Tool-Free Mounting System for Electrical Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical device mounting systems are cumbersome and require tools for installation, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and often necessitate adapting devices to specific mounting boxes, which can be incompatible with various wall or ceiling types.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a mounting plate with clamping hooks and a mounting frame that allows for easy attachment to walls or ceilings without tools, accommodating different standards and device sizes through a universal conversion mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If electrical devices are fixed directly to wall or ceiling using screws, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation becomes time-consuming and requires tools and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit mechanism. The mounting plate includes hooks that engage with slots in the mounting box, and the device housing has corresponding engagement features that snap into place, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting plate as an intermediary component between the mounting box and the electrical device. This mounting plate provides the snap-fit connection mechanism, serving as a mediator that enables tool-free installation while ensuring secure attachment without requiring direct screw fixation to the wall or ceiling.
2Strength
If electrical devices are adapted to specific electrical mounting boxes, then secure attachment is achieved, but compatibility with different wall types and device sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with universal compatibility features - it can be attached to various mounting box types (flush boxes, surface boxes, different wall types) and accommodates different device sizes through adjustable positioning. The standardized slot and hook design allows one mounting plate to serve multiple functions across different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustability where the mounting plate can be positioned at different locations on the mounting box and the device can be oriented in different orientations. The snap-fit mechanism allows for easy repositioning and adjustment during installation, providing adaptability to different spatial requirements and device configurations.
3Strength
If mounting holes are provided in wall or ceiling for direct device fixation, then secure mounting is achieved, but wall or ceiling structure must be perforated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary that transfers the mounting load from the device through the mounting box to the wall structure, eliminating the need to perforate the wall or ceiling directly. The mounting plate attaches to the mounting box which is already installed in the wall, thereby protecting the wall structure from additional damage while maintaining secure device mounting.
4Ease of operation
If hollow clamp piece is used for tool-free installation, then ease of installation is improved, but installation complexity increases due to complex clamp structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into three simple, independent components: the mounting box (already installed in wall), the mounting plate (with simple hooks), and the device housing (with simple slots). This segmentation avoids the need for a complex hollow clamp piece while achieving tool-free installation through the simple snap-fit engagement between the segmented components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A Mounting plate (200, 210) and a mounting frame (300, 310) are provided. These allow providing an easy attachment of an electrical device (100) to a wall or ceiling without using tools such as screws or the like, and which allows easy interchange, which also can be applied to mounting boxes (400) which follow different standards. The mounting plate (200, 210) includes an aperture (201) for receiving at least part of the device, and attachment means (202, 203, 212) for attaching the mounting plate (200, 210) to a mounting box (300, 310), and at least one clamping hook (600, 610, 620) with an elongated arm (602, 612, 622) for fixing the position of a mounting of the electrical device (100). The clamping hook (600, 610, 620) can engage with a cavity or slot (302, 313) of the frame (300, 310) by inserting the hook (600, 610, 620) in the slot (302, 313) of the frame (300, 310) and rotating or shifting the frame (300, 310) so the arm of the hook (600, 610, 620) slides over the frame (300, 310). The mounting frame (300, 310) includes at least one receiving portion (302, 313) adapted to fit at least one clamping hook (600, 610, 620) of the mounting plate (200, 210). An installation system including both the mounting frame (300, 310) and the mounting plate (200, 210) and method of manufacture the mounting plate are provided.