Sliding Junction Box Lid Locking Without Multiple Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of traditional junction boxes is time-consuming and cumbersome due to the need for multiple fasteners to secure the lid, which can lead to errors and compromised integrity if hardware is misplaced or forgotten.
Innovation Solution
A junction box design featuring a lid that slides along a wall to secure into a closed position without the need for drilling or screwing fasteners, utilizing a spacer to prevent reverse sliding and a pin-slot mechanism for secure locking, allowing for easy installation and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the lid to the junction box, then the lid is securely attached, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional multiple fastener system from the junction box lid assembly. Instead of requiring multiple screws or clips, the invention extracts the fastening function entirely by using the lid's own weight and a simple latch mechanism that engages with the box body, eliminating the time-consuming process of installing and removing multiple fasteners while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be self-securing through its weight and a simple latch engagement. When the lid is placed on the box, it automatically engages with the latch mechanism, requiring no additional fasteners or tools for installation. The lid serves its own fastening function, eliminating the need for external fastening components and reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the lid, then the lid is firmly attached, but the complexity of matching hardware to positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hardware assembly requirement by extracting the traditional multiple fastener system. The lid and box are designed with complementary latch features that engage automatically, eliminating the need for installers to match multiple screws, washers, and fasteners to specific positions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The latch mechanism automatically engages when the lid is placed on the box, requiring no complex hardware matching or precise positioning by the installer. The system serves itself by using the lid's weight and geometry to ensure proper engagement, eliminating hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are required, then the lid is securely fixed, but the process of collecting and retaining fasteners becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for collecting and retaining fasteners by extracting the traditional multiple fastener system. The lid uses a latch mechanism that is either integral to the lid or box structure, eliminating separate hardware components that would need to be collected and retained. This simplifies the removal and reset process, maintaining secure attachment without the burden of hardware management.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-securing latch mechanism is designed to be easily engaged and disengaged without requiring the collection or retention of hardware components. The lid can be removed and reset by simply manipulating the latch, which is integrated into the lid or box structure, eliminating the need to track down and reattach multiple fasteners, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
AI summary
Junction box devices, systems, and methods including a base and a wall extending upward from the base to define a housing having a top opening, and a lid configured to slide in a first direction along the wall to secure the lid into a closed position upon the wall and defining a gap between the wall and lid configured to receive a spacer to prevent the lid from sliding in an opposite direction, and in other aspects the junction box having pins which slide within grooves of a lid to be slid upon the pins to secure the lid to the box.