Single Enclosure Integrating Patch and Communication Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enclosure systems for electrical equipment and cable connections in buildings require multiple enclosures, leading to increased material and labor costs, as well as complexity in installation and maintenance, due to the need for separate patch members and communication devices.

Innovation Solution

A single enclosure apparatus with a base member mountable to a building structure, featuring a moveable patch member and communication device capable of processing data, which integrates cable management and separation features, such as apertures for cables and a barrier wall to prevent interference, and allows for easy access and adaptation to various building environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple enclosures are used for electrical equipment, connectors and cables, then each component can be housed separately, but material costs and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent housing capabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate enclosures (equipment enclosure, connector enclosure, cable management enclosure) into a single integrated enclosure unit. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of materials needed while maintaining the ability to separately house and manage electrical equipment, connectors and cables through internal compartments and organizational structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple enclosures are used for electrical equipment, connectors and cables, then each component can be housed separately, but installation labor and maintenance complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent housing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation labor
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple enclosure functions into one unit, the installation process is simplified as fewer separate components need to be mounted and connected. The integrated design reduces the number of installation steps while maintaining separate housing capabilities for different components through internal organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate boxes are used for patch members and communication devices, then each device has dedicated housing, but device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice housing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates patch member housing and communication device housing into a single enclosure unit, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining dedicated spaces for each device type through internal compartments and mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If intricate cable pathways are used to connect electrical equipment and connectors, then cable routing is established, but installation complexity and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated enclosure consolidates cable pathway functions into a unified structure with internal channels and routing paths, simplifying cable installation while maintaining the capability to route cables between different equipment and connectors housed within the same enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7737360B2Enclosure apparatus, system and method
Publication Date: 2010.06.15 PANDUIT CORP
  • US7737360B2 patent drawing
  • US7737360B2 patent drawing
  • US7737360B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An enclosure apparatus comprises a single receptacle comprising a patch member connected to electrical equipment in a remote location and at least one communication device. The communication device may comprise a microprocessor for processing data received from the electrical equipment in the remote location. The enclosure apparatus is often used in connection with building automation equipment.