Plastic Ladder Track Box Fixing System with Self-Locking Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for mounting electrical boxes on ladder tracks are prone to sharp edges and projections that can cause injuries, are not universally compatible with different ladder track dimensions, and require time-consuming and energy-intensive fitting processes using tools like pliers or hammers, limiting their usability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system comprising a base element with hook members and a locking element, made of plastic, featuring flexible lips and saw-tooth teeth for easy engagement and disengagement, allowing for quick and secure attachment to ladder tracks without the need for additional tools, and designed to be integral with the electrical box for unified production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fixing systems are used to mount boxes on ladder tracks, then the fixing system provides structural strength and durability, but it creates sharp edges and projections that can cause injuries to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, which fundamentally alters the surface characteristics and eliminates sharp edges and projections while maintaining sufficient structural strength for mounting electrical boxes on ladder tracks
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system uses plastic material that combines the necessary mechanical strength with inherent safety characteristics, creating a composite solution that addresses both structural requirements and user safety concerns
2Reliability
If traditional fixing systems with lips are used, then the fixing system can be attached to ladder tracks, but it requires time-consuming and energy-consuming fitting processes using tools like pliers or hammers
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system features self-gripping elements that automatically engage with the ladder track grooves without requiring external tools or manual bending operations, allowing the installer to simply snap the fixing system into place
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is divided into separate functional elements including mounting elements for attachment to the ladder track and positioning elements for securing the electrical box, allowing for simplified installation of each component
3Ease of operation
If fixed-specification fixing systems are used, then the fitting process can be simplified, but the system is not universally compatible with different variants of ladder tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is designed with universal mounting elements that can accommodate different variants of ladder tracks, featuring adjustable and adaptable components that work with various track dimensions and configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system incorporates flexible and adjustable elements that can adapt to different ladder track specifications, allowing the same fixing system to be universally applied across various track variants without requiring tool-assisted adaptation
4Strength
If metal fixing systems are used, then the fixing system provides structural integrity, but it cannot be integral with electrical boxes which are usually made of plastic
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, enabling material compatibility between the fixing system and electrical boxes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through optimized plastic material properties and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system can be produced as an integral single piece with the electrical box, combining the previously separate components into a unified assembly that simplifies installation and ensures material compatibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Fixing system for fixing a box (8) on a longitudinal girder (12) of a ladder track. The system comprises a base element (2) and a locking element (4). The elements have hook members (10) and (14) which are suitable for hooking over the longitudinal girder (12). One of the elements (4) has a slide (16) with teeth (18). The other element (2) has guide members (24) in which the slide (16) can slide in a direction perpendicular to the bottoms of the hook members (10, 14). The base element has lips (20) with teeth (22) which can engage upon the teeth (18) of the slide (16). After the elements (2, 4) have been placed over the longitudinal girder (12), the slide (16) is pushed as far as possible into the guide members (24) . The teeth (18, 22) engaging with each other prevent movement in the opposite direction. The base element (2) can be made of plastic and can be integral with the box (8).