Cable Tray Splice Plate Assembly for Stable Section Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable tray splicing methods are inefficient and lack stability, particularly in connecting ladder-type cable trays, leading to potential disconnection and instability during use.

Innovation Solution

A splice plate assembly comprising first and second splice plates with fastener openings and icicle grooves that secure to the upper and vertical web of cable tray sections, allowing for stable connection and alignment of cable tray sections using bolts or nuts, with optional interface connectors for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional splicing methods are used to connect cable tray sections, then the connection can be established, but the connection lacks stability and may disconnect during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsplice connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate is divided into multiple segments including a first splice plate portion attached to the first cable tray section, a second splice plate portion attached to the second cable tray section, and an interface connector portion that joins these two portions together. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide a stable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface connector is nested within the splice plate structure, with the interface connector portion positioned between the first and second splice plate portions. The interface connector contains recesses that receive protrusions from the splice plate portions, creating a nested arrangement that enhances connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If simple splice plates are used to connect cable tray sections, then installation is straightforward, but the connection lacks durability and may fail during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice plate installationVSAvoidconnection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate portions are pre-attached to their respective cable tray sections before final assembly. The interface connector is designed with pre-positioned recesses and protrusions that guide the connection process, allowing for straightforward installation while ensuring durable connection through the multi-component structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate assembly combines multiple components made from suitable materials (metal, plastic, or rubber) to create a composite structure that provides both ease of installation and long-term durability. Each component can be optimized for its specific requirements while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If conventional splicing methods are used, then cable tray sections can be connected, but the connection may become disconnected during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tray assemblyVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface connector serves as an intermediary component between the first and second splice plate portions. It provides a mediating connection mechanism with recesses that receive protrusions from the splice plate portions, ensuring secure connection while maintaining ease of operation through its designed interface geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate assembly provides different local qualities in different regions: the splice plate portions provide attachment surfaces for the cable tray sections, while the interface connector portion provides the joining mechanism with specific recesses and protrusions. This localized optimization ensures both ease of operation and connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250364793A1Integrated cable tray splice

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A cable tray assembly includes first and second cable tray sections. Each cable tray section included a rail including a vertical web, an upper flange, and a lower flange. Each upper flange includes an outboard portion having a downwardly extending tab forming a groove extending along the upper flange. A splice plate assembly connects the first and second cable tray sections. The splice plate assembly includes a first splice plate configured to be retained in the groove extending along the upper flange of the first cable tray section. A second splice plate is configured to be retained in the groove extending along the upper flange of the second cable tray section. The first and second splice plates each define a fastener opening. The fastener openings are alignable with one another and configured to receive a fastener to connect the first and second cable tray sections when the splice plates are attached to the respective cable tray sections.