Movable Partition Plate for Electrical Box Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical boxes for high and low voltage applications lack a versatile and economical solution for creating equal-sized compartments with easy mounting and minimal interference, especially when a divider is not in use.
Innovation Solution
An electrical box assembly featuring a removable partition plate that can be mounted in different orientations to form two substantially equal size compartments, with a raised portion for a ground screw and a cover member design that stabilizes the partition plate, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without interfering with electrical wiring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed divider is used to separate high and low voltage compartments, then the separation is stable and reliable, but the adaptability to different wiring configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different locations within the electrical box. The plate can be inserted into different slots or positioned against different walls of the box, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the compartments to accommodate various wiring devices and configurations while maintaining reliable separation between high and low voltage areas.
2Volume of stationary object
If a partition plate is designed to create equal-sized compartments, then the space utilization is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate incorporates integrated mounting features such as tabs, slots, or screw holes that are segmented into discrete attachment points. These mounting elements are built directly into the partition plate structure itself, allowing for straightforward installation into the electrical box without requiring separate mounting brackets or complex assembly procedures. The segmentation of the mounting features enables easy positioning and secure attachment while maintaining the equal-sized compartment design.
3Reliability
If a divider intersects the entire interior volume including knockouts, then the compartment separation is complete, but the wiring accessibility through knockouts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate is designed with varying properties at different locations: in areas where knockouts are present, the plate is configured to accommodate wire passage through openings or gaps that align with the knockout positions, allowing wiring to pass through easily. In areas between knockouts, the plate provides complete separation to maintain compartment integrity. This local variation in the partition plate's structure optimizes both separation effectiveness and wiring accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box, a movable partition plate, and a cover having an opening for receiving and supporting an electrical wiring device such as a switch or duplex receptacle. The electrical box has a rear wall with a centrally located emboss having a plurality of screw holes for receiving a ground screw and ground wire. The partition plate has a recess for mating with the emboss and a top end for coupling with the cover member. The partition plate and cover member are adapted for coupling to the electrical box in different orientations so that the partition plate divides the electrical box into substantially equal size compartments for receiving high voltage and low voltage requirements.