C-Shaped Wire Cable Tray Corner Accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner accessories for wire cable trays are complex to assemble, require multiple parts, and can be aggressive to cables due to screw heads, while also failing to adequately protect against sharp edges during bending.
Innovation Solution
A corner accessory with a C-shaped profile that connects transverse wires, featuring curved rims and a third flange for alignment and protection, along with a tongue mechanism for secure locking and easy assembly, made from materials like galvanized or stainless steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a corner accessory with multiple parts (core, folding tabs, screw-nut system) is used, then the cable tray section can be held in folded configuration, but the assembly time increases and the screw head becomes aggressive to cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the core, folding tabs, and locking mechanism into a single integrated corner accessory component. The accessory comprises a body with two arms that are folded back along the sides of the cable tray section, with locking elements integrated directly into the arms. This eliminates the need for separate screw-nut systems and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining the holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the aggressive screw head from the assembly by replacing the screw-nut system with integrated locking elements that are part of the folded arms. The locking elements engage with the cable tray structure without requiring protruding fasteners that could damage cables, thus eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the holding function.
2Reliability
If a corner accessory with screw-nut system is used, then the folded configuration is maintained, but the screw head is aggressive to cables located inside the cable tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the aggressive screw head from the assembly by replacing the screw-nut system with integrated locking elements that are part of the folded arms. The locking elements engage with the cable tray structure without requiring protruding fasteners that could damage cables, thus eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces locking elements as intermediaries between the corner accessory body and the cable tray structure. These locking elements provide the necessary mechanical engagement to maintain the folded configuration while having a non-aggressive profile that does not protrude into the cable space, thereby mediating between the holding requirement and cable protection requirement.
3Productivity
If a fishplate with locking tabs is used as corner accessory, then assembly is easier and faster, but the device complexity increases compared to simple accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural elements and locking mechanisms into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts. The body with folded arms incorporates the locking function directly into its geometry, eliminating the need for additional tabs or separate locking mechanisms. This integration maintains assembly simplicity while avoiding the complexity of multi-component fishplate designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the arms with specific geometric features (folded back configuration, locking elements) only where needed for the corner connection function. The rest of the structure remains simple and minimal, providing support without unnecessary complexity. This localized feature application achieves the desired assembly ease without overall structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2C
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7B
AI summary
This accessory comprises: - a plane bottom (2) with a first edge (10) and a second edge (12) parallel to the first edge (10), - a first flange (4) inwardly curved from the first edge (10) towards the front of the bottom (2), - a second flange (6) inwardly curved from the second edge (12) towards the front of the bottom (2), the first and second flanges (4, 6) being inwardly curved towards one another so that with the part of the bottom (2) they exhibit a C-shaped profiled form, each flange defining a housing for a transverse wire (32), - a third flange (8) extending towards the front of the bottom (2), the third flange (8) being disposed in such a way that it defines together with the ends of the first flange (4) and of the second flange (6) on the side of the third flange (8) on each occasion a housing intended to receive a longitudinal wire.