Method for electrically connecting electrical equipment in a kitchen

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical installation methods in kitchen construction are cumbersome and inflexible, requiring precise positioning of electrical connections on the back wall, which becomes challenging due to changes or inaccuracies in wall positioning during construction.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flat cable with connection adapters and a supply cable allows for flexible installation and connection of kitchen appliances, eliminating the need for precise positioning of electrical connections. The flat cable, equipped with multiple conductors and a data line, can be easily routed and adapted to accommodate various appliances and changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional electrical installation methods with fixed wall connections are used, then precise positioning is required, but installation flexibility and adaptability to changes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of electrical connectionsVSAvoidflexibility of electrical installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical installation system is segmented into modular components: a main electrical connection point on the back wall, flexible flat cables running through cable ducts, and individual connection points for each appliance. This segmentation allows the electrical system to be decoupled from fixed wall positions, enabling flexible appliance placement while maintaining precise electrical connections at each point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flat ribbon cables with multiple conductors enclosed in flexible insulation as the connection medium between the fixed wall connection and movable appliances. These flexible cables can be routed through cable ducts and adjusted to accommodate different appliance positions, providing both electrical connectivity and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If multiple separate electrical connections are installed for each appliance, then reliable power supply is ensured, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electrical supplyVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual electrical connections for different appliances are merged into a single main electrical connection point on the back wall. From this one connection, multiple flat cables with integrated connection points branch out to serve various appliances simultaneously, reducing the number of wall penetrations and electrical installation steps while maintaining reliable power supply to each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat ribbon cable system serves multiple functions: it provides power supply, includes integrated connection points for different appliances, and can be routed through cable ducts for organized installation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate installation processes into a unified system.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If wall positioning is adjusted during construction, then design accuracy is improved, but electrical installation work and relocation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of wall positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical reinstallation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible flat cable system acts as an intermediary between the fixed wall electrical connection and the appliances. When wall positioning changes occur, the cable can be rerouted through the cable duct system without requiring relocation of the wall connection itself or complex reinstallation of electrical fixtures, thereby decoupling wall positioning accuracy from electrical installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3319179B1Method for electrically connecting electrical equipment in a kitchen
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 H AG
  • EP3319179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Method for the electrical connection of electrical devices (8, 8, 8") in a kitchen (1) comprising the steps: - providing an electrical connection to an electrical supply network in the area of ​​the kitchen, - providing an electrical flat cable (4) with a Connection means for connecting to the electrical connection, - providing at least one connection adapter (5) for each electrical device (8, 8, 8") to be connected to the electrical flat cable on the flat cable (4), - contacting the electrical device (8, 8 , 8") with the flat cable (4) by means of a supply cable (7) by connecting the supply cable (7) to the connection adapter (5).