Universal Electrical Box for Surface-Mounted Security Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical boxes are not adaptable for mounting both security cameras and electrical fixtures, requiring separate boxes for each, and often need to be installed within walls, limiting flexibility and requiring additional wall modifications.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounting assembly that includes an electrical box with a mounting adapter system allowing surface-mounting on various surfaces, including ceilings and corners, with a thick face portion for direct fastening and adaptable to different camera and fixture sizes, and accommodating threaded conduit connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical boxes are used for mounting security cameras or electrical fixtures, then the electrical connections are contained within a closed electrical box meeting local electrical codes, but the boxes are not adaptable to accepting either security cameras or electrical fixtures, requiring separate specialized boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single electrical box that can accommodate both electrical fixtures and security cameras. The box includes a mounting plate with a central opening that can receive either an electrical fixture or a camera, eliminating the need for separate specialized boxes for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical box into functional components: the electrical box enclosure for containing connections, the mounting plate for device attachment, and the central opening for accommodating different devices. This modular structure enables versatility while maintaining code compliance.
2Ease of operation
If electrical boxes are mounted within walls, then electrical connections are concealed and code-compliant, but a hole must be formed in the wall requiring additional wall modifications and reducing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of mounting the electrical box within the wall and extending outlets or devices outward, the electrical box is mounted on the surface of the wall with the mounting plate facing the wall surface. This allows devices to be attached to the plate without requiring holes through the wall, simplifying installation while maintaining code compliance through the enclosed electrical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate specialized electrical boxes are purchased for security cameras versus electrical fixtures, then each box is optimized for its specific device, but the installer must purchase multiple different box types increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single electrical box that can accommodate both electrical fixtures and security cameras. The box includes a mounting plate with a central opening that can receive either an electrical fixture or a camera, eliminating the need for separate specialized boxes for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera mounting assembly for mounting a security camera, detector, or electrical fixture directly to an indoor or outdoor surface. The camera mounting assembly includes an electrical box with adapted for use with several mounting adapters. A ceiling mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to the ceiling or to a down rod secured to the ceiling. A wall mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to a wall. A corner mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box to an outside corner. The mounting adapters include a substantially thick face plate that can accept fasteners for securing a camera or fixture directly to the face portion. A camera adapter plate and a mounting bar are provided for mounting cameras or fixtures having a small base diameter.