Protective Cable Chute Mounting for Decora Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for routing low voltage cables through walls are not compatible with conventional electrical boxes and frames, requiring custom holes and limited orientations, which affects aesthetics and installation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A protective cable chute with a shield and decora cover plate that mounts directly to single or double gang electrical boxes or low voltage frames, featuring threaded bores and adjustable orientations to accommodate standard cover plates, allowing flexible routing without additional wall holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art wall aperture molding is used to route low voltage cables through walls, then cable routing is achieved, but the device is not compatible with conventional electrical boxes and requires custom-sized holes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable shield is designed with mounting ears that can be attached to both conventional electrical boxes and low voltage frames, making the device universally compatible with standard building infrastructure. The shield accommodates both single-gang and double-gang configurations, eliminating the need for custom-sized openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate components: a cable shield portion and a decora cover plate portion that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility with standard electrical boxes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art aperture molding is used, then cable passage is provided, but the device is limited to one orientation with respect to the molding plate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ears are positioned and dimensioned to allow the cable shield to be mounted in multiple orientations (horizontal, vertical, and at angles) relative to the electrical box or low voltage frame. This dynamic mounting capability enables installers to adapt the device to various wall configurations and cable routing requirements.
3Shape
If standard decora cover plates are used with the protective cable chute, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but additional mounting components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cable shield and decora cover plate are designed to be mounted together as an integrated assembly on the electrical box or low voltage frame. The mounting ears on the shield work in conjunction with the cover plate to create a unified appearance that matches conventional electrical outlet installations, maintaining aesthetic standards while providing cable routing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cable chute for routing low voltage cables through walls. The protective cable chute includes a protective cable shield and a standard decora cover plate. The protective cable shield includes two ears with apertures therein for mounting directly to a convention single gang electrical box or conventional low voltage frame. Threaded bores are provided in the ears of the protective cable shield for receipt of fasteners for mounting a standard decora plate thereto. An opening and passageway in the protective cable shield are capable of receiving low voltage cables for the purpose of routing them through the wall and into an adjacent room. An alternative embodiment of the protective cable chute is provided for use with a two-gang electrical box or conventional two-gang low voltage frame.