Telescopic Fitting System for Concealed Handrail Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handrail systems lack a simple and concealed method to route power cables from the wall to the handrail for supplying lighting units, making it difficult to energize lighting elements integrated into the handrail.

Innovation Solution

A fitting system comprising telescopic, hollow spacers with fastening flanges allows for the passage of power cables through nested holder elements, enabling the concealed routing of cables and secure attachment of handrails to the wall, with optional locking mechanisms and cable ducts for efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power cables are routed from the wall to the handrail using existing systems, then the handrail can be supplied with energy for lighting units, but the cable routing is complex and not concealed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing simplicityVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting system employs nested hollow spacers where the first spacer (attached to the wall) receives the second spacer (attached to the handrail) in a telescopic arrangement. This nesting creates an integrated cable routing path through both spacers, allowing power cables to be concealed within the fitting system structure rather than exposed externally, thereby simplifying installation and improving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If power cables are concealed within the fitting system, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow spacers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the structural mounting framework (with flanges for attachment), create the concealed cable routing pathway, and maintain the aesthetic appearance by hiding cables within their walls. This multi-functionality integrates what would otherwise be separate components into a unified structure, achieving aesthetic goals without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If telescopic spacers are used to conceal cables, then cable routing is simplified and concealed, but the mounting elements require precise telescopic fit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing easeVSAvoidspacer fit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic nesting of spacers creates an integrated cable conduit system where cables can be routed through both spacers during a single installation operation. The nested arrangement naturally guides cables from the wall-mounted spacer through to the handrail-mounted spacer, simplifying cable routing while the precision fit ensures structural integrity and proper alignment of the mounting flanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4283071A1Fitting system and handrail system
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 BITTL JOHANNES
  • EP4283071A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4283071A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4283071A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a fitting system (1) for attaching a handrail (6) to a wall (W), the fitting system (1) comprising a wall mounting element (2) and a handrail mounting element (3), wherein each of the two mounting elements (2, 3) has a hollow, tube-like spacer (2a, 3a) with a mounting flange (2b, 3b) at one end face, and wherein the spacers (2a, 3a) are shaped such that the spacer (2a, 3a) of one mounting element (2, 3) can be telescopically inserted into the spacer (3a, 2a) of the other mounting element (3, 2), and a power cable (K) can be passed through the nested mounting elements (2, 3) along their longitudinal axes. The invention further relates to a corresponding handrail system and a method for mounting such a handrail system.