Horizontal Cable Tray Connector With Adjustable Angle Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray systems lack adjustable connectors that can redirect cable trays in a horizontal plane to accommodate site-specific requirements, often requiring custom fabrication or fixed-angle connectors that are labor-intensive and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A planar bed connector with arcuate slots and a pivot aperture allows for adjustable angular redirection of cable trays within a single horizontal plane, enabling independent positioning and adjustment of cable trays to fit various angles from 0 to 90 degrees, along with an optional cable guide for maintaining a minimum bending radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid, non-adjustable interconnectors of fixed angle are used to redirect cable tray runs, then the structural rigidity is maintained, but the adaptability to site-specific requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transforms from a static, fixed-angle design to a dynamic, adjustable design. The cable tray attachment zones can be repositioned along arcuate slots, allowing the redirection angle to be changed from 0 to 90 degrees. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability to various site requirements while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement within defined arcuate paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the connector from a fixed angle to an adjustable angle range. By incorporating arcuate slots that allow attachment zones to be positioned at different angular locations, the connector can be adjusted to achieve various redirection angles. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different site conditions without requiring multiple fixed-angle connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-angle connectors are used to accommodate different redirection angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that can perform multiple redirection angles (0°, 45°, 90°, and intermediate angles) using a single connector type. The arcuate slots and movable attachment zones enable this single connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized fixed-angle connectors, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector incorporates dynamic adjustment capability that allows it to function as multiple fixed-angle connectors would. By enabling continuous or discrete angular adjustment within the 0-90 degree range, one dynamic connector replaces the need for several static connectors with different fixed angles, simplifying the overall system and reducing the number of different connector types required.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-fabricated members are used for redirection, then the precision of fit is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-manufactured with integrated arcuate slots and attachment zones that provide built-in adjustment capability. This preliminary preparation of the adjustment mechanism during manufacturing eliminates the need for on-site custom fabrication. Installers can simply adjust the attachment zones along the pre-formed arcuate paths to achieve the required angle, combining manufacturing precision with installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a modular component with distinct attachment zones that can be independently positioned along arcuate slots. This segmentation allows for precise angular adjustment without requiring custom fabrication, as each attachment zone can be separately adjusted to the correct position. The modular design maintains manufacturing precision while simplifying on-site installation through straightforward adjustment rather than custom fitting.
4Ease of operation
If adjustable attachment zones with arcuate slots are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates arcuate (curved) slots instead of straight slots, enabling angular adjustment through a simple curved path. This curvature allows attachment zones to be easily repositioned along the arc to achieve different redirection angles. The arcuate geometry provides ease of operation through intuitive angular movement while the slots are formed using standard manufacturing processes like milling or punching, limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses arcuate slots with specific geometric parameters (radius, arc length) that enable angular adjustment. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves ease of operation for angular repositioning while keeping the structural complexity manageable. The arcuate geometry is a simple parametric feature that can be manufactured with standard equipment, balancing operational ease with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray connector that allows for the adjustment of cable trays attached thereto to permit adjustable, angular redirection of the cable tray path within a horizontal plane. Such connector comprises a bed having cable tray attachment zones, where the respective cable trays may be attached; side walls positioned around portions of the bed; and, optionally, a cable guide disposed centrally within the bed. Each cable tray attachment zone may include a first, circular aperture for pivotal attachment of a cable tray and at least one arcuate slotted aperture for adjustable attachment of the same cable tray.