Universal Mounting Plate for Outdoor Telecom Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosure mounting systems for telecommunications equipment lack versatility and compatibility with various enclosure styles and sizes, particularly in outdoor environments where robust and adaptable mounting solutions are required.
Innovation Solution
The development of a molded plastic enclosure mounting apparatus with a mounting plate featuring multiple fastener openings in different configurations, allowing compatibility with various telecommunications enclosures, along with a kit of extenders for accommodating enclosures with larger mounting hole patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting systems are used, then installation is simple, but compatibility with various enclosure styles and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple sets of fastener openings arranged in different patterns (e.g., 4-hole, 6-hole, 8-hole configurations) that can accommodate various enclosure types including rectangular, square, and circular enclosures of different sizes. This universal design allows a single mounting plate to serve multiple functions and be compatible with diverse telecommunications enclosures without requiring multiple specialized mounting solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate features segmented fastener opening patterns where different groups of openings can be selectively used depending on the enclosure type. The plate can be configured to use only the necessary fastener openings for a given enclosure, allowing flexible adaptation while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables the mounting system to be simplified for each specific application while retaining overall versatility.
2Productivity
If molded plastic construction is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but strength and robustness for outdoor environments must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate utilizes composite construction combining molded plastic with metal fastener inserts or reinforcement elements. The plastic portion provides corrosion resistance and manufacturing efficiency through molding, while embedded metal components (such as steel fastener openings or reinforcement ribs) provide the necessary strength and robustness for outdoor telecommunications applications. This composite approach allows high-volume efficient manufacturing while maintaining adequate mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded plastic mounting plate incorporates design parameters such as optimized wall thickness distribution, rib reinforcement patterns, and fastener opening configurations that enhance structural strength. By carefully controlling geometric parameters during the molding process, the design achieves sufficient mechanical strength for outdoor environments while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and material usage optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastener opening configurations are provided, then adaptability to different enclosures is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All possible fastener opening patterns are pre-formed as integral features of the molded mounting plate during the initial molding process. Rather than requiring post-manufacturing operations to create different hole patterns, the plate is molded with multiple sets of openings already in place, allowing selective use of different patterns based on the enclosure type. This preliminary action eliminates complex secondary operations and simplifies manufacturing while providing versatile adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fastener opening patterns that would traditionally require separate mounting plates or components are merged into a single integrated mounting plate design. The plate combines various hole patterns (different numbers, arrangements, and sizes of openings) into one unified structure that can be molded as a single piece, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining compatibility with multiple enclosure types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an enclosure mounting apparatus (e.g., a mounting bracket which may include a mounting plate) having a molded plastic construction. In certain examples, the enclosure mounting apparatus is configured to be compatible with a number of different styles (e.g., sizes, models, etc.) of telecommunications enclosures.