Cable Duct Adapter Layout for Non-Plastic Device Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing channel arrangements and device carriers for cable routing systems lack design freedom and usability, often appearing as optical and physical disturbances in architectural settings, and are limited by the need for plastic materials which may not fit all interior design scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A channel arrangement featuring a cable routing channel made from materials other than plastic, such as wood, glass, or stone, with a channel adapter that matches the cross-sectional contour of the channel, allowing for a visually homogeneous and adaptable design that can be customized to various architectural styles and preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device carrier is connected to a skirting board duct made of plastic, then the connection is simple and standardized, but the design freedom and visual integration into diverse interior designs are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects the device carrier to the skirting board duct. This adapter enables connection between device carriers and skirting board ducts made of different materials (wood, glass, stone, ceramic, or plastic), providing design freedom without requiring complex direct connection solutions for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed as a universal connection component that can interface with multiple types of skirting board duct materials. Instead of creating specialized connection mechanisms for each material type, the single adapter design serves multiple functions across different material contexts, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the skirting board duct is made of plastic, then the manufacturing and installation are straightforward, but the visual and aesthetic integration into various architectural styles is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidaesthetic integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into separate functional components: the skirting board duct (which can be made from aesthetically appropriate materials like wood, glass, or stone for visual integration) and the device carrier connection (handled by the adapter). This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its primary function while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as a mediator that allows the skirting board duct to be made from aesthetically pleasing materials without compromising the connection functionality. The adapter handles the connection tasks while the skirting board duct focuses on aesthetic integration, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and aesthetic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the device carrier housing has a convex front side to cover the skirting board duct, then the cable routing function is achieved, but the visual disturbance and architectural integration are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing functionVSAvoidvisual disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary cable routing coverage while maintaining a design that integrates better with the skirting board duct's front profile. Instead of the device carrier housing directly covering the duct with a convex shape, the adapter mediates this relationship, allowing for a more aesthetically pleasing integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4333225A1Channel arrangement with a cable duct and a device carrier
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 GGK
  • EP4333225A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4333225A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4333225A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a channel arrangement (100) with a cable management channel (11) designed in particular as a baseboard channel and a device carrier (10) for mounting at least one electrical installation device on the at least one cable management channel (11), wherein the device carrier (10) comprises at least one carrier housing (14) and a channel adapter (15) designed to connect the carrier housing (14) to the at least one cable management channel (11), wherein at least the cable management channel (11) is made of a material other than plastic and the channel adapter (15) is preferably adapted at least partially to a cross-sectional contour of the cable management channel (11).