Installation Box Membrane Structure for Angled Cable Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation boxes for network connections face difficulties in accommodating angled network cables due to their structural design, leading to complex and costly installations, as they require specialized openings in the wall and often necessitate the use of double or angled boxes.

Innovation Solution

The design features a cylindrical or polygonal installation box with a beveled transition area and deformable membranes that allow for angled insertion of cables through flexible insertion openings, forming a kink-free insertion channel, and includes multiple insertion openings and channels to accommodate cables and pipes efficiently, with the membranes extending over the side wall and base to facilitate easier installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional installation boxes with perpendicular cable entry openings are used, then the box structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but angled network cables cannot be inserted without kinking and the installation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable insertion easeVSAvoidbox structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall is designed as a deformable membrane that dynamically changes shape during cable insertion. When a cable is inserted at an angle, the membrane deforms to accommodate the cable's bending radius, creating a kink-free insertion path. This dynamic adaptation allows angled cable entry without requiring complex pre-formed channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane's physical state changes from a flat, rigid-looking surface to a deformed, cable-accommodating shape. The membrane can be made of materials with specific elastic properties that allow it to stretch and deform locally when cable insertion force is applied, then return to its original shape. This parameter change enables the box to handle various cable angles and diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If rectangular installation boxes are used to accommodate angled cables, then cable insertion is facilitated, but the boxes require specially designed wall openings and become difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable insertion easeVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall is designed as a cylindrical or curved surface rather than a flat rectangular panel. This curvature allows the membrane to deform more naturally in response to cable insertion forces from various angles. The curved geometry provides inherent flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, enabling easy insertion through standard round wall openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The side wall is constructed as a flexible membrane that can deform elastically when cables are inserted at angles. This thin, flexible structure replaces rigid rectangular panels, allowing the box to be inserted through standard round openings while still providing protected cable entry points. The membrane's flexibility compensates for the lack of pre-formed angled channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If double junction boxes or angled junction boxes are used, then angled cable insertion is possible, but the installation space requirements increase and the installation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable insertion easeVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single box with deformable membrane eliminates the need for multiple boxes or complex angled configurations. The membrane dynamically adapts to cable insertion angles within the single box's volume, providing the functionality of angled boxes without requiring additional installation space or complex multi-box arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the installation of network cables by allowing angled insertion without kinks, reduces installation complexity and costs, and enables flexible adaptation to different cable and pipe diameters, making it easier to connect cables and pipes in a space-saving manner.

Implementation Method 1

at least one insertion opening (7) is arranged in a membrane (12) which is deformable. When a cable (21) is inserted, the membrane (12) surrounding the insertion opening (7) is deformed such that the insertion opening (7) is arranged at an angle to the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3790136B1Installation box
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 KAISER AKTIENGES
  • EP3790136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790136B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical installation box (1) comprising a base (2) and a tubular side wall (3) extending axially (z) thereto, forming an installation space (5). An installation opening is arranged opposite the base (2) and surrounded by the side wall (3). At least one insertion opening (7, 8) for a cable to be inserted into the installation box (1) is arranged in the side wall (3), which is closed by a removable wall section (9). When the cable is inserted through the insertion opening (7, 8), the insertion opening (7, 8) is arranged at an angle to the axial direction, and an insertion channel (6) for the inserted cable is formed in the side wall, extending along an outer surface (10) of the side wall (3).