Cable Tray Splice Plate Assembly for Cut-Free Angle Transitions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current splice plate assemblies for cable trays require miter cutting of side rails and can damage cables due to sharp edges, leading to time-consuming and costly installations.

Innovation Solution

A splice plate assembly comprising a splice plate, a bendable strap, and a rung that allows for angle transitions without cutting the cable trays, using bendable members and adjustable connections to prevent cable damage and simplify installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If miter cutting of side rails is performed to effect angle transitions, then angle transitions can be achieved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle transition capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the splice plate to be assembled without requiring miter cutting of the side rails, as each segment can be independently attached to achieve the desired angle transition, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate incorporates bendable members that can be flexed or adjusted during installation to accommodate different angle transitions. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need for precise miter cutting, as the bendable components can be shaped on-site to match the required angle, significantly reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If miter cutting of side rails is performed to effect angle transitions, then angle transitions can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle transition capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the splice plate to be assembled without requiring miter cutting of the side rails, as each segment can be independently attached to achieve the desired angle transition, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate incorporates bendable members that can be flexed or adjusted during installation to accommodate different angle transitions. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need for precise miter cutting, as the bendable components can be shaped on-site to match the required angle, significantly reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If sharp edges of side rails are present, then cable tray structure is simple, but cable damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tray structureVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate acts as an intermediary component between the side rails and the cables. It features rounded or chamfered edges that replace the sharp edges of the side rails, providing a protective interface that prevents cable damage while maintaining the structural integrity of the cable tray assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate incorporates bendable members with flexible edges that can be formed into rounded or contoured shapes. These flexible edges conform to the cables and eliminate sharp corners, providing mechanical protection against cable damage while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12444914B2Splice plate assembly for cable tray

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 T&B CABLE TRAY CANADA LTD

AI summary

A splice plate assembly for connecting at least two cable trays to effect an angle transition includes a splice plate configured to connect inner side rails of the cable trays to form an inside corner, a bendable strap configured to connect outer side rails of the cable trays to form an outside corner, and a rung adapted to be connected between the splice plate and the bendable strap. A method of installing a splice plate assembly includes preparing cable trays having a same length, connecting inner side rails of the cable trays via a splice plate to form an inside corner, connecting outer side rails of the cable trays via a bendable strap to form an outside corner, and securing a rung between the splice plate and bendable strap.