Wall-mountable back plate for securing a control module to a wall, and assembly comprising such a back plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall mountable back plates for building control systems, such as HVAC systems, often complicate the installation process and limit flexibility in wiring options, making it difficult to provide efficient electrical connections between control modules and HVAC components.
Innovation Solution
A wall mountable back plate with a housing that includes a field wire receiving aperture and a raised terminal block platform, which accommodates terminal blocks to connect field wires to terminal pins of the HVAC control module, allowing for flexible wiring configurations and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wall mountable back plates are used, then the HVAC controller can be mounted to the wall, but the installation process becomes complicated and wiring flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting portion for wall attachment, a terminal block platform for electrical connections, and a controller interface portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process by providing clear separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate is designed as a multi-functional universal mounting structure that combines wall mounting capabilities, electrical terminal connections, and controller interface functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and terminal blocks, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wall mountable back plates are used, then the HVAC controller can be secured to the wall, but flexibility in wiring options is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal blocks on the back plate are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing installers to adapt the wiring configuration to different installation scenarios. The terminal blocks can be positioned at various locations on the platform and connected to different wire configurations, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the back plate are designed with specific local characteristics: the terminal block platform provides multiple connection points with varying configurations, the mounting portion offers different attachment methods, and the controller interface area is optimized for specific connector types. This local differentiation enhances wiring flexibility without complicating the overall installation process.
3Reliability
If complex back plate structures are used, then electrical connections can be provided, but the installation process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal blocks are pre-configured and pre-positioned on the back plate platform during manufacturing, with wiring lugs and connection terminals already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field assembly and configuration, ensuring reliable electrical connections while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wall mountable back plate for releasably securing a Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) control module to a wall may include a housing that defines a field wire receiving aperture through a back side of the housing that is configured to receive one or more field wires. The housing may define a raised terminal block platform that is integrally formed with the housing and that defines a void underneath the raised terminal block platform that is accessible via the field wire receiving aperture and is available to accommodate at least part of the one or more field wires. One or more terminal blocks may be secured to the raised terminal block platform, the one or more terminal blocks configured to connect one or more field wires to one or more terminals of an HVAC control module.