Removable Socket Mounting Member for Power Inlet Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power inlet boxes have a fixedly secured socket, limiting space for users to make electrical connections between the socket and building circuits, making it difficult to connect wires due to the tight interior volume.

Innovation Solution

A power inlet box design with a removable socket mounting member that allows electrical wiring to be coupled to the socket before it is secured, featuring a weather-resistant construction with an exposed bottom opening for easy access and a mounting system that allows the socket to be detached from the base for connection, then secured with a cover for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the socket is fixedly secured to the power inlet box, then the structure is stable and simple, but the space for making electrical connections is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for making electrical connectionsVSAvoidsocket mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket mounting structure is divided into separate components: a mounting member with mounting holes and a power inlet box with corresponding recesses. This segmentation allows the socket to be detached from the power inlet box, providing sufficient space for making electrical connections between the socket and building circuits before final installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the socket is fixed in position on the wall, then the installation is simple, but the accessibility for wire connections is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for wire connectionsVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is first installed in a detached state, allowing users to make necessary electrical connections with full accessibility. After connections are completed, the socket is then secured to the power inlet box and mounted to the wall, completing the installation in two stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the power inlet box has a tight interior volume, then the device is compact, but the space for connecting wires to terminals is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior volume of power inlet boxVSAvoidspace for wire connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is extracted from the power inlet box during the connection phase, removing it from the compact interior volume. This allows users to make wire connections in an open, accessible state without being constrained by the tight interior volume of the power inlet box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7766695B1Power inlet box with removable socket mounting member

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 RELIANCE CONTROLS CORPORATION

AI summary

A power inlet box suitable for outdoor or external use is configured in such a manner that an electrical socket may be electrically coupled to an interior load before the electrical socket is secured within the power inlet box. The power inlet box may be formed from weather or otherwise corrosion resistant material such as plastic and is designed such that the electrical socket faces downward toward an exposed lower end of the power inlet box. The electrical socket is supported by a mounting member that may be removably mounted to the power inlet box to secure the electrical socket within the power inlet box.