Cable Raceway Connection Device With Segmented Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection devices for cable trays are either complex to assemble, costly, or fail to achieve a high level of equipotentiality, particularly when used on both wire and sheet metal cable trays.

Innovation Solution

A compact, ergonomic connection device with separate clamping means for each element to be connected, featuring a base with extending branches and internal threading for screws, allowing individual clamping and easy assembly, suitable for both wire and sheet metal cable trays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single device with simultaneous clamping is used for both cable tray and metal braid, then the device structure is simplified, but the installation complexity increases and equipotentiality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate housings (first housing for cable tray, second housing for metal braid) instead of a single integrated clamping mechanism. Each housing independently clamps one element, allowing separate installation and adjustment operations while maintaining a unified device structure through the common base and single fastening point to the cable tray.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate clamping means are provided for each element, then equipotentiality is improved and installation is facilitated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveequipotentialityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two separate clamping housings are merged into a single unified device through a common base that attaches to the cable tray at one location. The first and second housings extend from the same base, sharing fastening points and structural support, thereby achieving separate clamping functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional connection devices are used, then mounting on cable tray is achieved, but the cost is high and material usage is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with a universal base that can be attached to various cable tray types, and the housings can clamp different elements (cable tray wire or metal braid). This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, lowering material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining effectiveness across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2439815B1Assembly consisting of a cable raceway and electrical connection device
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2439815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2439815B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2439815B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device has rigid electricity conducting body (2) comprising housings. Each housing has a bottom to receive a wire formed of a warp wire (32) and a metallic braid (34), and provided with a headless screw for clamping the wire against the bottom of corresponding housing. The body has a base (6) for each housing, and branches i.e. central branch (8) and side branches (10) extend from the base. The bottom is located against the base and the housing extends between the branches. Each branch has inner face and large face opposite to another branch. The faces are threaded to receive the screw.