Resilient Mounting Bracket for T-Grid Electrical Boxes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for electrical boxes on T-grid ceiling structures face challenges in securing the brackets without fasteners, leading to difficult installations and low retention strength, requiring multiple bracket sizes to accommodate varying stem lengths.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a unitary mounting bracket with resilient support members and contact members that slidably engage the T-grid stem, allowing secure attachment without additional hardware, and enabling easy assembly and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mounting brackets are used to secure electrical boxes to T-grid ceiling structures, then the brackets can be installed on ceiling members, but the installation becomes difficult and retention strength is low when fasteners are avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates resilient support members that can flex and adapt during installation, allowing the bracket to dynamically engage with the T-grid ceiling member. This dynamic capability enables secure retention without requiring fasteners, as the resilient members can deform to accommodate installation variations while maintaining strong engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design changes the physical state of the support members from rigid to resilient, allowing them to undergo elastic deformation. This parameter change enables the support members to flex during installation and engagement, providing both ease of installation and reliable retention strength without fasteners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bracket sizes are used to accommodate varying stem lengths of T-grid ceiling members, then different stem lengths can be accommodated, but inventory management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can accommodate T-grid ceiling members with varying stem lengths. The resilient support members can adjust their engagement position along the stem, allowing a single bracket design to serve multiple stem length requirements, thereby simplifying inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as separate, resilient components that can independently adjust their position and engagement point on the T-grid stem. This segmentation allows each support member to adapt to different stem lengths while maintaining a unified bracket structure, enabling versatility without requiring multiple bracket sizes.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting systems require additional fasteners and hardware, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates the support members and engagement features into a single unified component. The resilient support members are incorporated directly into the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and hardware. This merging maintains secure attachment capability while reducing the total number of components and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient support members are designed to self-adjust and self-engage with the T-grid ceiling member during installation. The elastic deformation and recovery of the support members automatically secure the bracket without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, achieving secure attachment with minimal components.
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
The system provides enhanced retention and ease of installation for electrical boxes on T-grid structures across various stem lengths, reducing the need for multiple bracket sizes and simplifying inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
The second support member can be connected to the first support member by a first arm and a second arm so that the first and second support members are resiliently movable relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket system for securing an electrical box and other components to a ceiling structure can include a support structure and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can include a first support member and a second support member that define a support channel for slidably receiving the ceiling member. The mounting bracket can further include a first contact member and a second contact member that extend from the second support member and define a contact channel to slidably receive the attachment end of the support structure.