Breakable Protector Plate Raised Break Line Fastener Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protector plates for cables and wires running through studs have gaps between adjacent plates, allowing nails or screws to penetrate and damage the cables or wires, as they are not designed to redirect fasteners effectively.

Innovation Solution

A breakable protector plate with a raised surface along the break line, featuring reduced material thickness or a weakened break line, which redirects fasteners into a thicker area, preventing penetration and allowing the plate to be sized for multiple stud widths by breaking along this line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gap exists between adjacent protector plates, then the plates can be installed on individual studs, but nails or screws can penetrate through the gap and damage the wires or cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation on individual studsVSAvoidnail or screw penetration damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protector plate functions into a single continuous plate that spans multiple studs. The plate includes a break line that allows it to be divided into sections after installation, merging the benefits of continuous protection with the flexibility of individual stud mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate is designed with a break line that weakens the plate at a specific location, allowing it to be easily broken into sections after installation. This preliminary weakening enables the plate to be installed as a continuous piece for maximum protection, then divided into manageable sections for mounting on individual studs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the plate material thickness is uniform, then the plate structure is simple, but the plate cannot be easily broken to fit different stud widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate structureVSAvoidfit to different stud widths

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate features a break line with locally reduced material thickness, creating a weakened section that is easier to break. This local variation in thickness allows the plate to be easily divided into different configurations to fit various stud widths while maintaining uniform thickness in the protective areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the break line is at the same level as the plate surface, then the plate structure is simple, but nails or screws can penetrate through the break line and damage the wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate structureVSAvoidfastener penetration at break line

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The break line is formed as a raised ridge or convex curve along the plate surface, creating a curved profile that deflects nails or screws away from the weakened break line area. This curvature redirects fasteners onto the thicker, more protective portions of the plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The raised break line creates a preliminary deflection mechanism that redirects fasteners before they can penetrate through the weakened break line area. This geometric feature proactively prevents the harmful effect of fastener penetration by changing the fastener's trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9219355B2Breakable protector plate

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A breakable protector plate is provided for preventing damage to wires or cables which are behind the protector plate. The plate comprises a weakened break line. To prevent nails or screws from penetrating the reduced material thickness at the break line, the surface of the break line is raised with respect to the plate in order to redirect nails or screws into a greater thickness area of the plate.