises an opening (15) through which, in use, the electrical wires (14) are connected to the electrical device (2), wherein the inner body (28) is further provided with an awning (17) positioned in such a way relative to the inner walls (16) that liquid reaching the inner body (28) through an opening (13) in the outer body (6) is led away from the opening (15) in the sidewall (9) of the inner body (28).