Service Box Frame With Interspace For Closure Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical and plumbing service box frames are inflexible and do not allow for the application of an additional closure panel, limiting their functionality and compatibility with regulations that require the use of the service box's own closure panel.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a central opening and a closure panel that uses fastening means such as Velcro or magnets to create a removable and firm connection, allowing the service box's own closure panel to be applied, while maintaining easy removability and applicability, and providing an interspace for the panel's housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frame is applied around the service box to fasten it into the wall, then the service box is securely installed and leveled with the wall, but the closure panel of the service box cannot be applied due to lack of space
Solution Approach 1:
The closure panel is nested within the frame structure by creating an interspace between the panel and the front face of the frame. This allows the closure panel to be housed inside the frame's perimeter, enabling both the frame to secure the service box and the closure panel to be applied simultaneously without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the closure panel from a potential conflict in the frontal plane to a different spatial arrangement by positioning it in an interspace dimension. The panel is arranged to lean on the inner surface of the frame rather than being flush with the front face, creating a stepped configuration that resolves the spatial conflict.
2Reliability
If the closure panel is housed within the frame cavity, then the frame provides containment, but the panel becomes hardly removable and dust accumulates in the cavity walls
Solution Approach 1:
The closure panel is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be removable rather than fixed. The panel can be detached from the frame when needed and reattached, providing flexibility for maintenance and cleaning operations while maintaining containment during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure panel is extracted from a completely fixed position within the cavity and positioned instead on the inner surface of the frame at a defined distance. This extraction allows the panel to be removed and reinstalled while still maintaining its containment function when in place.
3Reliability
If a specific manufacturing process is used to apply the finishing plate, then the plate can be securely attached, but the construction becomes complex and requires specialized manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the frame structure with its inner surface and the closure panel with mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it fastens the service box to the wall, provides a mounting surface for the closure panel, and creates the interspace for panel placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized manufacturing processes for different components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the frame forms a perimeter edge perpendicular to the frame, then the closure panel has an abutment surface, but the panel cannot be removed easily
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's inner surface provides the abutment function locally where the closure panel contacts it, while other portions of the frame maintain their structural functions. This localized approach allows the panel to have a defined abutment surface for stable mounting while preserving removability through appropriate fastening mechanisms.
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 enables flexible application of the service box's closure panel, ensuring a firm and removable connection without mechanical interference, reducing dust accumulation, and allowing for seamless integration with existing service boxes, enhancing usability and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The panel is equipped with a magnet which holds a corresponding opposite magnet arranged on the abutment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame suitable for being arranged onto an electrical and/or plumbing service box (110) equipped with an access opening (140), said frame comprising: - An annular surface (2, 4, 6) delimiting a central opening (100) of the frame; - An annular wall (3) which stands in substantially vertical manner from said annular abutment surface (6) so as to form a containment frame within which a closure panel (50) of the opening (100) can be applied; - A closure panel (50) of the opening (100); - Fastening elements (10, 10') for fastening said closure panel (50) in removable manner inside said frame; - According to the invention, raising elements (10, 10') are further comprised, configured for maintaining the closure panel (50) at a predetermined distance with respect to the annular surface (2, 4, 5, 6) so as to generate an interspace (60) suitable for housing the closure panel (140) belonging to the electrical service box onto which the frame is configured to be applied in use.