Curved Panel for Cable Raceway Aesthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Openworked cable raceways lack aesthetic appeal while being functional, and existing solutions for improving aesthetics are either costly or complex.

Innovation Solution

A cable routing assembly featuring a curved elongated panel that partially covers the cable raceway, providing a visually appealing solution while maintaining ventilation and functionality, with fasteners designed to securely attach the panel to the raceway.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a cable raceway is fully concealed to improve aesthetics, then aesthetic quality is improved, but ventilation and accessibility are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidventilation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using a curved panel that covers only a portion of the cable raceway rather than fully concealing it. This partial coverage improves aesthetics while leaving other portions exposed to maintain ventilation and accessibility functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The curved panel is specifically positioned to cover the upper portion of the cable raceway where aesthetic improvement is most needed, while leaving the lower portions exposed. This creates different functional zones: a concealed aesthetic zone and an exposed functional zone for ventilation and appliance mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If a curved panel is added to improve aesthetics, then aesthetic quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution is divided into separate modular components: the existing cable raceway structure and the additional curved panel. This segmentation allows the aesthetic improvement to be added as a separate element rather than redesigning the entire system, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curved panel acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the aesthetic requirements and the functional requirements of the cable raceway. It provides the aesthetic improvement while the fastening system mediates the connection between the panel and the raceway structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If a curved panel is added to improve aesthetics, then aesthetic quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The curved panel is designed as a thin-walled structure that can be formed from standard materials like plastic or thin metal. This approach keeps manufacturing costs low while achieving the desired aesthetic effect, avoiding the need for expensive custom-molded components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10084294B2Cable routing assembly

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 LEGRAND FRANCE SA

AI summary

The assembly includes an openworked cable raceway (11) having a base (15) and side walls (16), the assembly (10) being provided for installing along a ceiling, and including at least one curved elongated panel (12), the concave surface of which faces towards the cable raceway (11), which curved elongated panel (12) is fastened to the cable raceway (11) and envelops the outside of the cable raceway (11) in line with a single side wall (16) and in line with at least a portion of the base (15) starting from the side wall (16).