Branching Cable Trough Structure for Uneven-Surface Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable trough structures lack reinforcement mechanisms that prevent deformation and cracking on uneven surfaces, particularly on slopes, and they often have protruding ribs that are prone to damage and pose safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A branching or bent trough design with internal vertical ribs and a horizontal rib at the elbow section for reinforcement, along with a hollow columnar protrusion for anchoring, allowing stable fixation without protruding ribs and minimizing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional trough structures are used on uneven surfaces, then installation is simple, but deformation and cracking occur due to lack of reinforcement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trough structure is divided into multiple reinforcement sections with vertical ribs at intervals, allowing localized reinforcement without requiring complete structural redesign. The horizontal rib at the elbow section provides targeted reinforcement at the most vulnerable point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow columnar protrusion is pre-formed at the bottom of the trough to enable preliminary anchoring to the ground before cable installation. This preliminary anchoring action prevents deformation during subsequent installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If protruding ribs are added for reinforcement, then structural strength improves, but safety hazards and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding protruding ribs on the outer surface for reinforcement, the invention inverts the approach by placing vertical ribs on the inner surface and using a horizontal rib at the elbow section. This inversion eliminates protruding hazards while maintaining reinforcement effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical ribs are nested within the trough structure on the inner surface, and the hollow columnar protrusion is nested at the bottom, creating a compact reinforcement system that does not add external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If anchor bolts are used for fixation, then stability on uneven surfaces improves, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow columnar protrusion serves as a self-contained anchoring mechanism that integrates with the trough structure. The protrusion itself provides the anchoring function without requiring separate anchoring components, simplifying the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow columnar protrusion serves multiple functions: it reinforces the bottom structure, provides anchoring for ground fixation, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If reinforcement structures are added, then resistance to deformation improves, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deformationVSAvoidtrough weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Reinforcement is applied locally at critical positions (vertical ribs at intervals, horizontal rib at elbow section, hollow columnar protrusion at bottom) rather than uniformly throughout the entire trough structure. This localized approach provides necessary strength while minimizing additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260005503A1Branching trough, bent trough, branching trough connection structure, trough line, branching trough fixing structure, bent trough fixing structure, and method for connecting cable protection member to branching trough

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A branching trough includes side plates forming both side surfaces, and a bottom plate constituting a bottom surface. Both side plates are upright so as to surround the bottom plate. A cross section of the branching trough is U-shaped, and the branching trough is T-shaped in a plan view. A female joining structure for connecting a cable protection member is formed in openings at both longitudinal direction ends of a main trunk section. A female joining structure for connecting a cable protection member is formed in an opening at the leading end of a branch section. A vertical rib of an elbow section of the side plates can serve as a vertical rib inside the female joining structure. On the back surface of the main trunk section and the branch section, a hollow columnar protrusion protrudes downward to a prescribed height from the bottom plate at a prescribed position.