Resilient Clamping Mounting Bracket for Junction Box Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting brackets for electrical or communication devices on wall studs lack versatility in accommodating junction boxes of different sizes and orientations, and require manual holding during installation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket design featuring a face plate with multiple box mounting openings and a detachable leg, allowing for secure attachment of junction boxes of various sizes in multiple orientations, and enabling temporary attachment without fasteners, allowing for one-handed installation and adjustment to fit different stud depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mounting bracket is used, then the junction box can be secured to the wall stud, but the installer must manually hold the bracket during installation and it cannot accommodate different junction box sizes or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a resilient clamping flange that can deflect and adapt to different junction box sizes and orientations. The flange's elastic deformation allows the bracket to dynamically adjust its clamping force and position, enabling universal compatibility without manual adjustment while maintaining secure attachment to the wall stud.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with a face plate containing multiple mounting openings arranged in different patterns and orientations. This universal design allows the same bracket to accommodate various junction box sizes and orientations by selecting appropriate opening configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brackets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting bracket design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate junction boxes of different sizes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket face plate is segmented into multiple discrete mounting openings with different configurations. Each opening pattern is optimized for specific junction box sizes and orientations, allowing the installer to select the appropriate segment (opening pattern) for each application. This segmentation provides versatility while keeping the overall bracket structure relatively simple and manufacturable.
3Reliability
If manual holding during installation is required, then the mounting bracket can be securely attached, but the installation process is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clamping flange provides self-aligning and self-retaining functionality during installation. As the bracket approaches the wall stud, the flange automatically deflects to accommodate positioning tolerances and then springs back to engage securely, eliminating the need for manual holding. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable attachment while dramatically improving installation efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single mounting opening configuration is used, then the bracket design is simple, but it cannot attach junction boxes of different sizes in different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The face plate integrates multiple mounting opening configurations into a single universal component. By providing various opening patterns (e.g., single opening, dual openings, triangular patterns) in different orientations on the same face plate, the bracket can universally accommodate different junction box sizes and orientations without requiring multiple specialized brackets, balancing versatility with design simplicity.
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 solution provides a versatile and efficient method for attaching junction boxes of various sizes and orientations, facilitating easier installation by allowing temporary attachment without manual holding and accommodating different stud depths, enhancing stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one clamping flange is resiliently deflectable and is configured to apply a force to the stud to hold the mounting bracket on the stud
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket for mounting a junction box to a stud of a wall includes a face plate having opposite left and right edge margins. The face plate attaches to the junction box. A stud mounting flange is coupled to one of the left and right edge margin of the face plate and engages the stud. At least one clamping flange is coupled to the stud mounting flange and is configured to engage the stud. The at least one clamping flange is resiliently deflectable and applies a force to the stud to hold the mounting bracket on the stud when the mounting bracket is mounted to the stud.