Integrated Low-Voltage Cabling for Reconfigurable Building Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabling systems for smart buildings are inefficient and costly due to the layering of technologies and mixed media cabling, leading to labor-intensive installation and maintenance, limited flexibility, and increased capital expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A cabling system comprising a flexible elongated body with multiple cables and connection assemblies, including RJ45 ports, that allows for reconfiguration of connectivity paths and reduces the need for consolidation points and horizontal cables, thereby simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cabling systems with consolidation points and horizontal cables are used, then connectivity can be established, but installation and maintenance become labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cables (power cable, data cable, control cable) into a single integrated cabling assembly that includes both conduit and cable components. This merging eliminates the need for separate consolidation points and horizontal cable runs, directly reducing installation time and labor while maintaining all necessary connectivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cabling assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission, data communication, control signals, and physical protection through the conduit structure. This multi-functionality replaces traditional separate cabling systems, reducing both installation complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple separate cables and consolidation points are deployed, then connectivity is achieved, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cable types and the conduit structure into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of individual components that need to be installed and managed, directly decreasing system complexity while maintaining reliable connectivity through all necessary cable types.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabling assembly is pre-assembled with all cables, conduits, and connectors configured before installation. This preliminary action eliminates on-site complexity of connecting multiple separate components, reducing both installation time and the potential for errors while ensuring reliable connectivity from the start.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive cabling infrastructure with consolidation points is installed, then connectivity coverage is achieved, but maintenance burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cabling system into modular integrated assemblies that can be independently installed and replaced. Each assembly is self-contained with all necessary components, allowing maintenance personnel to work with discrete units rather than complex interconnected systems, directly improving ease of repair while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows for flexible reconfiguration and replacement of individual cabling assemblies as needs change. This dynamic capability maintains connectivity coverage adaptability while simplifying maintenance, as entire assemblies can be swapped without affecting other parts of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a flexible elongated body, a plurality of cables extending in the body along a lengthwise direction, and a first connection assembly on a longitudinally first end of the body connecting to the plurality of cables. Each of the plurality of cables comprises a plurality of wires for transmitting signals and/or power to the first connection assembly.