Telescopic Spacer Ring Assembly for Flush Electrical Box Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer ring assemblies for electrical installation boxes are inflexible and cannot accommodate different wall and board thicknesses, leading to difficulties in achieving flush mounting and proper alignment of electrical components, which complicates the installation process and lacks sufficient support to withstand external forces.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic spacer ring assembly with a first ring member attached to the electrical installation box and a second ring member of larger diameter, featuring a flat annular surface with arcuate openings for alignment, guiding ribs, and a resilient fixing spacer member, allowing for adjustable dimensions and robust support through a support member, enabling flush installation and alignment with various wall and board thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dimension spacer rings are used, then the installation box can be mounted on the wall, but it cannot accommodate different wall and board thicknesses, making flush mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring is designed with a telescopic mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its length between minimum and maximum positions. The first ring member can slide relative to the second ring member along the longitudinal axis, enabling the spacer to adapt to different wall and board thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer ring's length parameter can be changed by telescoping the first ring member within the second ring member. This allows the same spacer ring to provide different length adaptations for various installation conditions without requiring multiple fixed-dimension spacers.
2Volume of moving object
If larger diameter spacer rings are used to accommodate electrical components, then space for inserts is provided, but the installation box protrudes more from the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The first ring member is nested within the second ring member, allowing the spacer to provide sufficient volume for electrical components while maintaining a compact outer profile. The telescopic mechanism enables the inner ring to extend only when needed, minimizing protrusion when the spacer is in its retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the diameter of the spacer ring to accommodate electrical components, the invention utilizes the longitudinal dimension through telescoping. The first ring member can extend along the longitudinal axis to provide necessary space for inserts without increasing the radial dimension that would cause protrusion from the wall.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spacers of predetermined heights are used, then adjustable positioning is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic spacer ring serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable positioning for different wall and board thicknesses, supports electrical components, and enables flush mounting. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple fixed-dimension spacers, reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic telescopic mechanism allows the spacer to be continuously adjusted to the required length during installation, eliminating the need to select from multiple predetermined height options. This continuous adjustability speeds up the installation process while maintaining versatility.
4Length of moving object
If the spacer diameter matches the cylindrical compartment, then flush mounting is achieved, but the spacer cannot provide sufficient space for electrical inserts
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring is segmented into two functional parts: the second ring member with larger diameter that provides structural support and flush mounting alignment, and the first ring member with smaller diameter that telescopes within it to provide space for electrical inserts. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The first ring member is nested within the second ring member, creating a telescopic structure. The inner ring can extend to provide volume for electrical components while the outer ring maintains the flush mounting diameter, effectively solving the space-protrusion conflict.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present relates to a telescopic spacer ring assembly (100) for an electrical installation box (10) for flush installation, wherein said telescopic spacer ring assembly comprising a first ring member (102) attached to the box, a second ring member (104) abut on the wall, said second ring member is of substantially larger diameter than said first ring member, a fixing spacer member (106) assembled with said second ring member for fixation of multiple electrical inserts (12). First ring member is secured with threaded opening portion (36) of said box and configured to adjust the level of the box for different thickness of boards (14) on the wall by telescopic action and avoid any gap creation. Second ring member is provided with flat annular surface at its distal end for accommodating electrical inserts, said annular surface is provided with openings (110) of arcuate profile for aligning said inserts within the box.