Floor Channel System with Adjustable Carrier Strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor duct systems lack flexibility in design and installation, requiring multiple accessories for routing around corners and providing inadequate access for device installation, especially with modern office architecture that often features glass fronts and varied floor coverings.

Innovation Solution

A floor duct system with a U-shaped duct base, height-adjustable cover retaining profiles, and a detachable system carrier strip that can be positioned flexibly, along with a height-adjustable outlet brush and display means, allowing for adaptable cable routing and device installation, including corner routing with a single flat angle for both inside and outside corners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional floor duct system with fixed C-rail and non-adjustable components is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks flexibility for different installation situations and device mounting positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different installation situationsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a moveable system carrier strip that can be positioned at different locations along the duct base and fixed in various positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system. The carrier strip can be moved horizontally and vertically to accommodate different device mounting requirements while maintaining structural integrity through engagement with the duct base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system carrier strip serves multiple functions: it acts as a mounting surface for electrical devices, provides structural support, enables cable management, and allows for adjustable positioning. This multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized accessories, including corner pieces and fixed mounting rails, thereby providing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate accessories like different flat angles are required for routing around corners, then the duct can be routed around corners, but the installer must carry several accessories and installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner routing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system carrier strip is designed to be universally applicable for both straight runs and corner routing. By positioning the carrier strip at different angles and locations within the duct, the same component accomplishes what previously required multiple specialized corner accessories, simplifying the installer's workload while maintaining corner routing capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable carrier strip allows dynamic repositioning to create various routing configurations including corners, bends, and straight runs. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for pre-determined fixed corner pieces, enabling the installer to adapt the same component to different routing requirements during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the duct system uses fixed mounting positions, then the structure is simple, but access for device installation is inadequate and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess for device installationVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system carrier strip provides dynamic access to the duct interior by being movable along the duct length and adjustable in position. This allows installers to easily access cable routes and device mounting locations at any point along the duct, rather than being constrained to fixed access points, while the strip itself remains a relatively simple component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2590280B1Floor channel system for conduit guidance and for device installation
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 TEHALIT
  • EP2590280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2590280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2590280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A U-shaped channel portion (1) has side walls (27), a bottom portion (28) and side cover retaining profiles (11). A removable lid (6) is provided for partially or fully covering the U-shaped channel portion for accommodating cover retaining profiles. A carrier strip (7) is detachably attached to the bottom of channel portion, for attaching electrical installation equipment. A covering strip (10) is provided as a floor covering at side walls of the channel portion. The height of the covering strip between cover retaining profile and side wall is adjusted.