Overlay Molding Conceals Cable and Pre-Existing Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of new cable molding in multiple dwelling units often results in an unsightly appearance due to the exposure of multiple moldings of different colors, shapes, and styles along hallways, as existing solutions require parallel pathways that cannot be aesthetically integrated with pre-existing moldings.
Innovation Solution
A cable molding system that includes an overlay molding with a snap-fit design, allowing it to conceal both the new cable molding and pre-existing moldings, featuring a panel member with flanges that create channels for receiving both the cable molding and any pre-existing moldings, and a flexible flap for easy cable insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cable molding is installed below pre-existing molding to create a parallel pathway, then cable service can be provided to multiple dwelling units, but the appearance becomes unsightly with multiple exposed moldings of different colors, shapes and styles
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay molding is designed to fit over and conceal the cable molding, creating a nested configuration where the overlay molding serves as the outer layer and the cable molding is contained within. This nesting approach allows the cable service infrastructure to be hidden within the aesthetically pleasing overlay molding, resolving the contradiction between functional adaptability and visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay molding acts as an intermediary element between the wall structure and the cable molding. It mediates the visual conflict by providing a unified aesthetic interface that conceals the functional cable molding beneath, allowing cable service to be provided without compromising the appearance of the hallway.
2Shape
If overlay molding is designed to conceal both new and old moldings, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases due to snap-fit design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit design incorporates dynamic elements that allow the overlay molding to be easily engaged and disengaged from the cable molding. The flexible flap and snap-fit features provide mechanical compliance during installation, reducing the complexity of the installation process while maintaining the aesthetic concealment function.
3Strength
If flexible flap is made sufficiently rigid to keep cable within channel, then cable containment is improved, but ease of insertion and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flap is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to exhibit different degrees of rigidity depending on the applied force. Under normal conditions, it maintains sufficient rigidity to contain cables within the channel. During installation or cable access, it can be flexed outward to provide easy access, and then returns to its containing position, resolving the contradiction between cable containment and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable molding primarily intended to be installed on a wall structure of a common hallway of a multiple dwelling unit below pre-existing molding, and an overlay molding attachable to the cable molding to conceal both the cable molding and the pre-existing molding. The overlay molding includes a panel member having upper and lower edges and a flange extending rearwardly from the panel member intermediate the upper and lower edges. The flange defines with a lower portion of the panel member a lower channel shaped for attachment to the cable member, and defines with an upper portion of the panel member an upper channel for receiving pre-existing molding.