Adjustable Cable Duct Holder With Sliding Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holders for cable ducts on meters and distribution cabinets are limited in their ability to adjust the position of cable ducts independently of the cabinet's preparations, such as plaster layers of different thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A holder system with a first part attachable to the meter or distribution cabinet using pins that insert into a sheet metal wall and a second part that can be displaced and locked in various positions, featuring elastically bendable pin segments and a locking mechanism with teeth and counter-toothing for secure attachment and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If holders are attached to distribution cabinets using fixed mounting positions, then the cabinet structure remains simple, but the ability to adjust cable duct positions independently of cabinet preparations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of cable duct positionVSAvoidcabinet preparation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into two separate parts: a first holder part that attaches to the cabinet and a second holder part that accommodates the cable duct. This segmentation allows the holder to be positioned independently on the cabinet without requiring complex pre-preparations, as the two parts can be assembled on-site at the desired location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates a locking mechanism with multiple discrete positions that allows the second holder part to be locked at different locations relative to the first holder part. This dynamic positioning capability enables adjustment of the cable duct position while maintaining a simple cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If pins are used to attach the holder to the sheet metal wall, then attachment ease is improved, but secure locking in various positions requires additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A locking element acts as an intermediary between the two holder parts, engaging with teeth formed on the first holder part. This locking element provides secure positioning while maintaining ease of attachment, as the pins still insert easily into the sheet metal wall while the locking element ensures stable locking in various positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the holder parts are locked in fixed positions, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the ability to disassemble and reposition the holder is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly and repositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the holder parts to be locked in multiple discrete positions along the elongate first holder part. The locking element can engage with different teeth at different locations, providing reliable locking while enabling easy disassembly and repositioning as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 easy and secure attachment of cable duct holders to the cabinet at desired positions with minimal effort, allowing for independent adjustment of cable duct positions without requiring specific cabinet preparations, ensuring a flexible and reliable installation.

Implementation Method 1

the pins being slotted to form elastically bendable pin segments perpendicular to the plug-in direction, with the elastic pin segments snapping into place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

teeth can be formed on one of the holder parts and a locking element for engaging in the teeth can be formed on the other holder part, with the locking element preferably having counter-toothing that fits into the teeth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP1724896B1Holder for a conduit channel
Publication Date: 2011.08.24 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1724896B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1724896B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1724896B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7b

AI summary

A holder (1) for a cable channel (5) along the outside of a meter or distribution cabinet (4) comprises a part (2) connectible to the cabinet and a second part (3) connectible to the cable channel. The two parts can be locked to one another at different positions. Preferably the second part can be pushed with respect to the first and preferably locked by a tooth and notch system.