Telescopic Cable Tray Locking System with Elastic Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling telescopic cable trays are inadequate in terms of ease of handling and locking quality, particularly for sections made of folded and perforated sheet metal, as they often require specialized tools, risk damage to coatings, and do not provide secure locking in both folded and extended positions.
Innovation Solution
A locking system comprising trapezoidal male and female sections with elastic flanges, where the male section slides into the female section, allowing easy transition between folded and deployed positions, with a clip and slot mechanism that locks naturally as the sections slide, preventing premature fatigue and requiring no additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional splicing methods (bolting, welding, deformable lugs) are used to assemble cable tray sections, then the sections can be connected, but the assembly process becomes complex, requires specialized tools or skills, and risks damaging the coating
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be self-assembling through a snap-fit mechanism where the male locking protrusion automatically engages with the female locking recess when sections are connected, eliminating the need for tools, screws, or specialized assembly skills. The system serves itself by using the natural insertion motion to achieve both connection and locking
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the locking function from complex assembly processes (bolting, welding, deformable lugs) and integrates it directly into the section structure itself through built-in locking protrusions and recesses, simplifying the overall assembly system while maintaining secure connections
2Ease of operation
If deformable lugs are used to lock cable tray sections, then assembly is simpler, but the lugs undergo irreversible deformation requiring specialized tools and skill, and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate male protrusions and female recesses that can engage and disengage repeatedly without deformation. This segmentation allows the locking function to be separated from the structural sections while maintaining reusability through multiple assembly cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system incorporates elastic flanges that can dynamically flex during assembly and disassembly, allowing the male protrusion to be inserted and locked into the female recess without permanent deformation. The elastic elements enable repeated use while maintaining locking reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable tray sections are designed to slide for telescopic functionality, then storage and transport are improved, but secure locking in both folded and deployed positions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions and recesses are pre-positioned on the sliding sections at specific intervals, allowing the sections to automatically lock when slid into the folded position or extended position. The preliminary placement of locking features ensures secure locking is achieved automatically during the telescopic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses nested elastic flanges within the section structure that flex inward to accommodate the male protrusion and then spring outward to lock it in place, enabling secure locking while maintaining the telescopic sliding function
4Reliability
If conventional locking methods are used, then sections can be secured, but the process requires specialized tools and skills, and may damage the coating on the cable trays
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system performs both the connection and locking functions through a single self-contained snap-fit action, eliminating the need for separate tools or operations that could damage the coating. The male protrusion and female recess engage automatically during normal assembly motion
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusions and recesses are designed as simple, robust features integrated into the section structure itself, eliminating the need for expensive or complex locking hardware that could damage the coating during installation or removal
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 system enables easy and secure locking of cable tray sections in both positions without specialized tools, ensuring practical handling and preventing damage, while maintaining the structural integrity and coating of the cable trays.
Implementation Method 1
with elastic flanges, where the male section slides into the female section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The system (19) has a male locking unit (20) comprising clamps (21) whose height is extended transversely by a tab (26). A female unit (30) has a hole (31) formed between an upper edge and a lower edge on both sides of a reference axis (A). The lower edge defines a section in which the lower edge is at a distance from the reference axis greater than or equal to the height of the tab. The lower edge defines another trapezoidal section in which the lower edge is at a distance from the reference axis less than the height of the tab. An independent claim is also included for a cable channel comprising two telescopic sections.