Flexible Slotted Cable Entry Device for Low-Profile Wall Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable entry devices for low voltage wiring are not compatible with conventional electrical boxes and frames, requiring custom holes and often protrude from the wall, making them unsuitable for installations where aesthetics and space are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cable entry device featuring a rigid frame with a flexible slotted insert that can be mounted to conventional electrical boxes or low voltage frames, allowing for low-profile routing of cables through walls without visible protrusions, using a membrane with radial slots to accommodate cables and prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art cable entry devices are used, then cables can be routed through walls, but the devices are not compatible with conventional electrical boxes and require custom holes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable entry device is designed with a universal mounting system that can attach to both conventional electrical boxes and conventional low voltage frames. The mounting arms with oval apertures accommodate different fastener types and box configurations, making the device compatible with multiple conventional systems rather than requiring custom installation for each application.
2Ease of operation
If prior art cable entry devices are used, then cables can be routed through walls, but the devices typically include a cable shield that projects outward from the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to conform to the wall surface and cable positions. This flexibility enables the membrane to provide cable protection while maintaining a low-profile appearance that does not project outward from the wall, resolving the conflict between aesthetic requirements and protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable entry device uses a flexible membrane instead of a rigid shield or nose portion. This thin, flexible film provides the necessary cable protection while being thin enough to maintain a low-profile appearance that does not extend substantially from the wall, satisfying both aesthetic and protective requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a low profile cable entry device is used, then the device does not extend substantially from the wall, but it must still protect cables from abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as a protective barrier between cables and the wall surface or surrounding structures. Despite its thin profile that maintains aesthetics, the membrane material provides abrasion resistance to protect cables during installation and throughout their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexibility of the membrane allows it to dynamically adapt to cable positions and movements while maintaining continuous contact with the cables for protection. This dynamic characteristic enables the thin membrane to provide effective abrasion protection without requiring a bulky rigid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable entry device for routing low voltage cables through walls. The cable entry device includes a rigid cable frame with a frame body having two ends, an opening therein, and a flexible insert within the opening. The flexible insert includes a membrane extending across the opening of the frame body. An arm extends from each end of the frame body. The arms include oval apertures therein which cooperate with fasteners for mounting the frame body directly to a conventional electrical box or conventional low voltage frame. The membrane includes a hole therein and a plurality of open slots extending radially from the hole. The slots enable the cable entry device to accommodate passage of low voltage cables there through for the purpose of providing a portal for routing the cables through a wall.