Modular Utility Spline Assembly to Reduce Installation Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Installing utility infrastructure in indoor spaces is complex and costly, requiring separate installations by certified technicians and often involving physical modifications to existing structures, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular utility connection system, including primary and branch utility splines with preconfigured locations for plug-and-play installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and data connections, which can be expanded and customized to fit various building needs, reducing the need for separate attachments to the building structure and allowing for centralized management of infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If utility infrastructure is installed separately by certified technicians, then installation reliability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate utility connections (electrical, data, fluid) into a single integrated spline assembly. This allows all connections to be made through one standardized interface rather than requiring separate installations by different technicians, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability through the integrated design that ensures proper connection of all utilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spline serves multiple functions by providing electrical power, data communication, and fluid connections through a single universal interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized connections for each utility type, simplifying the installation process while ensuring reliable connections across all utility categories through a standardized universal interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical modifications are made to existing infrastructure, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and safety may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The utility connection system is divided into modular spline segments that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring physical modifications to existing structures, as each module can be independently positioned and connected, thereby maintaining structural integrity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spline acts as an intermediary component between utility sources and appliances, providing a standardized interface that eliminates the need for direct physical modifications to structures or existing infrastructure. All connections are made through this intermediate spline assembly, which protects the structural integrity of buildings while enabling flexible utility distribution and appliance installation.
3Loss of time
If preconfigured locations are used for connections, then installation time is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spline is preconfigured during manufacturing with standardized connection locations, electrical conductors, data cables, and fluid passages already in place. This preliminary preparation of all connection elements before installation significantly reduces on-site installation time, as technicians simply need to connect appliances to the pre-positioned interfaces without performing complex routing or configuration tasks during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized connection parameters and interface specifications that can be consistently reproduced during manufacturing. By establishing fixed connection locations, conductor types, cable routes, and passage dimensions as standard parameters, the manufacturing process achieves efficiency through repetition and standardization, offsetting the initial complexity of designing these precise configurations.
4Measurement precision
If excess materials are handled and inventoried, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spline uses standardized connection parameters including fixed conductor sizes, predetermined cable lengths, and standard passage dimensions. These standardized parameters eliminate the need for on-site measurement and material selection, as all connection requirements are predetermined during manufacturing. This precision standardization ensures proper fit and function while completely eliminating time spent on material inventory, measurement, and selection during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility connection system can include a primary utility spline having a length and a support frame. The utility connection system can include one or more utility conduits extending along at least a portion of the length of the primary utility spline and supported by the support frame. The system can include a sensor hub including one or more sensors; and one or more branch access interfaces having one or more ports in communication with the one or more utility conduits. The utility connection system can include a branch utility spline connected to the primary utility spline at the one or more branch access interfaces.