Thermostat Bracket With Integrated Wire Retention Engagements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket devices fail to effectively prevent thermostat wires from being lost in wall cavities, as they lack secure mounting mechanisms that prevent wire displacement during installation of sheetrock panels.
Innovation Solution
A bracket device with a first portion mounted to a wall stud and a second planar portion on the sheetrock, featuring integrated engagements and wire openings to securely route the thermostat wire, eliminating the need for wall anchors and ensuring the wire remains in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wire routing methods are used without integrated engagements, then the bracket structure remains simple, but the thermostat wire can be lost in the wall cavity during sheetrock installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wire retention function directly into the bracket structure by integrating engagements formed by the bracket arms and sheetrock. The bracket arms are positioned to engage with the sheetrock, creating built-in wire retention points that prevent wire loss during installation without requiring separate wire management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the thermostat, creates wire retention points through its arms, and facilitates sheetrock installation. The engagements formed by the bracket arms serve both as structural elements and as wire retention mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate wire management devices.
2Reliability
If wall anchors or additional fasteners are used to secure the wire, then wire retention is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire retention function into the existing bracket and sheetrock assembly. The engagements are created by the interaction between the bracket arms and sheetrock, eliminating the need for separate wall anchors or fasteners. The wire is retained through the natural engagement structure already present in the mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket and sheetrock assembly automatically creates wire retention points through their geometric interaction. The engagements are self-formed by the bracket arms positioning against the sheetrock during installation, requiring no additional components or complex installation steps. The structure serves itself to retain the wire.
3Reliability
If the bracket lacks integrated engagements aligned with the wall stud and sheetrock intersection, then the bracket design remains simple, but the wire cannot be securely retained during sheetrock installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the bracket arms (engagements) at the specific location where they intersect with the wall stud and sheetrock. This localized geometric configuration at the critical intersection point creates effective wire retention points without requiring complex modifications to the overall bracket design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the bracket body, extending toward the wall stud-sheetrock intersection at specific angles. This asymmetric positioning of the engagements allows them to effectively engage with the sheetrock and retain wires at the critical location without requiring symmetric or complex geometric modifications throughout the entire bracket structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat bracket assembly includes a bracket that has a first portion forming an angle with a second portion. The first portion can be mounted to a wall stud having the second portion oriented planar with a panel of sheetrock mounted to the wall stud. A pair of engagements is each integrated into the bracket and each of the engagements is aligned with an intersection between the wall stud and the panel of sheetrock. A thermostat wire is extended through a respective one of the engagements to inhibit the thermostat wire from being lost in the wall cavity.