Wall Cable Concealment Moulding With Accessible Snap Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for concealing cables in building façades are aesthetically unpleasing and require complex, potentially damaging operations for mounting and dismounting the mouldings, which are often performed from a ladder.
Innovation Solution
A cable concealing device with snap-fitting mechanisms that allow easier and more robust attachment and detachment of mouldings, featuring accessible push elements and a two-piece support structure for enhanced stability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the moulding is fixed by pressure to the support with a complex snap-fitting mechanism, then the fixing is robust, but the operation to mount and dismount becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two separate pieces: a base piece and an arm piece. This segmentation allows the snap-fitting mechanism to be distributed across both pieces, with the first fitting means on the moulding cooperating with second fitting means on the support. The operation is simplified by making the push element accessible from below, allowing one-handed operation from a ladder position.
Solution Approach 2:
The push element acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates a simple pressing motion into the complex action of releasing the snap-fitting. By pressing the push element, the operator indirectly activates the release mechanism through the elastically flexible tab, making dismounting easy without requiring direct manipulation of the snap-fitting components.
2Ease of operation
If the push element is positioned at the free end of the arm protruding above the moulding, then it is accessible for release, but it is exposed to accidental blows and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The push element is repositioned from the traditional horizontal location at the free end of the arm to a vertical location on the lower surface of the base, accessible from below. This dimensional change allows the push element to remain accessible for operation while being protected from accidental blows that would occur at the exposed upper end position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the upper edge of the moulding is snap-fitted to the support arm, then the fixing is secure, but the operation to mount and dismount requires complex steps potentially performed from a ladder
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a base and arm, with fitting means distributed across both components. This allows the snap-fitting to engage at multiple points (upper edge and lower edge), providing stable fixation while enabling simple operation through the accessible push element on the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically flexible tab automatically engages with the first fitting means when the moulding is pressed against the support, providing self-locking stability. For dismounting, the system serves itself by allowing the push element to release the tab, which then automatically disengages from the fitting means without requiring complex manual manipulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and safe operations for mounting and dismounting mouldings, reducing the risk of damage and improving the aesthetic appearance of cable installations.
Implementation Method 1
said push element causes an elastic bending of said tab which releases the snap-fitting between said first fitting means and said second fitting means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for concealing electrical or communications cables in a wall, comprising a support (1) and a moulding (7) fixed by pressure to the support (1). An upper edge (8) of the moulding (7) is coupled to a free end (6) of the support (5). Fitting means (11) at a lower edge (9) of the moulding (7) are snap-fitted with fitting means (12) in the support (1), having an elastically flexible tab (13) and a push element (14) to release the snap-fitting. In a fixing position, the upper edge (8) of the moulding (7) is coupled to the free end (6) of the support (6), the fitting means (11, 12) are snap-fitted together, and the push element (14) is accessible from the outside through a separation between the lower edge (9) of the moulding (7) and the wall.