Cable Tray Joiner Brackets for Cut-Free Routing Junctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overhead cable routing systems require cutting of sidewalls to create tee, cross, or right-angle pathways, making installation time-consuming, costly, and creating sharp edges.

Innovation Solution

A cable routing system comprising a tray with transverse and longitudinal wires forming a grid with removable sidewalls and corner radius devices, along with joiner brackets and drop-down devices, to facilitate cable routing without cutting, ensuring quicker and safer installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable baskets or cable ducts with integral sidewalls are used, then structural strength is maintained, but installation time increases and cutting operations create sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tray system is divided into modular sections with standardized configurations. Pre-formed sections include integrated pathways, elbows, tees, and crosses that can be assembled without cutting, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity through proper mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cable trays are pre-assembled with pathways, bends, and junctions manufactured before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site cutting and modification, allowing installers to simply connect pre-configured sections together, thereby reducing installation time and eliminating sharp edge hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cable baskets or cable ducts are used, then cable routing is possible, but installation cost increases due to cutting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses modular cable tray sections that can be configured for different routing needs (straight runs, bends, tees, crosses) without requiring custom cutting. This standardization reduces installation labor costs while maintaining full cable routing capability through proper selection and assembly of pre-formed sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different gauge sizes for longitudinal wires (1/4 inch to 5/8 inch) and transverse wires (1/8 inch to 1/4 inch) to optimize structural strength while minimizing material usage. This parameter optimization reduces material costs without compromising the ability to route cables effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If sidewalls are cut to create pathways, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but safety decreases due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathway configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

All pathways, bends, and junctions are pre-formed during manufacturing with smooth, rounded edges. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site cutting that would create sharp edges, allowing installers to simply connect pre-configured sections together, thereby maintaining pathway flexibility while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of cutting operations into a benefit by providing pre-formed sections with integrated pathways. What would traditionally require dangerous cutting operations is instead achieved through safe, pre-manufactured components that maintain routing flexibility without creating sharp edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Ease of operation

If removable sidewalls are used, then installation ease is improved, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sidewalls are designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing the system to adapt to different installation needs. This dynamic design enables easy installation and modification while maintaining structural stability through proper connection mechanisms and support structures that can be adjusted as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9178343B2Cable tray cable routing system

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 PANDUIT CORP

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a cable routing system with brackets that join cable trays to form the cable routing system. A bracket that joins perpendicular cable trays includes a main body and a securing clip. The main body has a bottom and two sides extending upwardly therefrom. Each side of the main body includes a deflectable side latch that engages a bottom longitudinal wire of the cable tray. The securing clip engages the main body to secure the bracket to the cable tray.