Optical Termination Box Mount With Deformable Snap-Fit Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for optical termination boxes increase the overall thickness when attached to wall mounting elements, making them thicker than desired and complicating installation due to the need for screws or other attaching members.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a resilient deformable frame that reversibly switches between undeformed and deformed configurations, allowing for attachment to optical termination boxes and wall mounting elements without increasing the box's thickness, using first and second attachment members that move antagonistically upon force application to engage with the box and mounting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support device with attachment members is used to attach an optical termination box to a wall mounting element, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the overall thickness of the optical termination box increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are nested within the support device frame structure, with the resilient walls containing the attachment members inside the frame's volumetric space. This nesting allows the attachment functionality to be integrated without adding external thickness to the optical termination box.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment members utilize the depth dimension of the support device frame rather than extending in the thickness direction. By arranging attachment members along the depth axis and using resilient wall deformation, the system achieves reliable attachment without increasing the box's projection from the wall.
2Strength
If traditional support devices with rigid frames are used, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates due to the need for screws or attaching members
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates resilient walls that can dynamically deform during installation and then return to their original shape to secure the optical termination box. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for screws while maintaining structural strength through elastic deformation and recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient walls automatically perform the attachment function through their own elastic deformation when the optical termination box is inserted. The frame's resilient structure self-activates to clamp and secure the box without requiring external fastening operations or additional attaching members.
3Ease of operation
If the support device uses a deformable frame with resilient walls, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame utilizes thin resilient wall structures that provide the necessary deformation capability while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible walls are engineered with appropriate thickness and material properties to achieve the desired elasticity without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a thin, compact optical termination box installation with reduced thickness and simplified attachment operations by using a deformable frame that securely attaches to various wall mounting elements without additional thickness, enhancing installation ease and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable portion of the frame allows the frame to reversibly switch between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration upon application and release of forces on the walls of the frame
Implementation Method 2
The attachment members are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portion of the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
A support device (1) for attaching an optical termination box (100) to a wall mounting element (201, 220), the support device comprising a frame (2) having one or more walls (3), the walls (3) defining an opening (4) and surrounding the opening (4), attachment members projecting from the frame (2) and comprising first attachment members (6) configured to attach the frame (2) to the optical termination box (100) and second or third attachment members (7, 8) configured to attach the frame (2) to the wall mounting element (201, 220). At least one wall (3) has a resiliently deformable portion and the first attachment members (6) are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portion.