Modular Cable Protector Disconnect Tool for Side Ramp Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disassembling modular cable protectors, especially when multiple components are used, is labor-intensive due to binding edge and end connectors, making it difficult for one person to lift and separate side ramps from center sections without exerting torque, which complicates vertical disassembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tool engagement features such as vertical slots or recesses with undercuts on side ramps or center sections allows for easy disassembly using a hand tool, enabling upward disengagement of edge and end connectors to minimize binding and facilitate vertical lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side ramps are removably attached using edge connectors and end connectors, then the modular cable protector can be assembled and disassembled, but the disassembly process becomes labor-intensive due to connector binding
Solution Approach 1:
A disconnect tool is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the disassembly process. The tool includes a handle and a disconnecting element that interacts with the edge connectors and end connectors, allowing a single operator to disassemble the modular cable protector without direct manual manipulation of the bound connectors. This mediator overcomes the binding issue and restores efficient disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect tool is designed to automatically separate the bound connectors during the disassembly process. As the tool applies force to the edge connectors and end connectors, the connectors self-release from their bound state, enabling the side ramps to be separated from the center sections without requiring manual unbinding operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable protectors are connected in series using complementary end connectors, then the system can be configured to any desired length, but disassembly becomes difficult when one person must lift and separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect tool serves as a mediator that enables a single operator to separate the end connectors between adjacent cable protectors. The tool's disconnecting element engages with the T-shaped end connectors and applies sufficient force to overcome the binding, allowing one person to efficiently separate connected components without struggling with manual lifting and prying.
3Stability of the object's composition
If edge connectors and end connectors are designed to securely attach components, then assembly stability is improved, but the connectors bind together and prevent easy vertical lifting during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect tool is designed to interact with the securely attached connectors without compromising their stability during assembly. The tool's disconnecting element engages with the connector geometry (T-shaped end connectors and edge connectors) and applies targeted force to release the secure attachment, enabling vertical lifting and separation while maintaining assembly stability during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnect system for modular cable protectors includes tool engagement features to facilitate disassembly of the side ramps from the center sections of the cable protectors using a hand tool. The tool is used to removably engage these tool engagement features to enable the user to exert an upward force to disengage the edge connectors and end connectors on the side ramps and center section of each cable protector. For example, the tool engagement features can be openings (e.g., slots or recesses) in the top surface of the side ramp with undercuts adjacent to the lower ends of the openings. A tool with vertical rods is manually inserted into the openings to disengage the side ramps. Horizontal projections at the bottom of the vertical rods engage the undercuts and allow the user to disengage the side ramps by lifting upward on the tool.