Cable Duct Slot Geometry for Automated Conductor Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable ducts are unsuitable for automated wiring due to the inability to reliably insert and retain conductors, as they tend to move out of the duct due to their elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A cable duct design with tapered sections and elastic retaining ribs that ensure conductors are securely inserted and retained, utilizing V-shaped cable insertion aids and multiple tapers to accommodate conductor elasticity, and elastic retaining bars to prevent ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable ducts with uniform slots are used for automated wiring, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but conductors cannot be reliably retained due to their inherent elasticity causing them to move out of the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is segmented into multiple sections with different cross-sectional areas along its length. The slot includes a first section with a first cross-sectional area and a second section with a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first. This segmentation creates retention zones that prevent conductors from moving out due to elasticity while maintaining manufacturability through a single-piece molded construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the slot have different local geometries to serve different functions. The first section has a larger cross-sectional area for initial conductor insertion, while the second section has a smaller cross-sectional area for reliable retention. This local variation in quality ensures both ease of insertion and secure retention without requiring complex external retention mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the slot is narrowed to prevent conductor ejection, then conductor retention improves, but automated insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct is pre-formed during manufacturing with a slot that has varying cross-sectional areas along its length. The first section has a larger cross-sectional area to facilitate initial automated insertion, while the second section has a smaller cross-sectional area for retention. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time adjustment during automated wiring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot geometry transitions dynamically from a larger cross-sectional area at the insertion end to a smaller cross-sectional area deeper in the duct. This dynamic variation in geometry allows the slot to accommodate both the insertion phase (requiring larger opening) and the retention phase (requiring smaller opening) within a single continuous structure.
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 reliable and automated conductor insertion and retention within the cable duct, preventing conductors from shifting back out, even under elastic tension.
Implementation Method 1
the tapered section reliably widens its opening cross-section under elastic deformation of the adjacent tongues
Implementation Method 2
even under elastic tension
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable duct (1) for the automated wiring of an electrical control or switching system, wherein the cable duct (1) has a base (2) for mounting on a substrate and two parallel side walls (3), each formed by a plurality of tongues (4) extending in a perpendicular manner from the base (2), wherein neighbouring tongues (4) of the same side wall (3) have a slot (5) between them for passing a cable through with a cable insertion aid (6), which is arranged in an end position at free ends of the neighbouring tongues (4) facing away from the base, characterised in that the cable insertion aid (6) in the end position feeds in the extension direction of the tongues (4) from the free ends to the base (2) into a tapering (7) of the slot (5) and the tapering of the slot (5) feeds into a widening (8) of the slot (5).