Cable Tray Section Joint Using Clinched Conductive Connecting Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray connection devices are complex, require significant assembly effort, are prone to loosening, and often result in unsatisfactory electrical connections, limiting design flexibility and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for connecting cable tray sections using a metal connecting plate that is positively and/or force-fitted to the side walls, deformed into a form-fit connection via clinching, and secured with mechanical fasteners or adhesives, ensuring stable and electrically conductive joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex connection devices with multiple components are used to connect cable tray sections, then the mechanical strength and stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated connecting element that features opposing hooks for engagement with wall openings and a central receiving profile for screw fixation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mechanical connector and an electrical conductor simultaneously. The metal connecting plates provide both structural connection and electrical continuity, eliminating the need for separate electrical bonding components.
2Reliability
If connection devices with solid receiving profiles and locking screws are used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly difficulty decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plates are pre-formed with hooks and receiving profiles during manufacturing, so that no field fabrication or complex assembly is required. The hooks are pre-positioned to engage with wall openings, and the receiving profiles are pre-configured for screw insertion, simplifying the on-site assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable tray sections are designed asymmetrically with integrated connection components, then the connection functionality is improved, but the manufacturing costs and design flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is segmented into separate components: the cable tray sections remain symmetric and simple in design, while the connecting plates provide the asymmetric connection features. This allows standard cable tray sections to be manufactured efficiently while adding connection capability through separate attachable components.
4Strength
If conventional connection devices are used, then the mechanical connection is achieved, but the electrical connection quality is insufficient and electrical charges are not adequately dissipated
Solution Approach 1:
The metal connecting plates serve dual purposes: providing mechanical connection through hooks and screw fixation, and ensuring electrical continuity between cable tray sections. The metallic material and direct contact paths provide effective electrical bonding for charge dissipation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, space-efficient, and low-maintenance connections that maintain electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, allowing on-site cutting and assembly with minimal material and labor, suitable for various cable tray types.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting plate and the side walls are deformed into a form-fit connection via clinching
Implementation Method 2
secured with mechanical fasteners or adhesives
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The method serves to connect cable tray sections (1A, 1B), each comprising at least one first or second bottom element (12A; 12B) and side walls (11A; 11B) adjoining them on both sides, optionally provided with perforations (111), and which, after their connection, form a cable tray (1), wherein a connecting device (2) is provided which comprises a metal connecting plate (20), and a retaining means (21, 22) is provided by means of which the connecting plate (20) is connected to corresponding and end-to-end adjacent side walls (11A; 11B) of the cable tray sections (1A, 1B). According to the invention, in a first step the connecting plate (20) is connected to the corresponding side walls (11A; 11B) of the cable tray sections (1A, 1B) by means of the holding means (21, 22) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner.Subsequently, in a second step, the connecting plate (20) and the side walls (11A; 11B) of the two cable tray sections (1A, 1B) are each deformed into one another at least at one point and joined together in a form-fitting manner.