Cable Tray Joining Plate Press-Fit Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable tray assemblies face stress concentration and potential damage when supporting heavy weights, leading to side wall and joining plate damage, and require lengthy assembly times due to multiple screw fixings.

Innovation Solution

A cable tray assembly with a joining plate that is press-fit between the upper and lower wings of contiguous side walls, featuring longitudinal ribs and grooves, which distributes weight evenly and prevents bending, along with optional screw fixation for added security, without significantly increasing manufacturing costs or assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple screws are used to fix the joining plate to the side walls, then the joining plate is securely fixed and stress concentration is reduced, but the assembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-fixing system with a press-fit mechanical interlocking system. The joining plate incorporates protrusions that fit into recesses on the side walls, creating a secure connection through elastic deformation rather than threaded fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple screws while maintaining fixing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The joining plate design allows it to secure itself to the side walls through its own structural features. The protrusions on the joining plate automatically engage with the recesses on the side walls during assembly, creating a self-fixing mechanism that does not require additional fastening components or complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the joining plate rests on discrete support points of the side walls, then the structure is simpler, but stress concentration damages the side walls or joining plate under heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a zero-dimensional point contact (discrete support points) to a one-dimensional line contact (continuous support along the length). The joining plate's longitudinal protrusions engage with recesses that extend along the length of the side walls, distributing the load continuously rather than at discrete points, thereby preventing stress concentration while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the side walls are made more robust to prevent bending under weight, then the structural integrity improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to bendingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the side wall structure into functional segments: the C-shaped profile with upper and lower wings provides the basic structural support, while the integrated recesses provide the joining function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire side wall to be over-engineered, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively distributes weight along the entire length of the joining plate, preventing side wall bending and reducing assembly time, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly, even under heavy loads.

Implementation Method 1

the joining plate is formed such that it is press fit between the upper wing and the lower wing of the two contiguous side walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress fit: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

This press fitting is performed as a result of a slight elastic deformation of the lower and upper wings of the side walls when the joining part is pushed towards the web of said side walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

said joining plate has a planar face which rests on said outer face of the web of the two contiguous side walls, said planar face comprising at least one groove extending along said joining plate in the longitudinal direction thereof and in which said rib of each of the two contiguous side walls fits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3731357B1Cable tray assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.31 UNEX APARELLAJE ELECTRICO SL

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

1. The present invention relates to a cable tray assembly comprising two cable tray segments (1) and a joining plate (9) made up of a single part, which is coupled to two contiguous side walls (26) of the two cable tray segments (1) for joining them. The joining plate (9) has two longitudinal edges which rest on an upper wing (6) and a lower wing (7) of the two walls (26), such that it is press fit between said wings (6, 7). A web of the walls (26) has an outer face (11) with a longitudinal rib (12). The joining plate (9) has a planar face which rests on the outer face (11) and comprises a longitudinal groove fitting in the rib (12).