Socket Assembly Bridge Part for Flush-Mounted Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket assemblies with multiple flush-mounting boxes in a wall require complex wiring through sidewalls and hinder the use of fixation means, complicating the mounting and connection of socket bases.

Innovation Solution

A bridge part with electrically conductive paths connects socket functions across adjacent flush-mounting boxes, eliminating the need for wiring through sidewalls and allowing easy fixation of bases without obstructing the fixation means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wires are used to connect socket functions across adjacent flush-mounting boxes, then electrical connection is achieved, but the wiring process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidwiring process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (electrical connection and mechanical bridging) into a single bridge part. The bridge part integrates electrically conductive paths that connect socket functions across adjacent flush-mounting boxes, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge part serves as an intermediary element between adjacent flush-mounting boxes. It provides both structural support and electrical connectivity, acting as a mediator that simplifies the connection process between multiple sockets while maintaining reliable electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wires are routed through sidewalls of flush-mounting boxes, then electrical connection is established, but the fixation means cannot be properly used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidfixation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the electrical connection from a lateral routing through sidewalls to a longitudinal path through the bridge part. The electrically conductive paths are routed through the bridge part's structure rather than penetrating the sidewalls, allowing fixation means to engage with sidewalls without interference from wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the electrical connection function from the mechanical fixation function. The bridge part handles electrical connectivity through its internal conductive paths, while the sidewalls remain dedicated to mechanical fixation, eliminating interference between these two operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flush-mounting boxes are arranged adjacent to each other, then multiple socket functions are provided, but the mounting and wiring process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple socket functionsVSAvoidmounting and wiring time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge part is designed as a universal component that can connect multiple adjacent flush-mounting boxes simultaneously. It provides both structural bridging and electrical connectivity across multiple boxes in a single installation step, reducing the time required for mounting and wiring multiple sockets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge part is pre-configured with electrically conductive paths and connection terminals before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick connection to multiple sockets without requiring complex on-site wiring, significantly reducing mounting and wiring time for multiple adjacent boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3104470B1Socket assembly with multiple flush-mounting boxes
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 NIKO NV
  • EP3104470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3104470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3104470B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a socket assembly (100) for flush-mounted installation in a wall. The socket assembly (100) comprises a first flush-mounting box (110) having a first sidewall (111) and a second flush-mounting box (210) having a second sidewall (211), the first and second sidewall (111, 211) being intended for being arranged adjacent to each other in the wall. The socket assembly (100) furthermore comprises a first base (120) and a second base (220), each comprising a socket function (124, 224); and a first fixation means (121) and a second fixation means (221) for respectively fixing the first and second base (120, 220) in respectively the first and second flush-mounting box (110, 210). According to the invention the socket assembly furthermore comprises a bridge part (300) configured for extending across the first and second sidewall (111, 211) inside the interior of the first and second flush-mounting box (110, 210) and behind the first and second base (120, 220), the bridge part (300) comprising electrically conductive paths (311, 312, 313) electrically connecting the socket function (124, 224) of the first base (120) to the socket function (124, 224) of the second base (220).