Wall-Mounted Connector Preserves Electrical Box Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical box installations face challenges in accommodating bulky electrical equipment due to limited interior volume, requiring either multiple boxes or complex connector solutions that increase costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A connector system is designed to be fixed to the wall, allowing the electrical box to be installed between its arms, thereby avoiding the need to route conductors and sheaths through the box, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, and providing thermal and electrical insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical conductors and cable routing conduits are introduced into the internal volume of the electrical box, then electrical connections can be established, but the available space for electrical equipment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidinternal volume of electrical box
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cable routing function from the electrical box by introducing a separate connector assembly that attaches to the exterior of the box. The connector receives cable conduits and conductors externally, allowing these elements to be routed away from the box interior, thereby preserving the internal volume for electrical equipment while maintaining connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of stationary object

If a connector is provided with a window in the base to accommodate cable routing, then space for electrical equipment is increased, but the cable conduit end cannot be secured against the junction box

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal volume of electrical boxVSAvoidcable conduit securing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between the electrical box and the cable conduit system. The connector features a base that attaches to the exterior of the electrical box, providing a secure mounting point for cable conduits. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both volume preservation and secure conduit attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If two electrical boxes are provided side by side, one for electrical equipment and one for conductors, then space for both components is available, but the implementation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accommodation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of electrical boxes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple electrical boxes into a single integrated assembly. The connector assembly combines the electrical box with external mounting structures and cable routing capabilities, eliminating the need for separate boxes for equipment and conductors. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If electrical conductors are routed through the internal volume of the electrical box, then connections can be made, but the rigidity of conductors makes folding and positioning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidconductor positioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the conductor routing function from the electrical box interior to an external connector assembly. Conductors are introduced through the connector base and routed externally, eliminating the need to fold and position rigid conductors within the confined box interior. This external routing approach significantly improves installation ease while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3138169B1Connector for an electrical device housed in a recessed box
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP3138169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3138169B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3138169B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector (1) designed to connect at least one electrical conductor to an electrical device intended to be housed in an electrical box (200) to be recessed in a wall (300), said connector comprising: a socket (10) defining an inlet opening for the electrical conductor; and at least one connection element secured to the socket, comprising an inlet terminal for the connection of the electrical conductor and an outlet terminal accessible from the front of the socket for the connection of the electrical device. According to the invention, the connector comprises at least two different arms (14, 16) extending forwards from the socket, the free ends of which are provided with means (15, 17) for hooking to the wall.