Cable Tray Support Bracket With Side Fins for Single-Screw Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support brackets for cable trays require multiple screws for fixation to vertical support bars, making installation difficult, especially in hard-to-access areas, and often necessitate precise placement before screwing, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket with side fins that prevent rotation and sliding, allowing for single-screw fixation and easier installation, featuring a base with parallel side fins and a central protrusion for anti-rotation functionality, suitable for various vertical support bar types, and made from electrically insulating polymer materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fixing screws are used to prevent rotation of the support bracket, then the rotational stability is improved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket's base is designed with an asymmetric geometry that allows it to self-align and prevent rotation automatically when mounted on the vertical support bar. The bracket serves its own alignment function without requiring multiple screws or complex alignment procedures by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The base of the support bracket features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that does not match a symmetric support bar. This asymmetry creates a unique fitting orientation where the bracket can only be mounted in the correct rotational position, eliminating the need for multiple fixing screws to prevent rotation.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise placement of the support bracket is required before screwing, then the mounting precision is improved, but the installation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric base geometry is pre-designed to provide built-in alignment features that guide the bracket into the correct position during installation. The shape itself performs the alignment function that would otherwise require separate alignment tools or procedures, enabling quick and accurate placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket's asymmetric base structure provides self-alignment capabilities, where the geometry itself guides the correct positioning against the vertical support bar. This eliminates the need for separate alignment operations or precise manual positioning by the installer.
3Reliability
If two fixing screws are used to secure the support bracket, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric base design provides inherent anti-rotation functionality that prevents the bracket from rotating under load, eliminating the need for a second fixing screw. The bracket's own geometry serves the function that would otherwise require an additional fastening component.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the base creates a unique fitting configuration with the vertical support bar that prevents rotation. This asymmetric geometry provides fixation reliability equivalent to or better than two symmetric screws, while requiring only one screw.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a support bracket (1) for cable trays, formed by a one-piece body made of a polymer material and comprising a base (2) for fixing the support bracket (1) to a vertical support bar and an arm (5) extending in a cantilever manner from said base (2) and forming a flat seating surface (6) for supporting a cable tray. The base (2) comprises a flat support surface (3), a through hole (4) for the passage of a fixing screw, and two side fins (7), each of which is formed on one side of said flat support surface (3). The side fins (7) project perpendicular to said flat support surface (3), are parallel to one another, orthogonal to said flat support surface (3), and orthogonal to said flat seating surface (6).