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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4136722B1Support bracket for cable trays
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 UNEX APARELLAJE ELECTRICO SL
  • EP4136722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4136722B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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).