Outlet Assembly with Sidecar Raceway for Low Voltage Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial and industrial settings, adding new electrical or data receptacles near existing wiring is aesthetically unappealing and often disrupts the existing wiring, as separate raceways are needed, which can be unsightly and may not accommodate additional wiring without disturbing the existing setup, and there's a requirement to separate data wiring from high voltage cables.
Innovation Solution
An outlet assembly comprising a sidecar enclosure and a second raceway that can be mounted over an existing device box and raceway, allowing for the installation of additional low voltage wiring and connectors without disturbing the existing wiring, with the second raceway featuring dividers to segregate new and existing wiring and providing an integrated appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate raceway is used to conceal additional wiring near an existing receptacle, then the wiring is protected and concealed, but the appearance becomes unsightly and the existing raceway may not accommodate the additional wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the existing raceway and the new raceway into a single integrated assembly. The new raceway is mounted to the existing raceway, creating a unified structure that conceals both the existing and additional wiring within a single aesthetic unit, eliminating the need for separate visible raceways
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated raceway assembly serves multiple functions: it protects existing wiring, accommodates additional wiring, provides a clean aesthetic appearance, and allows for future expansions. The structure is designed to handle both power and data wiring in a multi-functional manner
2Shape
If additional wiring is routed through the existing raceway, then the appearance remains clean, but the existing wiring is disturbed and data wiring should be separated from high voltage cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated raceway assembly into separate compartments or sections. One section houses the existing high voltage power wiring, while another section accommodates the new data wiring. This segmentation maintains the clean appearance of a single raceway while providing physical separation and protection for different wiring types
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the integrated raceway assembly are designed with different characteristics. The section containing existing power wiring maintains its original protective features, while the section for new data wiring is designed with appropriate shielding and separation characteristics. Each local area is optimized for its specific wiring type
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet assembly installed over an existing device box and wiring to provide an integrated appearance for a new low voltage installation alongside the existing device box, without requiring disturbance of the existing device box or wiring.