Wall Box Mounting Bracket With Flexible Arms for Control Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home automation systems lack a versatile and efficient mounting solution for control devices that allows for flexible installation and easy integration with various electrical loads, particularly in terms of power control and aesthetic design.

Innovation Solution

A control device comprising a faceplate subassembly, a main control module, and a mounting bracket with flexible arms and orthogonal extensions that can be coupled to a wall box, enabling adjustable positioning and secure attachment, while allowing buttons to be mounted outside the wall box perimeter for enhanced design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed mounting bracket is used, then the installation is simple, but the design flexibility and positioning adjustability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmounting bracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates flexible arms that can bend and adjust to different positions, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable one. This allows the bracket to accommodate various design configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the flexibility of the arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is divided into multiple segments including the body, flexible arms, and orthogonal extensions. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions independently, enabling adjustability and design flexibility without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If buttons are mounted outside the wall box perimeter, then aesthetic design flexibility is enhanced, but the mounting stability and security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic design flexibilityVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orthogonal extensions project perpendicular to the main body of the mounting bracket, utilizing a different spatial dimension to provide additional mounting points outside the wall box perimeter. This dimensional extension allows buttons to be positioned aesthetically while maintaining stability through the extended support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is pre-configured with flexible arms and orthogonal extensions that are designed to extend beyond the wall box perimeter before installation. This preliminary configuration ensures that the structural support is already in place to maintain stability while enabling the aesthetic positioning of buttons outside the perimeter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a larger wall box is used to accommodate flexible mounting configurations, then the positioning freedom increases, but the installation space requirements and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning freedomVSAvoidwall box size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary component between the wall box and the control device. It provides the necessary positioning freedom and flexible configurations through its adjustable arms and extensions, eliminating the need to increase the wall box size itself while still achieving the desired positioning freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure, adjustable, and aesthetically flexible mounting system for control devices, enabling efficient power control and integration with multiple electrical loads, while allowing for various design configurations without requiring larger wall boxes.

Implementation Method 1

The orthogonal extension may be configured to apply a force against the faceplate when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Each arm of the plurality of arms of the attachment member may be configured to flex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250016936A1Bracket for mounting load control module to wall box

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC

AI summary

A mounting bracket for coupling a control device to a wall box is disclosed. The mounting bracket may include a body having an inner perimeter defining an opening. A plurality of flanges may extend into the opening. Each flange of the plurality of flanges may be configured to be engaged by an arm of a faceplate for coupling the faceplate to the mounting bracket.