Quick Clip Assembly for Electrical Receptacle Strap Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing a wall plate to an electrical receptacle are time-consuming, requiring complete threading of fasteners through multiple components, which is inefficient in large-scale installations.
Innovation Solution
A quick clip assembly with a resilient member attached to the strap element of the electrical receptacle, allowing for expedited mounting by using the resilient member to engage and flex with the fastener, facilitating secure retention without the need for full threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded fastener is completely threaded through the wall plate, face plate and mounting strap to secure the wall plate to the electrical receptacle, then the wall plate is securely fastened, but a lot of time is required to connect the wall plate to each installed electrical receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-installed on the mounting strap with its free end positioned to engage the fastener. This preliminary positioning allows the fastener to be simply pushed through the aligned openings and immediately engaged by the resilient member, eliminating the time-consuming threading process while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides dynamic engagement with the fastener, allowing the fastener to be inserted without threading and then retained through the flexing action of the resilient member. This dynamic mechanism replaces the static threaded connection, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable securement
2Reliability
If a threaded fastener is used to secure the wall plate to the electrical receptacle, then the connection is secure, but the mounting process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-positioned on the mounting strap to automatically engage the fastener when inserted. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the mounting operation to a simple push-and-rotate action, making the process much easier while maintaining secure connection through the resilient member's engagement
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used for electrical receptacles installed in large quantities, then each connection is secure, but the overall installation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-installed on each mounting strap during manufacturing, so that during bulk installation, installers only need to push the fastener through the aligned openings. This preliminary preparation enables rapid installation across multiple receptacles while maintaining secure connections, dramatically improving overall installation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic resilient member engagement mechanism allows for rapid installation of multiple receptacles. Each fastener can be quickly inserted and engaged without threading, enabling high-volume installations to proceed much faster while ensuring each connection remains secure
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required to secure wall plates to electrical receptacles, enhancing installation efficiency by allowing the fastener to be pushed in and rotated for additional retention, thus streamlining the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is connected to the strap element such that a free end of the resilient member overlies the strap element opening. The free end of the resilient member is adapted to engage and flex when the fastener is inserted through the strap element opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick clip assembly for a strap element of an electrical receptacle is provided that expedites mounting of a wall plate to an electrical receptacle. The strap element is connected to an electrical receptacle and has an opening therein to receive a fastener. A resilient member is connected to the strap element such that a free end of the resilient member overlies the strap element opening. The free end of the resilient member flexes and engages the fastener inserted through the strap element opening without substantial rotation.