Angled Cable Tray Connector With Reorientable Cover Wall
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angled connectors for cable ducts or trays require a large number of different types to accommodate various angular variations, leading to storage inefficiencies and complex assembly processes, and often have complex designs that are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A box-like connector with a removable, sheet-like covering wall that can be angled to create a second connecting opening, allowing flexible angular adjustment without the need for multiple types, and optionally using removable foils to adapt to different cable sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of angled connectors are manufactured to accommodate various angular variations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple angular configurations through removable walls. Instead of manufacturing separate connectors for each angle, a single connector body serves multiple functions by allowing different walls to be removed based on the required angular variation, thereby reducing the number of connector types needed while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into a permanent connector body and removable walls. This segmentation allows the main structure to remain standardized while the removable walls provide the variability needed for different angular configurations. The removable walls can be selectively taken off to create different connection angles, eliminating the need for multiple complete connector types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of angled connectors are stocked to cover all angular needs, then adaptability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connector body can replace multiple specialized connector types in warehouse storage. By stocking one type of connector body with various removable walls, the same storage space can accommodate all angular configuration needs, significantly reducing the volume required compared to storing multiple complete connector types
Solution Approach 2:
The removable walls are designed to be stored within or alongside the connector body when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows the complete set of connector components to occupy minimal storage space, as the removable walls can be kept compact within the main connector body structure
3Manufacturing precision
If angled connectors are designed with fixed angular configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a precision-manufactured body and interchangeable removable walls, the manufacturing precision can be maintained in the permanent components while the removable walls provide the necessary flexibility. The standardized connection interfaces ensure that even with multiple configurations, the angular precision is maintained through consistent mounting features
Solution Approach 2:
The angular configuration is changed not by manufacturing different precision components, but by changing which removable wall is installed. The parameter (connection angle) is variable through component selection rather than through complex manufacturing variations, maintaining precision while enabling adaptability
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex angled connector designs are used to achieve various angles, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by dividing the connector into a standard body and separate removable walls. This allows each component to be manufactured using simpler, more standardized processes rather than requiring complex manufacturing for each unique angular configuration. The removable walls can be produced using straightforward fabrication methods
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal connector body design can be mass-produced using optimized manufacturing processes, and the same body serves all angular configurations. This universality eliminates the need for complex, varied manufacturing processes for different connector types, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Angled connector (1) for cable ducts or trays (2, 3), of the type comprising a box-like body (14) with a plurality of sides and having a first connecting opening (12), which defines a first coupling direction (U) for a first cable duct or tray (2), and at least one open area (15; 15'; 15"), which substantially corresponds to one side of that box-like body (14) and which is distinct from said first connecting opening (12) and can be coupled to a respective removable covering wall (16; 16'; 16"). The aforesaid removable covering wall (16; 16'; 16"), which is substantially sheet-like, is shaped so as not to entirely obstruct that at least one open area (15; 15'; 15") and can be assembled in a directable manner according to a plurality of distinct angular positions with respect to the same open area (15; 15'; 15") in order to define at least one second connecting opening (13) which defines a second coupling direction (E; E1, E2, E3) for a second cable duct or tray (3).