Telescoping Electrical Box Mounting Tool with Pivoting Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electricians face challenges in efficiently and accurately installing electrical boxes at the correct height and depth on building studs due to the need for repeated measurements and potential for fatigue, leading to inconsistent installations and quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A tool with telescoping elongated support members and a pivotally attached support plate allows for adjustable positioning of electrical boxes, including detent mechanisms for secure placement and a handle for reduced operator strain, accommodating various stud orientations and wallboard thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional basic tools (hammer and tape measure) are used for installing electrical boxes, then the installation process can be completed with simple equipment, but repeated measurements and manual positioning lead to inconsistent installation quality and increased installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tool allows electricians to pre-set the correct height and depth positions before installing the electrical box. The tool includes pre-marked height indicators and depth stops that are positioned in advance, eliminating the need for repeated measurements during installation and ensuring consistent positioning across multiple boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tool serves as an intermediary device between the electrician and the electrical box installation. It provides a standardized interface with engagement surfaces that automatically position the box at the correct height and depth, mediating the installation process to ensure consistency without requiring skilled manual measurement and positioning.
2Productivity
If electricians work quickly or are not highly skilled to meet installation demands, then productivity increases, but box alignment and mounting height consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tool is designed to be self-positioning and self-aligning. The telescoping members automatically adjust to fit the stud spacing, and the engagement surfaces automatically orient the electrical box correctly. This self-service capability allows even less skilled workers to achieve consistent results quickly without requiring extensive training or experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tool incorporates dynamic elements including telescoping members that can extend and retract to accommodate varying stud distances, and a rotatable support plate that can pivot to different orientations. These dynamic features allow the tool to adapt to different installation scenarios while maintaining consistent positioning accuracy, enabling fast installation without sacrificing alignment quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support plate is fixed in position on the elongated support, then the structure is simpler, but the tool cannot accommodate different stud orientations and box mounting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot to different orientations and positions along the elongated support. This dynamic capability enables the tool to accommodate various stud orientations (horizontal or vertical), different box mounting positions (left or right side), and multiple gang configurations, significantly increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tool is divided into separable functional components: the elongated support with telescoping members, the rotatable support plate, and the electrical box engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, enabling the tool to adapt to different installation scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the telescoping members are made fully adjustable to accommodate all positioning needs, then versatility increases, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping members incorporate a ratchet mechanism that allows them to be easily extended and locked at different positions. The ratchet provides one-way locking that maintains the selected position without requiring complex locking procedures, making the adjustable mechanism simple to operate while providing full positioning flexibility needed for various stud spacings and box locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for facilitating mounting of an electrical box on an associated stud of an associated building which includes an elongated support comprising 1st and 2nd telescoping elongated support members dimensioned and configured for sliding for relative sliding engagement whereby the overall length of the 1st and 2nd telescoping elongated members is adjustable, the elongated support having 1st and 2nd opposed sides. A support plate is carried on the elongated support, the support plate is pivotally attached to the elongated support with at least a portion thereof extending laterally with respect to the elongated support whereby pivotal motion of the support plate positions the portion from the 1st side to the 2nd sides of the elongated support. Engagement surfaces on the portion are dimensioned and configured for engaging an associated electrical box.