Mounting Box With Integral Dual Attachment Members

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting boxes require multiple types and sizes of attachment members to accommodate installation conduits of different diameters, leading to a complex and cumbersome setup for electricians.

Innovation Solution

A mounting box design featuring two integral attachment members per installation aperture, one for smaller and one for larger conduits, made from a single material as a monolithic unit, allowing for easy attachment and secure locking of conduits of varying sizes without the need for multiple components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate attachment members of different sizes are used to accommodate conduits of different diameters, then the mounting box can adapt to various conduit sizes, but the number of component types increases and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different conduit sizesVSAvoidnumber of component types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting box incorporates multiple attachment members with different conduit size capabilities into a single integrated component. The box case includes both a first attachment member for smaller conduits and a second attachment member for larger conduits, allowing one universal mounting box to serve multiple conduit size requirements without needing separate mounting boxes for each conduit type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple attachment members that would traditionally be separate components are merged into a single integrated box case structure. The first and second attachment members are formed as integral parts of the box case, combining what would otherwise require multiple separate parts into one unified component that can be manufactured as a monolithic unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate attachment members are used for different conduit sizes, then various conduit diameters can be accommodated, but the ease of operation decreases due to needing to select and handle multiple component types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different conduit sizesVSAvoidease of attachment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting box is designed as a universal component that handles multiple conduit sizes through integrated attachment members. The electrician needs to handle only one type of mounting box regardless of conduit size, eliminating the need to select from multiple separate attachment member types and simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a monolithic unit is used for the mounting box, then manufacturing is simplified and component types are reduced, but the ability to provide different attachment sizes might be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing as single material unitVSAvoidprovision of different attachment sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple attachment members with different functional characteristics are merged into a single monolithic box case structure. This allows the mounting box to be manufactured as one integrated unit from a single material, simplifying production while still providing differentiated attachment capabilities for various conduit sizes through the integrated design of the attachment members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2821684B1Mounting box
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2821684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP2821684B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP2821684B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A mounting box comprising a box case (2) and attachment means which comprises a first attachment member (4, 14) adapted for attaching a first installation conduit (8) having a first outer diameter to an installation aperture (21) of the box case (2), the first attachment member (4, 14) being adapted to enter at least partially a peripheral groove on an outer surface of the first installation conduit (8). The attachment means further comprises a second attachment member (9, 19) adapted for attaching a second installation conduit (82) having a second outer diameter to said installation aperture (21) of the box case (2), the second attachment member (9, 19) being adapted to enter at least partially a peripheral groove on an outer surface of the second installation conduit (82).