Cable Tray Joining Bracket for Modular Routing Without Cutting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
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 formed from a tray with transverse and longitudinal wires, featuring removable sidewalls, corner radius devices, and joining brackets to facilitate easier installation and cable management without cutting, along with drop-down devices and wall mount brackets for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If integral sidewalls are used in cable basket or cable duct, then structural strength is improved, but installation time and cost increase due to cutting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray is divided into modular sections with standardized configurations. Each section can be independently assembled without cutting, and multiple sections are joined using connection devices. This segmentation allows rapid installation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized joint designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static integral sidewalls to dynamic, reconfigurable modular sections. The sidewalls are designed as separate attachable components that can be configured during installation without cutting, allowing the structure to adapt to different routing requirements while maintaining strength through standardized connection mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integral sidewalls are cut to create pathways, then routing flexibility is improved, but sharp edges are created causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting continuous sidewalls, the system uses modular sections with pre-formed openings and attachable pathway components. This allows routing flexibility through assembly rather than cutting, eliminating sharp edges while maintaining the ability to create tee, cross, and right-angle pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized pathway devices and connection components serve as intermediaries to create routing changes. These components are designed with rounded edges and smooth transitions, providing the necessary routing flexibility without creating harmful sharp edges that would result from cutting integral sidewalls.
3Stability of the object's composition
If integral sidewalls are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray system is segmented into standardized modules that maintain structural integrity through consistent design. Each module is self-contained with pre-formed features, and installation complexity is reduced by using simple connection devices rather than complex cutting and welding operations required for integral sidewalls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the installation parameters from cutting operations to assembly operations. By designing modules with standardized connection interfaces and attachable components, the structural integrity previously achieved through continuous sidewalls is maintained while dramatically reducing installation complexity through tool-free or minimal-tool assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cutting operations are performed on sidewalls, then pathway creation is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates pathways through modular assembly rather than cutting operations. Pre-formed modular sections and attachable pathway components eliminate the need for expensive cutting equipment, skilled labor, and post-cutting finishing operations, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining pathway creation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, easily replaceable modular components and connection devices instead of expensive cutting operations. If a pathway component needs modification, entire modules can be swapped rather than performing costly cutting and welding operations, significantly reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a cable routing system with a bracket that joins adjacent cable trays. The bracket includes a main body having a top edge, a bottom edge, and sides. The top edge includes at least one notch at a center of the main body to retain transverse wires of the adjacent cable trays. The bottom edge includes a spring arm to hold the bracket in place. The bracket is attached to adjacent cable trays with a longitudinal wire of each cable tray positioned between the top edge and the spring arm to secure the bracket to the cable tray.