Metal Cable Duct Hood for Concealing Cut Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal cable routing ducts face unsightly cut edges at the transition points of abutting sections, which are not adequately concealed by existing solutions, leaving gaps on both top and side surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped hood made of metal, with a base plate and side walls, is designed to enclose both top and side edges of the transition point, featuring projections that engage with the duct's channel to secure the hood and ensure complete coverage, also providing a grounding function through equipotential bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate cut lamination elements are used for cable ducts, then the cut edges can be covered, but the assembly complexity increases due to requiring multiple separate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the previously separate lower part, upper part, and cut lamination elements into a single integrated cable duct component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the cut edge coverage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable duct design performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, covers cut edges, and enables easy assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the upper part is arranged offset to cover cut edges, then some coverage is achieved, but side edges remain visible and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct is divided into functional segments (lower part, upper part, and integrated cut edge covering portions) that work together to provide complete coverage. The segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall aesthetic appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metal duct sections are cut to length, then installation flexibility is improved, but unsightly raw edges are exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct is designed with pre-formed cut edge covering portions that are already integrated into the structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate covering operations and ensures that raw edges are automatically concealed upon assembly, maintaining aesthetic appearance while allowing installation flexibility.
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
The solution effectively conceals unsightly edges and interfaces on both sides and top, stabilizes the transition point, and enables secure connection of abutting duct sections while ensuring grounding, applicable to various configurations including corners and T/K pieces.
Implementation Method 1
There is a projection on each of the two inner side walls which, corresponding to the attachment of the upper part to the lower part of the cable routing duct, engages in a channel formed on the lower part of the cable routing duct.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the tension of the two side walls of the hood, the two lower parts of the abutting cable duct sections are held firmly together. This stabilizes the transition point.
Implementation Method 3
In an embodiment made of metal, it ensures the equipotential bonding required for the grounding function by electrically connecting the two cable duct sections that meet one another.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The pipe layout channel has U-shaped lower cable channel section (1) having bottom (3) and side walls (2) with cover retaining profiles (4). A U-shaped upper cable channel section (10) has side walls (11) with shaped profiles (12) that correspond with cover retaining profiles. A transition point (40) of cable channel sections has U-shaped cover (30) provided with base plate (33) and side walls (31) which are provided with projection to engage with pipe layout channel groove (5) of lower section. The sections of upper and lower sections at transition point overlap each other.