Cable Grip Managing Thermal Expansion on Ladder Rungs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables secured to ladder rungs experience damage due to unmanaged thermal expansion and contraction, leading to displacement and disconnection from termination points, particularly in vertical applications where expansion and contraction cause length differences and weight-induced contraction issues.
Innovation Solution
A cable securing sub-system comprising a cable grip with a protective grommet, metal plate, and wire forms to secure cables to a ladder rung, along with a cable divider and containment clamp, allowing for vertical movement and managing thermal expansion and contraction by creating a natural bend point and maintaining cable separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are secured rigidly to ladder rungs, then cable stability and secure attachment are improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause cable damage and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable securing system transitions from a rigid fixed position to a dynamic configuration that permits controlled movement. The cable grip allows the cable to move vertically along the ladder rung while maintaining lateral securement, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction forces without causing damage or displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable support function is divided into two independent components: lateral securing (performed by the cable grip attached to the ladder rung) and vertical positioning (allowed to move freely). This segmentation enables each component to perform its specific function optimally - the grip provides stable attachment while the cable maintains vertical mobility to accommodate thermal changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cables are allowed to move freely during thermal expansion, then cable damage is prevented, but cable stability and secure attachment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable grip applies different constraints to different directions of cable movement. It provides rigid lateral constraint to prevent horizontal displacement and maintain secure attachment, while allowing vertical movement to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. This directional differentiation of constraint quality resolves the contradiction between stability and damage prevention.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cables are secured close together on ladder rungs, then space utilization is improved, but thermal expansion causes cable interference and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses cable expansion interference by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than increasing horizontal spacing. The cable grip secures cables laterally in close proximity to maximize space utilization, while the vertical movement capability allows each cable to expand and contract independently without interfering with adjacent cables.
4Ease of manufacture
If cables are secured at the top of the ladder rung, then installation simplicity is improved, but weight-induced contraction causes cables to pull out of lugs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable grip provides a dynamic attachment point that moves with the cable during thermal contraction. Instead of a fixed termination at the top of the ladder rung that is vulnerable to pull-out forces, the grip allows the cable to move vertically while maintaining secure lateral attachment, preventing termination failure during contraction cycles.
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 system effectively prevents cable damage by allowing controlled movement during thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring secure attachment and maintaining cable integrity and voltage rating, while simplifying installation and ensuring consistent spacing across ladder rungs.
Implementation Method 1
The normal operation of electrical equipment causes the temperature of conductors to fluctuate in a wide range. The change in temperature of the conductors will cause the conductors to expand and/or contract.
Implementation Method 2
The contraction of the cables is even worse because the weight of the cables makes it easier for the cables to contract at the top of the cable.
Implementation Method 3
The thermal expansion becomes even more difficult to manage in a vertical application. When the cables expand the difference in length must be managed or damage will occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a thermal expansion and contraction system for securing cables to a ladder rung. The thermal expansion and contraction system includes a cable grip secured to the ladder rung. The cable grip includes a protective grommet for holding cables to the ladder rung, a metal plate and wire forms to secure the protective grommet to the metal plate. The thermal expansion and contraction system also includes a cable divider secured to the ladder rung to maintaining separation of cables and a cable containment clamp secured to the ladder rung.