Modular Utility System for Office Wiring Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular office furniture systems face challenges in managing power, data, and telephone lines due to the complexity and cost of re-routing wires, which leads to tripping hazards, unsightly cables, and increased fire hazards, particularly in large shared workspaces where flexible workstation configurations are needed.
Innovation Solution
A modular utility system comprising a whip cable with up to 10 conductors, a power core module, high-voltage power modules, and low-voltage data modules, along with connectors and cable carriers, that maintain pre-determined phase, neutral, and ground circuit assignments, allowing for flexible and safe distribution of power and data connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional modular furniture systems are used with separate electrical, telephone, and data lines, then power and data connectivity can be provided to work stations, but wires and cables lie on the floor creating tripping hazards and fire risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate utility lines (electrical power, data, telephone) into a single integrated conduit system that runs through the furniture. This merging eliminates scattered wires on the floor by consolidating all connections through one structured pathway, thereby removing tripping hazards and fire risks while maintaining full connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conduit system that acts as a mediator between the wall outlets and workstation equipment. This conduit serves as a safe enclosed pathway that transports power and data lines from the source to the destination without exposing wires to the floor environment, thus eliminating hazards while preserving connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords and power strips are used to provide flexibility in positioning workers, then power connectivity can be maintained, but the number of wires increases leading to more tripping hazards and fire risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous extension cords and power strips from the workspace environment by providing built-in power outlets directly within the furniture structure. This removal eliminates the need for additional wiring while preserving positioning flexibility, as workers can move furniture components without dealing with extension cords.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal furniture system with integrated power and data outlets that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The furniture provides both workspace and utility delivery functions, eliminating the need for separate extension cords and allowing flexible positioning without additional wires.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard powered furniture outlets are used to maintain flexibility, then workstation reconfiguration is possible, but re-routing wires remains complex and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the utility delivery system into modular furniture components, each with integrated outlets. This segmentation allows individual units to be easily reconfigured without affecting the entire wiring system, as each module is self-contained with its own power and data connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-installing conduits and outlets within the furniture during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field wiring when reconfiguring workspaces, as the infrastructure is already in place and ready for use.
4Reliability
If manual wire configuration through rigid conduits is used for building power lines, then electrical connectivity can be established, but the process is time-consuming and requires qualified electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical wire-fishing process through rigid conduits with a pre-configured modular system. The electrical connectivity is established through pre-assembled units with built-in conduits and outlets, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual wire routing while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring all electrical connections and conduits during furniture manufacturing. This advance preparation eliminates the need for on-site wire configuration by qualified electricians, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular office wiring system comprising a power distribution module, at least one data hub, at least one ten-conductor high-voltage cable, a cable carrier, connectors, at least one power core, at least one high-voltage power module, and at least one low-voltage data module. The system may additionally include one or more splitters that provide branch power lines, with additional power cores positioned on the branch lines and additional high-voltage power modules and low-voltage data modules connected to the additional power cores. In addition, a method is provided for installing and uninstalling the modules to each other.