Sliding Bracket for Adjustable Electrical Box Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mounting electrical boxes, especially pre-wired and pre-assembled electrical box assemblies, are inadequate for adjustments at the job site, as they require disassembly and repositioning, which is time-consuming and costly, and do not allow for easy installation or adjustment without removing the electrical device.
Innovation Solution
A bracket with a central channel-shaped recess and end sections that can slide along a mounting bar or rod, allowing for adjustable positioning and securement of electrical boxes, enabling easy installation and adjustment without disassembly, and accommodating both horizontal and vertical mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electrical box is pre-wired or pre-assembled at a remote location, then installation time and costs are reduced, but the ability to adjust the position of the box at the job site is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the electrical box to be dynamically repositioned along the mounting bar after installation. The box can be moved to different positions by sliding it along the bar while maintaining secure attachment, enabling post-installation adjustments without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the bracket body, the sliding mechanism, and the mounting bar. This segmentation allows the box to be independently repositioned along the bar while the bracket remains attached, providing flexibility without requiring complete disassembly of the pre-assembled unit.
2Reliability
If the box is secured to the mounting device with fixed fasteners, then the mounting is stable and secure, but any position adjustment requires removing and reInstalling the electrical device
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static fixed-state to a dynamic adjustable-state. The bracket uses a sliding mechanism with movable fasteners that can be easily released and repositioned along the mounting bar, allowing the box to be securely mounted at one position and easily relocated to another without removing the electrical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electrical box and the mounting bar. It provides a controlled interface that maintains secure attachment while enabling smooth repositioning, eliminating the need for direct fastener removal and reinstallation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting devices are used, then the installation procedure is simple, but pre-assembled components cannot be easily repositioned at the job site
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both simple initial installation and subsequent repositioning operations. It can be quickly installed in its initial position using standard procedures, and later repositioned along the mounting bar without requiring different tools or procedures, making it universally applicable to both installation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a bracket for mounting an electrical box on a mounting bar device. The bracket has a central section having a channel-shaped recess. The bracket also has end sections at opposite ends of the central section. The end section have bar device openings that are generally aligned with the channel-shaped recess of the central section. The bar device openings and the channel-shaped recess are adapted to slidably receive the mounting bar device. The electrical box is secured to the central section of the bracket using a first fastener element. The bracket is secured to the mounting bar device using a second fastener element. The bracket may also be convertible for use in mounting an electrical box on a vertical mounting rod.