Plenum-Rated Cord Reel Enclosure for Airtight Ceiling Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrical equipment and wiring in plenum spaces poses challenges due to fire and electrical code regulations, as existing solutions often require placing equipment outside these spaces, occupying valuable finished space and being unsightly.
Innovation Solution
A plenum-rated cord reel assembly with an airtight enclosure that allows installation within the plenum space while keeping the equipment concealed, featuring a base plate secured in the enclosure with a door for access and low friction surfaces to prevent cord damage, along with brackets for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical equipment is installed in plenum space, then code compliance is improved, but fire safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple walls that create separate compartments, isolating the cord reel assembly from the plenum air circulation system. This segmentation allows electrical equipment to be installed in the plenum space while maintaining fire safety by preventing direct exposure to air handlers and ventilation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure acts as an intermediary barrier between the electrical equipment and the plenum air circulation system. By installing the cord reel within this intermediate enclosure that has restricted air circulation openings, the patent mediates between the need for code-compliant installation in plenum space and the requirement for fire safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If equipment is installed outside plenum space, then fire safety is improved, but finished space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the equipment installation from the horizontal finished space dimension into the vertical plenum space dimension above the ceiling. By utilizing the unused vertical space in the plenum area, the cord reel assembly avoids occupying valuable finished floor space while maintaining fire safety through the enclosed design.
3Ease of manufacture
If cord reel is concealed in enclosure, then aesthetics are improved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure door is designed to be removable or openable, transforming the static enclosed structure into a dynamic system. This allows the enclosure to serve dual purposes: maintaining aesthetic appearance when closed and providing accessibility when opened for cord dispensing or maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cord reel assembly is provided that includes a plenum-rated enclosure with a cord reel secured in the enclosure where the enclosure forms an air tight seal from a plenum space, but is open to a finished space. Thus, a cord reel assembly is provided that includes a cord reel and a plenum rated enclosure. The cord reel has a base plate. The enclosure is open at a bottom edge. The base plate is secured in the enclosure.