Cable Tray Bracket with Cuttable Base for Sag Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable support methods in buildings lead to cable sagging, which can disrupt data transmission in low-voltage cables due to the narrow support points, particularly affecting high-speed communication cables like Category 5 telecommunications cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable support assembly comprising cable trays and brackets with a cuttable base portion, where the brackets are secured to an overhead structure and the cable trays are slid through to create a supported path, eliminating sagging by distributing the load across the tray rather than the hangers, and allowing for easy installation or retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed through holes in support elements, then installation is simple, but cable sagging occurs which disturbs conductors and affects data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
A cable tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the support elements and the cables. The tray is suspended from the support elements and provides a continuous support surface for the cables, eliminating direct contact between cables and discrete support points while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from zero-dimensional point support (holes in support elements) to one-dimensional linear support (cable tray). This dimensional change provides continuous support along the cable length, preventing sagging while maintaining installation ease.
2Strength
If hangers are used to support cables, then cables are supported, but support points create narrow contact areas leading to cable bending and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray acts as a mediator between the hanger support system and the cables. It distributes the support force across the entire cable width rather than concentrating it at narrow hanger contact points, preventing conductor bending and twisting while maintaining support strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cables are extracted from direct contact with the hanger support points and placed within the protective environment of the cable tray. This separation allows the hangers to provide structural support while the tray provides gentle, distributed support to the cables.
3Reliability
If cable trays are used to support cables, then cable sagging is prevented, but the trays need to be securely mounted which complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into independent components: detachable brackets that attach to support elements and suspension wires that connect the brackets to the cable tray. This segmentation allows for flexible installation and adjustment while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray suspension system incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable suspension wires and detachable brackets. These components allow the tray to be positioned at various heights and easily removed for maintenance or reconfiguration, reducing mounting complexity while maintaining support stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support assembly for routing electrical, communication, or data cables throughout a building. The cable support assembly includes cable trays and brackets for securing the cable trays to an overhead structure. Tray couplers are provided for coupling tray sections together. The brackets include a base portion and an integral downward-depending band. The brackets are first secured to the overhead structure to establish a desired path for the cables. A cable tray is then slid end-wise through the secured brackets and is cradled by the downward-depending bands. Adjacent cable trays are joined with couplers to create a cable support assembly in which the cable tray provides support for any electrical, communication, or data cables installed therein. The base portion of the brackets includes a cuttable portion that can be cut to split the base portion and thereby enable the brackets to be used for supporting cables in a retrofit situation.