Mounting Box Adjustment Collar Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting boxes with axially adjustable adjustment collars suffer from unreliable locking mechanisms, causing the adjustment collar to move away from its intended position even when locked.
Innovation Solution
A mounting box design featuring pivotally supported fixing members with contact surfaces that cooperate with counterpart surfaces inside the box case, allowing adjustable attachment and secure locking of the adjustment collar using screws or snap connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used between the adjustment collar and box case, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the locking mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple fixing members (at least two) that are pivotally supported to the adjustment collar. Each fixing member independently engages with the box case through contact surfaces, distributing the locking function across multiple segments rather than relying on a single locking element. This segmentation improves reliability while keeping each individual fixing member relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing members are designed to be pivotable between a disengaged position (where they allow axial movement) and a locking position (where they prevent axial movement). This dynamic capability allows the same component to serve multiple functions: enabling adjustment during installation and providing secure locking during operation. The pivoting action transforms a static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different operational states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustment collar is made axially adjustable, then the adaptability of the mounting box is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the intended axial position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing members transition between a disengaged state (allowing axial adjustment) and a locked state (maintaining position stability). During installation, the fixing members can pivot to the disengaged position, enabling the adjustment collar to be moved axially to the desired location. Once positioned, the fixing members pivot to the locking position, where their contact surfaces engage with the box case to prevent further axial movement, thereby ensuring position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, distinct mechanism (the pivotable fixing members) rather than being integrated into the adjustment collar itself. This allows the adjustment collar to remain simple and adjustable, while the extracted locking mechanism provides the necessary position stability through its engagement with the box case.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting box comprising a box case (2) defining a mounting space, an adjustment collar (4) adapted to be attached to an inside periphery of the mounting space, and attachment means for attaching the adjustment collar (4) to the inside periphery of the mounting space. The attachment means comprises at least one fixing member (6) pivotally supported to the adjustment collar (4) for pivoting between a disengaged position and a locking position, the at least one fixing member (6) comprising a contact surface (64) which is adapted to cooperate with a counterpart surface (24) on the inside periphery of the mounting space in the locking position of the fixing member (6).