Cable Raceway Closing Device Double Wall Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable housing assemblies face difficulties in effortless coupling and secure sealing of closing devices to cable raceways, leading to accidental uncoupling under standard conditions of use, especially when modular devices are involved.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with a double wall reinforcing structure that minimizes strain-induced movements and enhances stiffness, allowing for easy assembly and preventing accidental uncoupling, featuring a covering member with a double wall structure and reinforcing means that oppose external forces and maintain the access opening's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closing device is coupled to a cable raceway by applying pressure on the covering wall, then the coupling connection is established, but the covering wall flexes causing guide walls to move making insertion troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling connectionVSAvoidinsertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is divided into functionally independent parts: the covering wall for sealing, the guide walls for positioning, and the coupling walls for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, enabling effortless insertion while maintaining reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the covering wall and the raceway. It transfers and distributes the coupling forces through dedicated coupling walls rather than concentrating pressure on the covering wall, preventing flexure while establishing secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the closing device covering wall is subjected to forces during use, then the covering wall flexes, but this causes coupling walls to move from operative position leading to unintentional uncoupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility under loadVSAvoidcoupling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the covering wall from the coupling walls, the patent allows the covering wall to flex under load without transmitting these forces to the coupling mechanism. The coupling walls remain in their operative position maintained by the raceway's coupling portions, preventing unintentional uncoupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling walls are designed with elastic characteristics that allow them to accommodate minor movements and absorb shocks before any uncoupling can occur. This beforehand cushioning prevents small flexures from developing into problematic movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the access opening widens due to plug extraction, then the opening expands, but the excessive deformability of the closing device causes unintentional withdrawal of modular devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device segments the sealing function (covering wall) from the structural support function (coupling mechanism). The coupling walls and guide walls provide rigid support that prevents excessive deformability and maintains device retention, while the covering wall adapts to opening variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the elastic parameters of the covering wall to allow controlled deformation for sealing purposes, while the rigid coupling walls maintain structural integrity. This differential parameter application allows the device to adapt to opening changes without compromising retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures a secure and effortless coupling of the closing device to the cable raceway, reducing the risk of accidental uncoupling and modular device withdrawal, while simplifying the assembly process and maintaining a satisfactory seal.

Implementation Method 1

two coupling walls (30) able to elastically strain, and which are suitable to reversibly couple corresponding raceway (2) coupling portions (31)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic strain: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A closing device with a double wall reinforcing structure that minimizes strain-induced movements and enhances stiffness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement:

Data Source

PatentEP2109199B1Device for closing a cable raceway, and cable housing assembly

Publication Date: 2011.04.13 BOCCHIOTTI S P A SOC PER LIND ELETTROTECNICA

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AI summary

A closing device (8) which can be coupled to a raceway (2) for holding electrical cables or the like comprises a covering member (9) intended to at least partially extend into a raceway (2) access opening (7); means (10) for the connection of device (8) and raceway (2); reinforcing means (11) operatively connected to the covering member (9). The reinforcing means (11) comprise a double wall wall-shaped reinforcing structure (13) adapted to limit the strains due to external forces which act upon the device (8), so that the device (8), when it is associated to the raceway (2), opposes the access opening (7) strains, thus reducing them.