Removable Cable Tray Side Wall Brackets for Flexible Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead cable routing systems are time-consuming and costly to install due to the need to cut sidewalls for creating tee, cross, or right-angle pathways, and they often result in sharp edges.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray system with removable side wall brackets featuring angled legs and hooks that securely attach to the cable tray's longitudinal wires, allowing for easy installation and removal without damaging the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sidewalls of cable basket or cable duct are cut to create tee, cross or right angle pathways, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but installation time increases and sharp edges are created
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall bracket is divided into separate modular components including angled legs with U-shaped inside leg portions and outside leg portions, allowing the bracket to be assembled in sections rather than requiring cutting of the cable basket sidewalls. This segmentation enables flexible cable routing configurations to be achieved through assembly rather than modification of the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall bracket incorporates movable and adjustable elements, particularly the angled legs that can be positioned and secured at different locations on the cable basket. The bracket system allows for dynamic reconfiguration of cable pathways without permanent modifications, enabling adaptability while maintaining installation efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sidewalls are cut to create cable pathways, then cable routing adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the side wall bracket into separate components that attach to the cable basket rather than cutting the basket itself, the invention preserves the original manufacturing precision of the cable basket. The U-shaped inside leg portions and outside leg portions are designed to fit around existing structures without requiring precision cutting that would create sharp edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall bracket acts as an intermediary component between the cable basket and the cables. Instead of modifying the cable basket to create pathways, the bracket provides the routing functionality through its angled legs and hook structure, thereby preserving the integrity and edge quality of the original cable basket while achieving the desired cable routing adaptability.
3Reliability
If side wall brackets are secured to cable tray with excessive force, then reliability of cable retention is improved, but damage to the cable tray may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall bracket employs a dynamic securing mechanism where the angled legs are positioned to engage the cable tray wires at optimal points. The hook structure allows the bracket to secure itself through controlled engagement rather than excessive force, maintaining reliability while protecting the cable tray from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design changes the engagement parameters by using the specific geometry of the angled legs with U-shaped inside portions to grip the cable tray wires. This geometric parameter change allows the bracket to achieve reliable cable retention through proper mechanical engagement rather than excessive securing force, thereby preventing damage to the cable tray structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray and at least one side wall bracket secured to the cable tray wherein the cable tray has a plurality of transverse and longitudinal wires. The side wall bracket has angled legs defined by a U-shaped inside leg portion and a hook that leads to an outside leg portion. The inside leg portion of each angled leg engages a first surface of side longitudinal wires and bottom longitudinal wires and the outside leg portion of each angled leg engages a second surface opposite the first surface of side longitudinal wires and bottom longitudinal wires to secure the side wall bracket to the cable tray.