Cable Tray Hooks Prevent Accidental Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray engagement systems for grid-type cable trays either require additional pieces for secure engagement or lack a locking mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement, which are not satisfactory solutions.
Innovation Solution
The engagement of cable tray stretches is achieved through hooks formed on the ends of longitudinal rods that engage with transverse rods of adjacent stretches, with deviations to prevent alignment and ensure secure, tool-free engagement without additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional pieces (plates) are used to engage stretches, then engagement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engagement function into the existing rod structure by forming hooks directly on the longitudinal rods. This eliminates the need for separate engagement plates while maintaining reliable engagement between stretches, thus improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooks are formed as integral parts of the longitudinal rods, allowing the rods themselves to perform the engagement function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional engagement components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If hooks are aligned with longitudinal rods of adjacent stretch, then engagement is simplified, but accidental disengagement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by deviating the hooks from the longitudinal axis of the rods. This asymmetric positioning prevents the hooks from aligning with the longitudinal rods of adjacent stretches, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of engagement through the U-shaped cross-section guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The deviation of hooks creates a preliminary geometric constraint that prevents disengagement before it can occur. The hooks are positioned such that they would need to overcome the deviation geometry to disengage, providing inherent protection against accidental separation while maintaining simple engagement procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Engageable stretch of cable trays, the tray comprising a plurality of stretches (1) engaged to each other by engaging means provided at one of the ends of each stretch (1), each stretch (1) being formed by a plurality of longitudinal (2) and transverse (3) rods joined to each other, presenting a U-shaped cross-section, defining a bottom and a pair of side walls, characterised in that said engaging means comprises a plurality of hooks (4) formed at one of the ends of at least some of said longitudinal rods (2), which engage on at least one transverse rod (3) of the adjacent stretch. The engagement between the stretches forming the tray can be done in a comfortable and reliable way, without any accessory or tool.