Cable Tray Splice Assembly With Integrated Bonding Jumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable tray splices leave discontinuous gaps in electrical continuity and require drilling holes for bonding jumpers, disrupting the electrical connection between adjacent sections.
Innovation Solution
A splice plate assembly with integrated bonding jumpers that attach to cable tray sections without drilling, ensuring a continuous electrical connection through splice plates and bonding jumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable tray splices are used to attach adjacent cable tray sections, then the cable tray sections can be mechanically connected, but electrical continuity is disrupted due to discontinuous gaps in the tray run
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding jumper is integrated directly into the splice plate assembly, combining the mechanical connection function and electrical continuity function into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate bonding jumper installation and ensures electrical continuity is automatically maintained through the splice connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment between cable tray sections, maintains electrical continuity through the integrated bonding jumper, and creates a robust structural connection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by addressing both mechanical and electrical requirements in one device.
2Reliability
If bonding jumpers are installed between cable tray sections to provide electrical bridge, then electrical continuity is maintained, but holes must be drilled into the cable tray sections which disrupts the structural integrity and requires additional installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding jumper is pre-integrated into the splice plate assembly during manufacturing, combining the bonding function with the mechanical connection function. This eliminates the need for separate drilling and bonding jumper installation steps, making the installation process simpler while maintaining electrical continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding jumper is pre-installed and secured to the splice plate assembly before the splice is installed on the cable tray sections. This preliminary action ensures electrical continuity is established as part of the primary installation process, avoiding the need for additional drilling and bonding operations during installation.
3Reliability
If holes are drilled into cable tray sections for bonding jumper attachment, then electrical connection is established, but the cable tray sections are weakened and require additional fastening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding jumper attachment is merged with the mechanical splice connection, using the same fastening points and structural interface. This eliminates the need for separate drilling operations that would weaken the cable tray sections, as the bonding jumper is secured through the existing splice plate fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate assembly acts as an intermediary structure that provides a dedicated mounting surface for the bonding jumper without requiring direct attachment to the cable tray sections. This mediates the connection by using the splice plate as an intermediate platform, preserving the structural integrity of the cable tray sections while establishing electrical continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray assembly includes first and second cable tray sections each including a base and rails extending transversely from longitudinal sides of the base. A splice plate assembly is configured to engage the first and second cable tray sections for attaching the first cable tray section to the second cable tray section. A bonding jumper is attached to the splice plate assembly such that a first end of the bonding jumper is attached to a first splice plate and a second end of the bonding jumper is attached to a second splice plate whereby the bonding jumper is attached to the cable tray sections without forming holes in the cable tray sections. The splice plate assembly and bonding jumper providing an electrically conductive link between the cable tray sections.