Cable Tray Fastening Element with Segmented Tongues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable tray suspension systems are inadequate for securely suspending narrow trunkings with a single warp thread, as they either interfere with cable installation or result in unstable assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with two first tongues and two second tongues, aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a groove to accommodate a single warp thread, providing improved rigidity and adaptability for various warp and weft thread configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suspension element with two tabs is used to secure narrow trunking with a single warp thread, then the trunking can be suspended, but the assembly becomes unstable since each weft thread is held by a single tab

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of suspension assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is divided into two distinct sets of tongues: first tongues that engage with weft threads and second tongues that engage with warp threads. This segmentation allows each set of tongues to perform its specific function independently, providing stable engagement with both the weft and warp threads of the trunking, thereby resolving the instability issue while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove acts as an intermediary structure that guides and positions the single warp thread between the second tongues. This intermediary feature ensures proper alignment and engagement of the warp thread with the second tongues, enabling stable suspension of narrow trunking with a single warp thread without increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a flat bar with elastic tongues is used to suspend narrow chute, then cable passage is not interfered with, but the assembly remains relatively unstable since each weft yarn is held by a single tab

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidstability of suspension assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is divided into two distinct sets of tongues: first tongues that engage with weft threads and second tongues that engage with warp threads. This segmentation allows each set of tongues to perform its specific function independently, providing stable engagement with both the weft and warp threads of the trunking, thereby resolving the instability issue while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat bar structure to a three-dimensional structure with tongues projecting from both sides of the fastening element. This dimensional change allows the first and second tongues to engage with weft and warp threads respectively, providing stable suspension while maintaining ease of cable installation through the central opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fastening element with multiple tongues is used to improve assembly rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening element
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element employs asymmetric tongue configuration where first tongues and second tongues have different lengths and positions. The first tongues extend further to engage weft threads while second tongues are positioned to engage warp threads. This asymmetric design provides enhanced rigidity through multi-point engagement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by using a standardized fastening element geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fastening element are assigned different functions: the first tongues are positioned and dimensioned for engaging weft threads, while the second tongues are positioned and dimensioned for engaging warp threads. This local differentiation of quality allows each part of the fastening element to optimize its engagement function, providing overall assembly rigidity without requiring a complex multi-component system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2838170B1Raceway including a chute made of a lattice of soldered wires and an attachment element, and attachment element for such a chute
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 GEWISS FRANCE
  • EP2838170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2838170B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This cable tray includes a welded wire mesh duct and at least one fixing element (8) for the duct (2).The fastening element comprises a wall (80) extending along a longitudinal axis (A8) and at least one fastening hole (83a, 83b, 84a, 84b, 85a, 85b), characterized in that the fastening element (8) comprises two first tabs (95) and two second tabs which project from the wall (80) and which each delimit, with the wall (80), a space (E) for receiving a wire (22, 24) of the chute (2), in that the first tabs (95) on the one hand, and the second tabs on the other hand, are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A8) and in that the fastening element (8) comprises a groove (81) for receiving a single warp wire (22) forming the bottom of the chute, the groove being parallel to the longitudinal axis (A8) which extends between the first tabs (95) on the one hand, and between the second tabs on the other hand.