Universal Wall Mounting Plate for Electrical Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for mounting multiple electrical switches and sockets in a wall recess are cumbersome, requiring multiple fixing plates with gaps between devices, many screws, and limited flexibility in orientation and access, making it difficult to install and repair multiple devices efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system where the fixing plate is mounted directly to the wall with individual wired devices connected to cables from the front, allowing easy access and using a universal, rotationally symmetrical fixing plate with quarter-turn screws or snap-lock mechanisms for secure attachment, enabling horizontal or vertical orientation and variable height positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple wired devices are mounted on a fixing plate before installation, then the devices can be pre-assembled and wired together, but the electrician cannot easily access individual connections for wiring or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the fixing plate from the cover plate, creating two independent functional elements. The fixing plate remains on the wall providing structural support and cable access, while the cover plate can be removed to expose individual device connections. This segmentation allows pre-assembly on the fixing plate while maintaining easy access to connections by simply removing the cover plate rather than the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate acts as an intermediary element between the user and the wired devices. It provides a protective and aesthetic cover during normal operation but can be easily removed to access individual device connections for wiring or repair. This intermediary allows the system to maintain both secure mounting and easy accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fixing plates are used for each wired device, then each device can be individually fixed, but gaps appear between devices and many fixing screws are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual fixing functions into a single common fixing plate that can accommodate multiple wired devices. The fixing plate contains multiple opening positions arranged in a grid pattern, allowing different combinations of devices to be mounted. This eliminates gaps between separate fixing plates and reduces the total number of fixing screws needed, as all devices share the same fixing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The common fixing plate is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various types and configurations of wired devices. It provides multiple opening positions that can be used individually or in combination, allowing the same fixing plate to serve different mounting needs without requiring device-specific fixing plates.
3Device complexity
If a monobloc arrangement of wired device and cover plate is used, then the structure is simplified, but functionality and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monobloc structure into separate fixing plate and cover plate components. This segmentation allows the fixing plate to remain on the wall providing structural support, while the cover plate can be independently selected and attached to match different device configurations and aesthetic preferences. This maintains structural simplicity while dramatically increasing design flexibility and functionality options.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable design creates a dynamic system where the cover plate can be easily attached and removed based on operational needs. This allows the system to adapt between a closed aesthetic appearance during normal use and an open accessible state during installation or repair, providing functional versatility that a fixed monobloc structure cannot achieve.
4Device complexity
If the fixing plate is designed for horizontal mounting only, then the design is simplified, but the electrician must order different fixing plates for vertical mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate is designed with rotational symmetry rather than asymmetric orientation-specific features. The opening positions are arranged in a symmetrical grid pattern that maintains its functional layout when rotated 90 degrees, allowing the same fixing plate to be correctly oriented for both horizontal and vertical mounting configurations without requiring different designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing plate is designed as a universal mounting solution that can be used in any orientation. The symmetrical arrangement of opening positions ensures that the same plate works for horizontal, vertical, and diagonal mounting configurations, eliminating the need to order different fixing plates for different orientations and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for wall mounting of wired devices (9) such as electrical switches and sockets is shown which comprises a fixing plate (1) adapted to be mounted on the wall of a building overlaying a wall. The fixing plate has at least one opening (2) adapted to receive a wired device, and preferably has several such openings (2). A fixing flange (5) mountable to a wired device or being part of a wired device is provided and is adapted to be placed from the front side (11) of the fixing plate (1) over and/or within said at least one opening (2). Fixing means (4, 6) are provided for fixing said fixing flange (5) to said fixing plate (1). This system allows for a swifter and easier wiring and mounting of wired devices.