Low-Profile Raceway Structure for Flexible Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for flexible raceways that can accommodate changes in power and communication capabilities, allowing for modifications to wiring layouts and additional connectivity without requiring extensive structural modifications, such as coring through concrete flooring or creating openings in walls.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile raceway system with a housing and cover that includes flexible arms and structural walls to support loads, allowing for easy installation and modification, featuring a cavity for cables and conduits, and integrated ramps for smooth integration with flooring, along with removable covers and wire clips for cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wiring installation methods are used (coring through concrete flooring, creating openings in walls), then power and communication capabilities can be provided to locations in a structure, but extensive structural modifications are required which increase installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway system is divided into modular sections that can be easily assembled and configured. The housing includes a base, arms, and cover that can be separately installed, allowing the raceway to be segmented into manageable units that simplify installation and future modifications without requiring extensive structural changes to the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The raceway incorporates flexible arms that can bend and adjust to accommodate different installation configurations and future wiring layout changes. This dynamic component allows the raceway to adapt to various positions and angles, providing versatility without requiring permanent structural modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wiring is installed to accommodate current needs, then power and communication capabilities are provided, but future modifications to accommodate new connectivity needs require further structural modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway is pre-installed with extra capacity and accessible pathways for additional cables. The housing design includes built-in provisions for future wire additions, allowing connectivity changes to be made by simply accessing the existing raceway rather than installing new structural pathways, thereby saving time on future modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The raceway is designed to accommodate multiple types of cables and connectors for different connectivity needs (power, data, communication). This universal design allows the same infrastructure to serve various functions and adapt to emerging technologies without requiring specialized installations for each type of connectivity.
3Shape
If raceway height is reduced to improve aesthetics and minimize flooring modifications, then the raceway profile is lowered, but structural support capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway employs different structural qualities in different parts of the housing. The base and arm connection points use thicker, more rigid materials and reinforcement to provide structural support, while other portions of the housing can be thinner to reduce overall profile height. This localized variation in structural quality allows the raceway to maintain both low height and adequate strength.
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, a raceway may include a housing with walls and arms extending from the housing. A cavity may be disposed in the housing and cables may reside in the cavity, during use. The cables may provide connectivity to receptacles of the raceway and thus a variety of devices. A cover may be utilized with the housing to facilitate access to the cables in the cavity of the housing. In some implementations, the cover may be retained by flexible arms of the housing. The raceway may be configured to receive wire clips to retain cables and/or conduit disposed in a cavity of the raceway.