Wall-Mounted Electrical Connection System with 3D Connector Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection systems for electrical devices in walls or ceilings require large holes due to the need for multiple connections, limiting the number of connections possible and posing safety hazards due to exposed conductors.

Innovation Solution

A connection system that allows for multiple electrical connections through a small hole by using a body with a lower part mounted on the surface and an upper part extending into the wall or ceiling, featuring a cable guide to direct cables at an acute angle and a protective cover to shield connections, enabling easy installation and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If connectors are arranged in a single plane parallel to the wall or ceiling, then the depth profile can be kept relatively low, but the connection system becomes broader requiring larger holes in the wall or ceiling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth profileVSAvoidhole size
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of connectors to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement. Connectors are positioned at different depths and locations within the connection system, allowing multiple connections to be made through a smaller hole while maintaining an acceptable depth profile. This spatial redistribution resolves the contradiction by utilizing the third dimension (depth) to accommodate multiple connectors without increasing the footprint area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more connections are required, then the connection system gets broader, but the hole size in the wall or ceiling is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connectionsVSAvoidhole size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system employs a nested structure where connectors and cable guides are arranged concentrically or in nested patterns around a central axis. This allows multiple connectors to be packed into a compact volume, increasing the number of connections possible through a limited hole size. The nested arrangement maximizes space utilization without requiring a proportionally larger opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By distributing connectors in three-dimensional space rather than confining them to a single plane, the system can accommodate more connections through a smaller hole. The connectors are positioned at varying radial distances and depths, creating a volumetric arrangement that increases connection capacity without increasing the hole area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If cables are left floating within the cavity, then connections can be made, but entanglement occurs when a large number of wires are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidcable entanglement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Cable guides are pre-installed and positioned within the connection system before cables are connected. These guides create predetermined pathways that direct cables from the wall or ceiling into the connection system and to their respective connectors. This preliminary arrangement of guidance structures prevents cable entanglement by establishing organized routes before the cables are installed, making the connection process easier and more systematic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Cable guides act as intermediary elements between the external cables and the internal connectors. These guides mediate the transition of cables from the external environment into the connection system, directing them along controlled paths and preventing random positioning or entanglement. The cable guides simplify the connection process by providing clear routing instructions for each cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3467980B1Connection system for electrical devices
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 NIKO NV
  • EP3467980B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3467980B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3467980B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection system (1) for connecting an electrical device to electrical conductors. The system comprises a body (13) for installing in or through a wall or ceiling. The body has a lower part (3) for being positioned close to a front surface of the wall or ceiling and an upper part (4) for being positioned away from the front surface. The system comprises a mounting assembly (5) for fixing the connection system (1) to the wall or ceiling. The system comprises a connectors (6) for connecting the conductors (2) to the device, in which the connectors (6) are arranged in or on the upper part (4) and next to each other in a direction (Z) that extends away from the mounting assembly (5) when installed. The system comprises a protective cover (10) for covering the plurality of connectors (6) when installed.