Cable Protector with Non-Orthogonal Cover for Raised Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables are prone to damage when routed across event venues with ground protection panels due to lack of spaces between interlocking panels, and conventional securing methods like gaffer tape are inadequate in protecting cables from foot and vehicle traffic, leading to tripping hazards and potential audio/video/power failures.
Innovation Solution
A cable protector system with a base portion and cover panel, where the cover panel is mounted at a non-orthogonal angle to the receptacle channel, allowing cables to be housed and protected between raised floor panels, and featuring a modular design for customizable width and capacity, with ridges providing support for heavy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are routed over the top surfaces of ground protection panels, then cable routing is simplified and setup is reduced, but cables are exposed to damage from foot and vehicle traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protector is divided into a base portion that interfaces with ground panels and a cover portion that provides protection. This segmentation allows the cable routing function to be separated from the protection function, enabling cables to be routed easily while simultaneously protected from traffic damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable protector acts as an intermediary component between the ground protection panels and the cables. It provides a protected pathway for cables to pass between panels without exposing them to surface traffic, while maintaining the integrity of the ground protection system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gaffer tape is used to secure cables to floor panels, then cables are positioned securely, but cables remain vulnerable to crush damage and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion of the cable protector functions as a protective shell that encloses the cables. This shell structure provides crush protection while allowing the cable protector to flex slightly under load, preventing cable damage while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable protector is designed with sufficient height and structural support to create a cushioning effect between heavy loads (foot and vehicle traffic) and the cables. This beforehand cushioning prevents crush damage before it can occur to the cables.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ground protection panels are made interlocking without spaces, then ground surface protection is maximized, but cable routing between panels becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protector extracts the cable routing function from the ground protection panel system itself. By providing a separate, dedicated component for cable passage, the interlocking panels can maintain their protective function without needing to incorporate cable routing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable protector serves multiple functions: it provides a passage for cables between interlocking panels, protects those cables from damage, and maintains the integrity of the ground protection system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between panel interlocking and cable routing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cover panel is mounted at a non-orthogonal angle to the receptacle channel, then the cable protector integrates better with sloped ground panels, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed with an asymmetric mounting angle that matches the typical slope of ground protection panels. This asymmetric design allows the cable protector to integrate naturally with the sloped surface, improving adaptability while the asymmetric shape itself provides the mounting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure merges the cover portion with the base portion at a fixed non-orthogonal angle, combining two components into a unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability to sloped surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Cable protectors and related methods are provided for protecting cables while being positioned between raised floor panels. The cable protector has a base portion having at least one receptacle channel configured to receive a cable, wherein the at least one receptacle channel is positioned between a first side ridge and a second side ridge that each extend vertically to different heights relative to the at least one receptacle channel. The cable protector also has a cover panel mounted to the base portion and supported by the first and second side ridges. The cover panel covers the at least one receptacle channel at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the vertical direction. Other cable protectors disclosed have a modular design or a feature for connection to adjacent floor panels having differing heights or interlocking designs.