Tool-Free Mounting Device for Electrical Box Uprights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mounting a chassis upright on the bottom of a box or electrical panel require screws and multiple complex components, leading to impracticality and risk of loss during storage and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a base and lock that assumes two stable positions, allowing the upright to be securely attached and detached without tools, using a plastic base and lock that slides between positions to engage and disengage the upright, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws and multiple mounting elements are used to secure the upright, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of loss during storage and assembly worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mounting elements (screw, washer, plate) into a single integrated locking mechanism. The lock element incorporates the fastening function that previously required three distinct components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment strength through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides attachment strength, prevents loss during storage, and enables tool-free assembly. The lock element can be manually operated to secure or release the upright, combining fastening, retention, and operation functions in one universal component.
2Strength
If screws and multiple mounting elements are used to secure the upright, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to requiring screwing tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through manual manipulation. The lock element can be directly engaged or disengaged by hand without requiring external screwing tools, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate while maintaining secure attachment through its inherent locking design.
3Reliability
If three distinct mounting elements are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the loss of time during assembly and disassembly worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By merging three separate mounting elements into a single integrated lock, the patent reduces the number of assembly and disassembly operations required. This single-component design maintains attachment reliability through its secure locking mechanism while significantly reducing the time needed for installation and removal compared to handling three separate components.
4Ease of operation
If the internal part is moved manually against spring force to release the upright, then the ease of operation worsens, but the stability of the release position improves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a spring that provides automatic return to the locked position. The system transitions between stable locked and unstable release states, allowing easy manual operation to initiate release while the spring ensures automatic stabilization back to the secure locked position, combining ease of operation with operational stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (100) has a base plate (110) comprising a receiving unit (119) that receives a free end of a post (20). A lock (120) comprises a transferring unit (123) to connect with a complementary transferring unit (115) of the base plate. The transferring unit releases the free end of the post with respect to the base plate at a stable position. The transferring unit maintains the free end of the post between the lock and the base plate at another stable position. The base plate and the lock are arranged and connected with each other. An independent claim is also included for an electrical box.