Shallow Electrical Box Assembly with Rotatable Flags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical boxes are too deep to fit within shallow wall cavities formed by furring strips, making it difficult to mount electrical devices like wall-mountable flat panel televisions without extending outward from the wall surface.
Innovation Solution
An electrical box and frame assembly with a narrow depth box member, a receptacle frame, and a trim plate that allows for easy installation within shallow wall cavities, using rotatable flags for secure mounting and enabling the use of duplex receptacles, and a second assembly for powering devices without disrupting the wall surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional electrical boxes are used, then they provide adequate depth for electrical components, but they cannot fit within shallow wall cavities formed by furring strips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the depth parameter of the electrical box to create a shallow design that fits within narrow wall cavities formed by furring strips, while still accommodating electrical components through lateral arrangement
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical boxes are used in shallow wall cavities, then they can accommodate electrical components, but they extend outward from the wall surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the depth parameter of the electrical box to minimize projection from the wall surface, while compensating by increasing the lateral dimensions to accommodate electrical components within the shallow cavity
3Area of stationary object
If electrical components are mounted in shallow wall cavities, then floor space is maximized, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical box into modular components including a shallow box body, receptacle frame, and trim plate that can be assembled in place, simplifying installation in shallow wall cavities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nested structures where the receptacle frame fits within the box cavity, and the trim plate covers the frame, creating a compact assembly that simplifies installation while maintaining aesthetic appearance
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box and frame assembly for mounting an electrical component such as a duplex receptacle in a shallow wall cavity. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a receptacle frame adapted to receive an electrical component, and a trim plate. The box member includes rotatable flags to enable simple wall installation in old or new work situations. The box member includes sidewalls and a back wall that form a mounting cavity. The sidewalls of the box member include a narrow depth to fit within a shallow wall cavity. The receptacle frame nests substantially within the cavity of the box member and the trim plate secures over the receptacle frame and is mounted to the box member. The receptacle frame secures the duplex receptacle sideways with respect to the box member and wall cavity thereby enabling the electrical box and frame assembly to be mounted in shallow wall cavity.