Semirigid Adhesive-Backed Cable Assembly for Flush Surface Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposed electrical cables pose tripping hazards, are aesthetically unpleasing, and create clutter due to their flexible nature, which does not conform well to flat surfaces, leading to unsightly appearances and potential fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
An adhesive-backed electrical cable assembly with a semirigid body that can be bent to conform to angles and surfaces, featuring a double-sided adhesive layer for secure attachment, and an integrated electrical outlet that blends with the surrounding aesthetic, eliminating clutter and hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible outer jacket material is used for the electrical cable, then the cable can be easily installed and moved, but it creates unsightly clutter and does not rest uniformly on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the cable from a fully flexible state to a semirigid state with controlled flexibility. The semirigid construction allows the cable to maintain its flexibility for installation while providing enough structural support to rest uniformly on flat surfaces and follow straight lines, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and uniform appearance.
2Ease of operation
If a rounded flexible cable is used, then the cable is easy to handle and install, but it creates tripping hazards and fire risks due to dangling and erratic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable by introducing a semirigid construction that maintains controlled flexibility. This allows the cable to be handled and installed easily while preventing it from dangling or creating tripping hazards, as it can now rest uniformly on surfaces and follow predictable straight-line paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing the cable to follow straight lines and bend at corners in controlled manner. The semirigid construction enables the cable to maintain smooth curves at bends rather than creating erratic, unpredictable paths, reducing tripping hazards while preserving ease of installation.
3Reliability
If traditional cable accessories like rubber clamps and wall anchors are used, then the cable can be secured to surfaces, but they are difficult to install and leave permanent damage to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for separate mounting accessories by integrating the adhesive backing directly into the cable construction. This eliminates the need for rubber clamps, wall anchors, and screws, allowing the cable to be secured to surfaces through its own adhesive layer, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cable body and mounting function into a single integrated unit by incorporating an adhesive layer onto the cable surface. This combination allows the cable to simultaneously serve as both the electrical conductor and the mounting element, eliminating the need for separate accessories and simplifying the installation process.
4Shape
If the cable body is made rigid to maintain straight lines and angles, then it follows walls and corners neatly, but it loses flexibility and becomes difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a semirigid cable construction that optimizes the balance between rigidity and flexibility. The cable maintains enough stiffness to follow straight lines and bend at corners neatly while retaining sufficient flexibility for easy installation and positioning, resolving the contradiction between shape maintenance and operational ease.
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 safe, aesthetically pleasing, and secure electrical cable system that adheres to surfaces, reducing tripping hazards and fire risks while maintaining flexibility and compatibility with various power configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer that is coextensive with the first surface of the body
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesive-backed electrical cable assembly includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector opposite the first electrical connector, and an electrical cable therebetween. The electrical cable features a body having a flat side with an adhesive layer and a release liner coupled to the adhesive layer. In some examples, the body is semirigid and designed to conform to the angles of a wall, floor, or ceiling. The adhesive-backed electrical cable assembly complements the aesthetic design of a surface to which it is adhered, thereby reducing clutter and preventing tripping and fire hazards. An electrical outlet is also disclosed that features one or more receptacles and one or more plugs along the front and sides of the electrical outlet. In some examples, the adhesive-backed electrical cable assembly includes outlet plug covers and is configured to mount on a wall, rather than in a wall.