Receptacle Box Installer with Intermediary Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for installing receptacle boxes are complex, labor-intensive, and costly, lacking a simple method to confirm correct installation before wall coverings are applied, and they often require predetermined measurements.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle box installer device featuring an L-shaped element with a block and recess system that allows for easy attachment and verification of proper installation, using standard attachment means and allowing for interchangeable blocks of various heights to ensure flush alignment with wall coverings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complicated mechanisms or modified receptacle boxes are used to achieve accurate installation, then installation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receptacle box installer as an intermediary tool that mediates between the receptacle box and the wall covering. This installer includes a body with a recess that receives the receptacle box, and a face with notches that engage the wall covering, providing accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanisms or modifications to the receptacle box itself
Solution Approach 2:
The installer is designed to be self-contained with integrated measurement and positioning features. The notches on the face provide predetermined measurements and alignment references, allowing the installer to self-verify correct installation without requiring external measurement tools or complex adjustment mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If predetermined set measurements are used in existing systems, then measurement simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different wall covering thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The face of the installer is segmented into multiple notches at different positions, each representing a predetermined measurement for different wall covering thicknesses. This segmentation allows the user to select the appropriate notch based on the specific wall covering thickness, providing both simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The single installer unit serves multiple functions by incorporating multiple notches that accommodate various wall covering thicknesses. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools for different thicknesses, achieving both ease of operation and versatility
3Productivity
If no verification method is provided before wall covering installation, then installation speed is improved, but the need for rework increases requiring removal of wall coverings
Solution Approach 1:
The installer enables preliminary verification of correct receptacle box positioning before the wall covering is permanently installed. The notches on the face allow the user to check alignment and measurements in advance, confirming proper installation before committing to the final wall covering installation, thereby preventing future rework
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle box installer includes an L-shaped element with a first arm and a second arm, a block attached to an inside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element, and a gap between a side of the block closest to the second arm of the L-shaped element and the second arm of the L-shaped element. A user then inserts the second arm of the L-shaped element into a receptacle box until the gap is filled with an outside wall of the receptacle box. A surface of the block opposite the connection with the first arm of the L-shaped element is contacted with a front surface of a framing member. The receptacle box is then contacted with the framing member. A user then attaches the receptacle box to the framing member using standard attachment means. Once the receptacle box is installed on the framing member, the receptacle box installer is removed from the receptacle box.