Cable Protector Raised Barrier Lid for Visibility and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable protectors prioritize a low profile to minimize tripping hazards and vehicle obstruction, but lack a visual warning system and storage for excess cables or connectors, necessitating a solution that balances functionality with visibility and storage.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable protector with a raised barrier lid that serves as a visual indicator and provides storage for extra cables or connectors, featuring a removable lid that covers the channels and can be decorated with graphics or equipped with attachments for additional features like lights or alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cable protectors are designed with a low profile, then the risk of pedestrians tripping and vehicle obstruction is minimized, but visual warning capability and storage space for cables/connectors are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by adding a removable lid that can be positioned at different heights above the base. This allows the cable protector to maintain a low-profile base for safety while creating vertical space for visual warnings and cable storage, effectively resolving the contradiction between low height and visual capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable protector is divided into separate functional components: a base for cable routing and a removable lid for visual warning and storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently - the base remains low-profile while the lid provides elevated visual indication and storage space
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cable protectors are designed with a low profile, then vehicle obstruction is minimized, but storage space for excess cables and connectors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The removable lid creates vertical storage space above the base channels, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide storage volume without increasing the horizontal footprint. This allows excess cables and connectors to be stored upward rather than outward, minimizing vehicle obstruction while maximizing storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure nests additional storage volume within the existing cable protector footprint. By placing storage space vertically above the base channels, the design efficiently utilizes the vertical space without requiring additional horizontal volume, thus minimizing obstruction to vehicles
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cable protectors are designed with a low profile, then pedestrian safety is improved, but capability to accommodate cable junctions and connectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The removable lid separates the cable junction and storage functions from the base structure. This allows the base to maintain its safe, low-profile design while the lid provides the necessary volume and space for cable junctions, connectors, and cable management, thereby improving adaptability without compromising pedestrian safety
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the vertical dimension through the removable lid, the cable protector accommodates cable junctions and connectors in the vertical space above the base channels. This provides the necessary adaptability for complex cable routing while keeping the base profile low for pedestrian safety
Data Source
AI summary
A cable protector includes a base with a number of channels for carrying cables extending along its upper surface, and a raised barrier lid removably covering the channels and extending above the base to a sufficient height to provide a visual indicator to passersby. The barrier lid may include an upper portion forming a wall or bearing visual graphics providing information to passersby. The upper portion of the barrier lid may also include a connector to removably securing an attachment, such as a light, sign, alarm, or a flexible member for marking a traffic pathway.