Reversible Cable Chute with Two-Way Mounting Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for routing low voltage cables through walls are unsightly, require custom holes, and are limited in orientation, making them incompatible with conventional electrical boxes and frames, and lacking in flexibility for installation.
Innovation Solution
A reversible one-piece protective cable chute with two-way mounting apertures that matches conventional electrical boxes and low voltage frames, allowing for multiple orientations and configurations, including inward and outward mounting of the cable shield, to route low voltage cables through walls without projecting outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prior art wall aperture molding with removable plate cover is used, then low voltage cables can be routed through walls, but the device is not complementary with wall openings prepared for conventional electrical devices and requires a specially sized hole
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chute is designed with mounting apertures that can accommodate both conventional electrical boxes and low voltage frames, making it universally compatible with different wall opening types. The aperture spacing and pattern are standardized to match conventional electrical device installations, eliminating the need for custom-sized holes.
2Ease of operation
If a prior art molding plate with cable shield extending outward is used, then cable routing is achieved, but the cable shield projects outward which prevents placement of low voltage devices or furniture close against the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chute incorporates reversible mounting capability with two-way mounting apertures that allow the device to be installed in multiple orientations. The cable shield can extend either outward or inward from the wall depending on the mounting direction, providing dynamic adaptability to different installation scenarios and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to allow installation in reverse orientations. By inverting the mounting direction, the cable shield that would normally extend outward instead extends inward, enabling furniture or devices to be placed close against the wall while still providing cable routing functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the protective cable chute is made as a one-piece device with integral cover plate, then manufacturing is simplified, but the design must accommodate multiple mounting orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece cable chute features asymmetric design elements including two-way mounting apertures positioned to enable multiple mounting orientations. The asymmetric aperture placement and the relationship between the cover plate and cable shield allow the device to function correctly whether mounted with the cable shield extending outward or inward, achieving multi-orientation capability through asymmetric geometry rather than modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible one-piece protective cable chute for routing low voltage cables through walls. The protective cable chute includes a one piece cable shield including a cover plate with a cable shield extending therefrom. The protective cable chute includes two-way mounting apertures therein for mounting directly to a conventional electrical box or conventional low voltage frame. The mounting apertures include a pattern and spacing to match the bores of the electrical box or low voltage frame. An opening and passageway in the protective cable chute are capable of receiving low voltage cables for the purpose of routing them through the wall and into an adjacent room. The cable chute is capable of being mounted to an electrical box or low voltage frame in any of four orientations selectable by the installer.