Wire Pilot Routing via Magnetic Field

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wiring a preexisting wall is challenging due to the difficulty in visualizing and accessing preexisting objects like wires and studs, leading to unsightly holes and potential damage, which deters people from installing new wires or equipment.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using a wire pilot coupled with a magnetic field generator and metal detector, allowing remote manipulation of wires within a wall by guiding the wire pilot through a magnetic field, reducing the need for multiple holes and minimizing wall damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple holes are made in drywall to access and visualize objects within the wall, then access and visibility to preexisting objects is improved, but wall damage and unsightly holes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to wall interiorVSAvoidwall damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical drilling and physical probing with electromagnetic fields. A magnetic field generator externally applied to the wall manipulates a magnetic wire pilot inside the wall, eliminating the need for multiple access holes. This substitution of mechanical access methods with electromagnetic manipulation directly resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and wall damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic wire pilot as an intermediary object that can be manipulated from the outside. The wire pilot serves as a mediator between the external operator and the internal wall environment, allowing visualization and manipulation of wall contents without direct physical access through multiple holes, thus reducing wall damage while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If drywall is hung to conceal wiring, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access to and visualization of objects within the wall deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall surface appearanceVSAvoiddetection of preexisting objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical probing and drilling through drywall with electromagnetic detection methods. The magnetic field generator and magnetic wire pilot system allows detection and manipulation of objects behind the intact drywall surface, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling detection of preexisting objects through non-contact electromagnetic interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs visual indicators (such as LED lights or display elements on the magnetic wire pilot or remote interface) that change color or illuminate to indicate the presence and location of preexisting objects detected by the electromagnetic field. This allows visualization of hidden objects through the intact drywall surface without compromising aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are made to route wires through preexisting walls, then wire installation capability is improved, but wall integrity and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire routing capabilityVSAvoidwall structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical drilling and physical wire routing through multiple holes with electromagnetic manipulation. The magnetic field generator externally controls the magnetic wire pilot to navigate through the wall interior and guide new wiring, maintaining wall structure integrity and aesthetics while providing versatile wire routing capability through non-invasive manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient routing of wires through preexisting holes in studs, minimizing wall damage and unsightly holes, while allowing for precise placement and avoidance of obstacles, thus making it easier to install new wires and equipment in existing walls.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator configured to create the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

move in response to a magnetic field created by a remote guide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a metal detector configured to detect wires within the wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9136676B2Electromagnetic tool for wire routing

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Various arrangements for remotely manipulating a wire may be presented. A wire pilot may be presented that is configured to be coupled with the wire and to move in response to a magnetic field created by a remote guide when the wire pilot is within a wall and the remote guide is external to the wall. The remote guide may include a magnetic field generator configured to create the magnetic field and a metal detector configured to detect wires through a wall.