Cable Tray Snap-Connection Grid for Cut-to-Length Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray technologies require structurally separate connecting elements and complex assembly processes, making it difficult to connect and shorten tray elements without losing connection suitability.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray technology with a grid of identical connecting elements along the longitudinal extent of tray sections, allowing for locking and connection of gutter sections in any length without separate connecting elements, enabling easy shortening and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tray elements are connected using separate connecting elements (screws, nuts, rivets), then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are integrated directly into the tray elements themselves rather than being separate components. The tray elements include built-in connecting sections with connecting elements that are formed as part of the tray structure, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, or rivets while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray elements are designed with universal connecting sections that can connect to multiple other tray elements in different positions. The grid of connecting elements allows a single tray element design to serve multiple connection purposes throughout its length, reducing the need for different specialized connecting components.
2Manufacturing precision
If tray elements are made with fixed manufacturing length, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray elements are designed with multiple connecting sections distributed along their length, allowing them to be segmented into functional units. This enables the tray system to be configured in various lengths by connecting different numbers of tray elements, while each individual tray element maintains precise manufacturing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system transitions from fixed-length individual elements to variable-length configurations through the dynamic combination of multiple elements. Each tray element maintains its fixed manufacturing length for precision, but the overall system achieves adaptability through the modular connection of these standardized elements in different quantities.
3Device complexity
If connecting elements are placed only at ends of tray elements, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are arranged in a grid pattern that extends along the longitudinal extent of the tray elements, adding a dimensional aspect to the connection system. This grid arrangement of multiple connecting sections allows for easier alignment and connection during assembly, as connecting elements are available at multiple positions rather than requiring precise end-to-end alignment only.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable tray technology, wherein at least two tray elements (1, 1') are connectable to each other, wherein the tray elements (1, 1') each have at least one tray section (6'), wherein a grid of first connecting elements (8) is arranged in the tray sections (6'), viewed in the longitudinal extension of the tray section (6'), which can be snapped together with second connecting elements (9) of a connecting section (6), whereby the tray sections (6') can be shortened as desired and yet can be snapped together with connecting sections (6), and tray elements (1, 1') for this purpose.