Integrated Network Hub with Labeled Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for residential and commercial premises face inefficiencies in the placement, integration, and maintenance of communications and media devices due to incremental installation, leading to obtrusive wiring, redundancy, and costly downtime, especially in smaller properties where space is limited and post-construction alterations are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hub connected to data networks with conduits of bundled wires and outlets with labeled ports, facilitating efficient connection of communications devices to specific networks, along with a controller for user-controlled operation, enabling consistent and adaptable installation and maintenance across multiple premises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If incremental installation of communications devices is performed to accommodate user needs, then system adaptability is improved, but wiring complexity and obtrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate communications networks (data, voice, video) into a single integrated network infrastructure using standardized outlets that can accommodate multiple device types. This merging approach reduces the overall wiring complexity while maintaining system adaptability to various communications devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal outlets that can connect to multiple types of communications devices (televisions, computers, telephones, video conferencing equipment) through a single interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different devices without requiring separate wiring for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service providers are engaged for different services, then service variety is improved, but maintenance complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the maintenance responsibilities by providing a standardized interface at the outlet level that separates the building infrastructure from individual service provider equipment. This segmentation allows each service provider to maintain their own equipment independently while sharing the common infrastructure, reducing overall maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized outlet system acts as an intermediary between multiple service providers and various communications devices. This intermediary interface simplifies maintenance by providing a common access point that reduces the need for multiple providers to coordinate complex wiring changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If post-construction alterations are performed to add communications infrastructure, then system completeness is improved, but installation difficulty and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates communications outlets and wiring infrastructure during the initial construction phase, performing the installation action beforehand. This preliminary action eliminates the need for difficult post-construction alterations and reduces installation difficulty while ensuring system completeness.
4Reliability
If redundant devices are deployed to ensure service coverage, then system reliability is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal outlets that can serve multiple device types and service providers through a single infrastructure, eliminating the need for redundant devices. This multi-functionality maintains service coverage reliability while improving resource efficiency by reducing the total number of devices required.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system for connecting one or more data networks to a plurality of communications devices in a premises, and methods of installing same. The system includes a hub located within the premises and connected to the data networks, as well as one or more conduits connected to the hub for connecting the data networks to one or more outlets in the premises. The outlets are adapted to connect to the communications devices to allow the user access to the networks.