Receptacle Mount Preventing Wall Recess for Electrical Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall mount systems for electrical boxes often require recessing the box into the wall, which can compromise the integrity of exterior protective materials like siding or cladding and create vulnerabilities to moisture ingress, while also being aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle assembly featuring a mount with a flange and deck configuration that allows the electrical box to be attached entirely between the hood and flange, preventing recession into the wall and integrating a face block for aesthetic matching with siding or cladding, along with secure locking mechanisms for adjustability and moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical box is recessed into the wall to be mounted, then the mounting stability is improved, but the integrity of exterior protective materials is compromised and moisture ingress vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional recessed mounting approach (one-dimensional wall penetration) to a surface-mounted approach using a flange that extends laterally from the wall surface. This dimensional change allows the electrical box to be securely mounted without compromising the wall's protective materials, as the flange provides a stable mounting base on the wall surface while the electrical box remains positioned in front of the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flange as an intermediary component between the wall and the electrical box. This flange serves as a mediator that provides mounting stability through its lateral extension and fastening capability while preventing direct contact between the electrical box and the wall structure, thereby preserving the integrity of exterior protective materials and blocking moisture ingress pathways.
2Shape
If the electrical box is recessed into the wall, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the integrity of exterior materials is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flange that extends laterally from the wall surface in a direction perpendicular to the wall, creating a surface-mounted configuration. This dimensional approach allows the electrical box to be securely positioned while maintaining the continuous protective layer of exterior materials, thus preserving both aesthetic appearance and material integrity without requiring wall penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary element that bridges the wall and the electrical box. It provides a mounting surface that maintains the aesthetic continuity of the wall by avoiding visible recesses or penetrations, while simultaneously preserving the structural integrity and protective function of exterior materials through its surface-mounted configuration.
3Strength
If a flange and deck configuration is used to prevent recession into the wall, then the integrity of exterior materials is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange and deck into an integrated mounting structure that works together as a unified system. The flange provides lateral extension for mounting stability, while the deck provides a surface for attaching the electrical box, and together they eliminate the need for wall recession while maintaining exterior material integrity through their coordinated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange-deck configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mounting stability through lateral extension, creates a secure attachment surface for the electrical box, prevents recession into the wall, and maintains the integrity of exterior protective materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle assembly for attachment to a mounting surface is provided and includes a receptacle mount having a flange attachable to the mounting surface. A deck of the receptacle mount extends from the flange opposite the mounting surface and a hood extends from the deck opposite the mounting surface. An electrical box is attachable to the rearward side of the receptacle mount and is disposed entirely between a forward edge of the hood and a back of the flange of the receptacle mount, such that none of the electrical box is recessed into the mounting surface.