Cable Duct Cover Linkage for Secure Retention on Inclined Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable duct assemblies mounted on non-horizontal surfaces face issues where the weight of cables can cause the cover plate to disconnect, leading to cables spilling out due to inadequate securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The cable duct assembly features a cover plate connected to sidewalls with lobe mechanisms and rotation limiters, which include rounded outer and inner lobe portions and catch portions, allowing secure attachment and limiting rotation to prevent cover plate disconnection under load, utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cable duct assembly uses a simple hinge connection between the cover plate and sidewalls, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of securing the cover plate under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lobe mechanism incorporates a rounded outer lobe portion that can rotate within the saddle feature, transforming the static hinge connection into a dynamic one. This rotation capability allows the mechanism to adapt to load conditions while maintaining secure engagement, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and reliable securing under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The lobe mechanism combines multiple functional elements (rounded outer lobe portion for rotation, rounded inner lobe portion for engagement, and interaction with the saddle feature) into a single integrated component. This composite structure achieves complex securing functionality without requiring multiple separate parts, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable duct assembly uses a fixed rigid connection between the cover plate and sidewalls, then the stability of the assembly is improved, but the adaptability to non-horizontal surfaces and load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded outer lobe portion is designed to rotate within the saddle feature in response to varying load conditions and surface orientations. This dynamic adaptation allows the assembly to maintain stability on non-horizontal surfaces while accommodating cable weight, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and adaptive versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lobe mechanism changes its engagement parameters (rotation angle, contact point within the saddle feature) in response to external conditions such as surface inclination and cable load. This parameter adjustment enables the assembly to adapt to different installation scenarios while maintaining secure coverage, balancing stability and adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A cable duct assembly (100) configured to retain an elongated cable (2) is presented herein. The cable duct assembly (100) includes a cover plate (110) connected to a first sidewall (151) and a second sidewall (172) and a base plate (130) pivotally connected to the first sidewall (151) and the second sidewall (172). The first sidewall (151) includes first arms (154) that include lobe mechanisms (158) and second arms (174) that include rotation limiting portions.