Snap-on Wiring Device Cover Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted wiring devices require screws for attaching cover plates, which can lead to exposure of screw heads detracting from appearance and potential fracture of plastic cover plates due to over-tightening.
Innovation Solution
A wiring device frame that allows a cover plate to snap on without threaded fasteners, using protrusions on the cover plate and device to securely engage, eliminating the need for screws and openings in the cover plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to attach the cover plate to the wiring device, then the cover plate can be securely fastened, but the screw heads are exposed which detracts from appearance and may cause fracture of plastic cover plates due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screws and threaded openings from the cover plate face, extracting the fastening function to the rear mounting strap where protrusions engage with corresponding recesses. This eliminates exposed screw heads while maintaining secure attachment through the rear-mounted fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protrusions and corresponding recesses as intermediary elements between the cover plate and wiring device. These protrusions extend from the rear surface of the cover plate and engage with recesses in the mounting strap, providing a hidden fastening mechanism that secures the cover plate without visible hardware.
2Reliability
If screws are used to attach the cover plate to the wiring device, then the cover plate can be securely fastened, but the cover plate may fracture due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screws and threaded openings from the cover plate face, extracting the fastening function to the rear mounting strap where protrusions engage with corresponding recesses. This eliminates exposed screw heads while maintaining secure attachment through the rear-mounted fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protrusions and corresponding recesses as intermediary elements between the cover plate and wiring device. These protrusions extend from the rear surface of the cover plate and engage with recesses in the mounting strap, providing a hidden fastening mechanism that secures the cover plate without visible hardware.
3Reliability
If screws and threaded openings are used, then the cover plate can be securely attached, but the installation process requires alignment and tightening which increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the rear surface of the cover plate during manufacturing, and the corresponding recesses are pre-formed on the mounting strap. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for alignment and tightening operations during installation, as the cover plate simply snaps onto the wiring device by pressing the protrusions into the recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism with protrusions and recesses is designed to self-align and self-secure during installation. The cover plate automatically engages with the wiring device when pressed into place, eliminating the need for manual alignment and tightening operations, thereby reducing installation time and effort.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation of a wiring device configured to receive a cover plate which snaps on to a wiring device such as a switch or receptacle. With this invention, openings for threaded fasteners in the face of the cover plate are eliminated. In an embodiment, the cover plate has an opening sized to accommodate a wiring device and supports, on opposing side walls of the opening, at least one protrusion. The protrusions on the cover plate are located to detachably engage corresponding protrusions on the wiring device as the cover plate is pressed onto the wiring device.