Rotatable Wire Supports for Reliable Movable Partition Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable partition systems face challenges in efficiently supporting and managing wires that extend between partitions, as they are often constrained by clips that require multiple connections and can lead to unreliable electrical connections and increased wire length due to accordion-like bending.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a wire support system comprising a cantilever member and a rotatable wire-supporting member, which allows wires to be suspended and supported without conforming to the bending of panels, reducing the need for multiple connections and providing a more direct path for electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wires are connected to individual panels using clips to support them as they extend from one end of the movable partition to the opposing end, then the wires are coupled to the interior surfaces of the folding panels, but the wires bend in conformity with the panels in an accordion-style fashion which increases wire length and creates unreliable electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wire supports as intermediary components that are attached to the movable partition panels. These wire supports provide attachment points for wires without requiring the wires to bend in accordion-style fashion. The wire supports move with the panels while maintaining a more direct wire path, thus mediating between the need for wire flexibility and connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If wires are connected to individual panels using clips, then the wires can be supported as the partition moves, but multiple connections are required which increases installation complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wire connection points into integrated wire support components. Instead of attaching wires individually to multiple panels using separate clips, the wire supports combine multiple attachment functions in single components that are attached to the partition structure. This reduces the total number of connections and simplifies installation while maintaining wire support during partition movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wires bend in conformity with the panels in an accordion-style fashion, then the wires can accommodate partition extension and retraction, but the wire length increases which creates more strain on electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic wire supports that are attached to moving panels but provide a more direct path for wires. The wire supports move dynamically with the partition panels during extension and retraction, accommodating the movement while maintaining a shorter, more direct wire route compared to the static accordion-style bending configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Wire supports for use with a movable partition system comprise a cantilever member configured for connection to a panel of a movable partition. A wire-supporting member through which wire may be inserted is rotatably connected to the cantilever member. Movable partition systems comprise a movable partition comprising at least two sheets of panels extending at least substantially parallel to one another and laterally distanced from one another to define an interior space between the at least two sheets of panels. At least one wire support disposed in the interior space between a proximal end and a distal end of the at least two movable partitions comprises a cantilever member secured to at least one panel of one of the movable partitions and a wire-supporting member rotatably connected to the cantilever member at least partially supporting at least one wire inserted through the wire-supporting member.