Slack Cable Storage Box with Removable Faceplate
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in storing slack cable efficiently in multiple dwelling units, such as apartments or condominiums, to facilitate the provision of broadband service to units that have not yet requested it, as existing solutions do not effectively manage cable storage for future installations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of slack cable storage boxes with a base attachable to the wall, a removable cover, and a spool for storing cable, which allows for easy mounting, cable wrapping, and punching holes in the wall for future broadband service connections, along with a docking station and decorative faceplates for aesthetic flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slack cable is stored in a centralized location, then cable management is simplified, but cable deployment to individual units becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized cable storage system is segmented into multiple distributed slack cable storage boxes, one for each dwelling unit. Each box independently stores cable for its specific unit, eliminating the need to route cable through intermediate locations and significantly improving deployment efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Cable is pre-stored in each slack cable storage box during installation, with sufficient length to accommodate future deployment needs. This preliminary action of pre-positioning cable eliminates the need for time-consuming cable running operations when a unit later requests service, as the cable is already available for immediate deployment
2Ease of operation
If wall openings are made for cable installation, then cable access to units is enabled, but structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slack cable storage box includes a removable base portion that can be detached from the wall mounting. This extraction of the storage function from permanent wall structure allows cable access to be achieved without creating permanent openings in the wall, thereby preserving structural integrity and aesthetic appearance while enabling installation access
Solution Approach 2:
The removable base acts as an intermediary between the wall structure and the cable storage function. It provides a mounting interface that enables cable installation without requiring permanent modifications to the wall, thus mediating between the need for cable access and the need to preserve wall integrity and appearance
3Ease of operation
If cable storage boxes are mounted on corridor walls, then cable access to units is facilitated, but aesthetic appearance and decor are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slack cable storage box features a removable faceplate that can be replaced with different decorative options. This allows the local appearance of the wall mounting to be customized according to aesthetic requirements while maintaining the functional cable access capability. The faceplate can be removed or replaced to match different interior design styles without affecting the underlying structural function
4Adaptability or versatility
If sufficient slack cable is stored for future units, then broadband service can be provided to any unit upon request, but cable storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slack cable is wound on a spool mechanism that allows compact storage while providing dynamic access. The spool enables the cable to be efficiently wound back into a compact form when not in use, minimizing the volume required for storage while still accommodating sufficient cable length for future unit deployments. This dynamic winding mechanism maximizes cable storage density
Data Source
AI summary
Slack cable storage box includes a base and a cover removably attachable to the base to provide an enclosure for a slack cable storage spool that may be part of the cover or removably attached to the base. The outer end face of the cover may be recessed for receipt of one or more interchangeable decorative faceplates.