Modular Cabling System with Active Consolidation Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional building structure cabling systems are inefficient due to significant space and time requirements for installation, high costs, lack of modularity, and failure to consider eco-responsibility and evolving IT network needs, leading to rapid obsolescence and excessive energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular, pre-assembled cabling system that eliminates sub-distributors and star cabling, using Active Consolidation Points (PCAs) installed near terminals, with optical and twisted pair connections, allowing flexible topology and easy reconfiguration, and reducing copper cable lengths and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If sub-distributors and star cabling are used, then coverage area is improved, but installation time and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the cabling infrastructure into modular Active Consolidation Points (PCAs) that can be independently installed and configured. Each PCA serves as a localized distribution node, allowing parallel installation across multiple locations simultaneously, thereby reducing total installation time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional horizontal star cabling to a multi-dimensional topology where PCAs are strategically positioned at vertical and horizontal nodes. This allows cable paths to utilize three-dimensional routing through building structures, reducing installation complexity and time while achieving the same coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If sub-distributors are installed per floor or section, then cabling coverage is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabling coverageVSAvoidtechnical room space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the distribution function from centralized sub-distributor rooms and relocates it to distributed Active Consolidation Points installed directly at terminal locations or nearby. This eliminates the need for dedicated technical rooms per floor, reducing space consumption while maintaining full cabling coverage through the building structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If star cabling from sub-distributors is used, then connectivity coverage is improved, but cable length and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity coverageVSAvoidcable length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system places Active Consolidation Points locally near terminal equipment rather than using centralized sub-distributors. This localizes the cabling connection points, significantly reducing the length of horizontal cables required to reach each terminal while maintaining comprehensive connectivity coverage across the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Area of stationary object

If conventional sub-distributor architecture is used, then initial cabling coverage is achieved, but adaptability to evolving needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabling coverageVSAvoidreconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic cabling architecture where Active Consolidation Points can be easily added, removed, or relocated without requiring complete system reconfiguration. Each PCA is an independent modular unit that can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate changing connectivity needs, unlike fixed star cabling from centralized sub-distributors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed with pre-configured Active Consolidation Points that can be installed in advance at potential future locations. This preliminary placement of modular PCAs allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration as needs evolve, without requiring invasive construction work or complete system overhaul.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Device complexity

If centralized electronic equipment in sub-distributors is used, then network management is simplified, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management complexityVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electronic equipment into distributed Active Consolidation Points rather than concentrating it in centralized sub-distributors. Each PCA is a low-power device that can be independently managed, and the modular architecture allows selective activation of only the PCAs needed for current operations, significantly reducing total energy consumption while maintaining manageable network complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2951898B1Wiring system for building structures
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 INGETEL B E T
  • EP2951898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2951898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2951898B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Wiring system for building premises, notably for tertiary use, comprising: - a main distribution board (1) installed in a service room, the main distribution frame (1) comprising at least one optical slot (12) for receiving optical cassettes (13); - at least one optical trunk (4) connected to an optical cassette (13) of the main distribution frame (1) and extending in an operating space; - at least one medium-voltage power supply lead (11) which follows the optical trunk (4); - at least one PCA (7) installed in the operating space and connected to the optical trunk (4), said PCA (7) containing at least: •at least one industrial switch (77) to the DIN or 19'' format, •at least one power supply (72) for the industrial switch (77) connected to the power supply lead (11), •at least one DIN housing (73, 75) provided with optical connection blocks (74in, 74out) to which the optical trunk (4) is connected, •at least one DIN rail (73', 75') for mounting the DIN housing (73, 75), and •optical jumpers (91) connecting the optical connection blocks (74in, 74out) to the industrial switch (77); and - RJ45 cords and/or extensions and/or optical jump leads (97) coming out of the box (7) and connected to the peripherals installed in the operating space.