Raised Access Floor Box with Partitioned Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved electrical assemblies that can effectively house high voltage and low voltage wiring, with existing solutions lacking in ease of assembly and flexibility in compartment configuration.
Innovation Solution
An electrical box assembly with internal divider plates, device frames, and cover plates that can be assembled through the open end after installation, allowing for the creation of various compartment configurations, including irregularly shaped compartments, to separate high voltage and low voltage wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If partition plates are installed before mounting the electrical box in place, then the compartments can be properly configured, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plates are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently assembled within the electrical box after installation. This segmentation allows the partitioning function to be added in a simple, step-by-step manner rather than requiring complex pre-assembly of multiple components together.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical box is designed with pre-formed compartment spaces and mounting structures that are ready to receive partition plates. This preliminary preparation of the box structure eliminates the need for complex assembly sequences, as only the partition plates need to be installed afterward.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical box is designed with fixed compartment configurations, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in adapting to different wiring needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plates are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable within the electrical box, allowing the compartment configurations to be dynamically changed according to different wiring needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through simple insertion and positioning mechanisms rather than complex adjustable structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical box is designed with universal mounting structures and standardized compartment spaces that can accommodate various partition plate configurations. This universality allows the same basic box design to serve multiple wiring arrangements without requiring custom-manufactured components.
3Reliability
If partition plates extend fully across the electrical box to maximize separation, then wiring safety is improved, but access to knock-outs in the bottom wall becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plates are designed with varying heights and positions in different local areas of the electrical box. In areas where wiring separation is critical, the partitions extend fully, while in areas where access to knock-outs is needed, the partitions are reduced or positioned to allow easy access. This local differentiation optimizes both safety and operability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a plurality of partition plates to divide the electrical box into separate compartments to accommodate high voltage wiring device and low voltage wiring devices. The partition plates generally have an angled portion so that compartments can access a knockout in the bottom wall of the electrical box. A plurality of device frames are positioned above the partition plates and coupled to a central support member in the electrical box and a side wall of the electrical box to support an electrical wiring device in the compartments. A cover plate having a configuration corresponding substantially to the shape of the device frame is attached to the device frame and side wall. The cover plate has an opening adapted to receive the wiring device.