Bonding Clip for Wire Mesh Cable Tray Electrical Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brackets and clamps for wire mesh cable trays do not provide electrical connectivity between adjacent units, failing to meet the requirement for continuous grounding as per industry codes, and often impede electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The development of bonding clips that encase the weft wires of adjacent wire mesh cable tray units, removing protective coatings to enable conductivity and providing a stable mechanical union without altering the cross-sectional area, allowing for electrical connectivity between units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brackets and clamps are used to connect wire mesh cable tray units, then mechanical connection is achieved, but electrical connectivity between adjacent units is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding clip merges the mechanical connection function and electrical connectivity function into a single integrated component. The clip simultaneously clamps adjacent cable tray units together while providing a conductive path through its metal construction, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connectors and electrical bonding devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding clip serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support by clamping adjacent tray units, ensures electrical continuity between units through its conductive metal body, and maintains the required cross-sectional area for grounding. This multi-functional design replaces conventional single-purpose brackets and clamps.
2Reliability
If bonding clips encase weft wires and remove protective coatings, then electrical conductivity is enabled, but corrosion resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding clip applies different surface treatments to different regions: the interior surfaces that contact the weft wires have coating removal features (teeth or abrasion elements) to expose conductive metal, while the exterior surfaces maintain protective coating or plating to prevent corrosion. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding clip acts as an intermediary component that bridges adjacent cable tray units. Its metal construction provides the conductive path needed for electrical connectivity, while its design allows it to be attached to the coated wires without requiring removal of the protective coating from the wires themselves, thus preserving the corrosion resistance of the original tray units.
3Reliability
If bonding clips are designed to provide electrical connectivity, then grounding requirements are met, but the device may interfere with cable placement in the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding clip is designed with a profile that fits within the cross-sectional area of the cable tray, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than protruding into the horizontal cable placement space. By positioning the bonding clip at the bottom or side of the tray and ensuring it does not extend into the gutter space, cables can be placed above it without interference while the bonding clip maintains electrical connectivity at the connection point.
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 the assembly of wire mesh cable tray runs that are electrically conductive at points of contact, ensuring proper grounding while maintaining corrosion resistance and not interfering with cable placement.
Implementation Method 1
The bonding clips contact and affix to the weft wires of adjacent cable trays to surround and encase contacted surfaces of the wires. At least one of each of the opposing interior wire contact surfaces of the bonding clips is formed with a plurality of teeth-like projections and the opposing interior wire contact surfaces, when positioned on the wires, are configured for opposing interaction such that the teeth-like projections penetrate and partially strip any protective coating on the surface of the encased wires.
Data Source
AI summary
A bonding clip formed of a metal and having unitary or multi-part construction is used to electronically bond together wires of adjacent wire mesh cable trays. The bonding clip binds the wire mesh cable trays by penetrating the protective coating one the wire mesh cable trays with teeth-like projections in order to permit conductive contact between the wires. The bonding clip has a profile that permits maintenance of the cross-sectional area formed by the wires of the wire mesh cable trays.