Rotatable Network Connection Box for Multi-Angle Cable Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing junction boxes for data or communication networks lack flexibility in cable outlet directions, limiting their adaptability to various installation situations.

Innovation Solution

A connection box with a housing featuring a lower and upper part, where the upper part can be secured in multiple rotated positions, and a clamping device allowing cables to be clamped onto two support surfaces at different angles, providing strain relief and enabling cable outlets at multiple angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single support surface is used for cable clamping, then the device structure is simple, but the cable outlet directions are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable outlet directionsVSAvoidsupport surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface is segmented into multiple distinct surfaces (first support surface and second support surface) arranged at different angles. Each surface provides a specific cable outlet direction, allowing the device to adapt to various installation scenarios without requiring a completely different device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-planar support surface to multi-planar support surfaces arranged at different angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This dimensional change in orientation space enables cable outlets in multiple directions while maintaining a compact device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper housing part is fixed in one position, then the manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation positionsVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper housing part is designed with rotational adjustability relative to the lower housing part, allowing it to be positioned at multiple angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) before being fixed in place. This dynamic positioning capability during installation provides flexibility without significantly complicating the overall housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a clamping device with fixed orientation is used, then the cable fixation is reliable, but the cable bending is excessive in some installation scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidcable bending
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different support surfaces are provided with locally optimized orientations to match specific installation requirements. For example, when the cable needs to exit horizontally, the first support surface (at 0°) is used; when diagonal routing is needed, the second support surface (at 45°) is selected. This local optimization minimizes cable bending at each specific installation location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4164067B1Connection box for a data or communication network
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 METZ CONNECT GMBH
  • EP4164067B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4164067B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4164067B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a junction box (10) for a data or communication network with a housing (15) comprising a lower housing part (20) with a base surface (20a) and an upper housing part (40), wherein a clamping device (30) for at least one cable (50) is provided on the lower housing part (20), and wherein a circuit board is arranged in the housing (15) on which at least one socket (42) for receiving a plug is arranged, wherein the upper housing part (40) can be placed on the lower housing part (20) and can be fixed on the lower housing part (20) in several positions rotated relative to each other about an imaginary housing center axis (A), wherein a first support surface (21) for the at least one cable (50) and a second support surface (22) for the at least one cable (50) are arranged on the lower housing part (20).wherein the at least one cable (50) can be selectively clamped to either the first support surface (21) or the second support surface (22) by the clamping device (30), and wherein the first support surface (21) and the second support surface (22) are arranged at an angle (α) to each other.