Cable Tray Barrier Strip Snap-Fit Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barrier strips for cable trays are typically made of metal and require additional fasteners for securement, which can be cumbersome and may not provide effective electromagnetic interference (EMI)/electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding, and they do not easily adapt to different cable tray configurations.
Innovation Solution
A barrier strip with a plastic or metal construction that includes a snap-fit tray coupler and vertical wall, designed to integrate seamlessly with wire mesh cable trays without additional fasteners, offering EMI/EMC shielding capabilities through material coating or impregnation, and featuring adjustable wings for stability and customizable dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal barrier strips are used with additional fasteners, then securement strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome installation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier strip integrates the mounting function directly into the barrier strip structure itself, merging the barrier function and mounting function into a single component. The upstanding wall forms an integrated mounting structure that attaches directly to the cable tray without requiring separate fasteners, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining securement strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier strip is designed to be self-mounting through its own structural features. The upstanding wall with its specific cross-sectional geometry enables the barrier strip to attach to the cable tray using its own structure rather than requiring external fastening components, making the installation process simpler and more efficient.
2Strength
If conventional metal barrier strips are used, then structural strength is improved, but EMI/EMC shielding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier strip employs composite construction by coating or impregnating plastic material with conductive materials such as metal particles, fibers, or meshes. This creates a composite structure that combines the structural advantages of plastic with the EMI/EMC shielding properties of conductive materials, achieving both structural strength and electromagnetic shielding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier strip applies conductive coating or impregnation specifically to regions where EMI/EMC shielding is needed, such as the upstanding wall and base areas that contact cables. This localized application of conductive material provides targeted shielding while maintaining the overall structural integrity and electrical properties of the barrier strip.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional barrier strips with fixed geometry are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when accommodating different cable tray configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier strip incorporates adjustable or flexible features that allow it to adapt to different cable tray configurations. The base structure includes elements that can be positioned or adjusted to match various tray geometries, enabling the same barrier strip design to accommodate different cable tray types while maintaining precise geometric relationships for proper function.
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier strip for a cable tray of the type including longitudinal wires and lateral wires interconnecting the longitudinal wires includes a vertical wall extending along a length of the barrier strip. A tray coupler is below the vertical wall. The tray coupler couples to one or more of the longitudinal and lateral wires of the cable tray without the use of additional fasteners.