Cable Tray Cover Assembly With Removable Access Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray systems require the removal of large components to access the system for maintenance or new circuit installations, which is inefficient and cumbersome, especially when standard covers are large and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly for cable trays with a planar cover and a selectively movable panel that allows access through defined openings, secured using fasteners, enabling quick access without removing the entire cover, and can be made of metal or flexible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard covers are used to close cable trays, then structural integrity and security are maintained, but access to the cable tray requires removal of the entire cover which is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into a fixed cover body and a removable panel that can be independently accessed. The panel is separated from the main cover structure, allowing only the necessary portion to be removed for maintenance or installation work, rather than removing the entire cover assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is extracted as a separate removable component from the cover assembly. This allows the panel to be taken out independently when access is needed, while the main cover remains in place to maintain structural integrity and security of the cable tray system.
2Ease of operation
If the entire cover is removed for access, then complete access to the cable tray is achieved, but the structural integrity and security of the cable tray assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is divided into a permanent fixed cover portion and a removable panel portion. This segmentation allows the fixed cover to remain in place and maintain the structural integrity and security of the cable tray assembly, while the panel can be removed for access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the necessary panel portion is extracted and removed for access, while the main cover structure remains intact. This selective removal maintains the overall structural integrity and security of the cable tray assembly while providing the required access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a cover assembly for a cable tray having a cover and at least one panel. The cover for a cable tray has at least one access opening. The panel aligns with at least one access opening to allow access to the cable tray upon removal of the panel. The panel is selectively secured to the cover using fasteners placed through aligned cover fastener holes and panel fastener holes. The panel has a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. The top edge of the panel comprises an upward facing lip. The bottom edge of the panel includes a tongue that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is generally directed in a downward angle, and the second portion is generally directed in an upward angle.