Tool-Free Cable Tray Splice Bar with Elastic Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fishplates for connecting cable tray sections are not suitable for heavy load applications at the bottom of cable trays, as they require screwing and tools, and do not provide adequate support against cable bending.
Innovation Solution
A connecting fishplate with an elongated central part having transverse support zones and counter-support tabs that can be installed without tools, featuring a U-shaped profile for rigidity and notches for various wire diameters, allowing for snap-fastening onto warp wires for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw-mount fishplates are used at the bottom of cable tray for heavy load support, then the cable tray can support heavy loads without bending, but the assembly requires screws and tools which complicates the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit system using elastic locking tabs. The locking tabs are made of elastic material that can be inserted through openings in the cable tray bottom and snap onto warp wires, eliminating the need for screws and tools while maintaining structural strength for heavy load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the locking tabs by using elastic material with specific mechanical properties. The locking tabs can be deformed during insertion and then return to their original shape to lock onto the warp wires, providing a tool-free assembly process that still delivers the required strength for heavy load applications.
2Ease of operation
If a simple splint design is used for easy assembly, then the fishplate can be assembled without tools, but it cannot provide adequate support at the bottom of cable tray for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The fishplate is segmented into distinct functional components: a central body for positioning, multiple locking tabs for attachment, and support surfaces for cable tray engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking tabs use elastic material for easy snap-fit assembly, while the central body provides structural rigidity for heavy load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The fishplate combines different materials with complementary properties: the locking tabs are made of elastic material for flexible, tool-free attachment, while the central body and support structures use rigid materials to provide the necessary strength and stiffness for supporting heavy cable loads at the cable tray bottom.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fishplate structure is made rigid for stability under heavy loads, then the connection is stable, but the fishplate becomes difficult to assemble and disassemble without deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fishplate incorporates dynamic elements through the elastic locking tabs that can flex and deform during assembly and disassembly. The tabs are designed to be flexible enough to allow easy insertion and removal without permanent deformation, while the overall fishplate structure maintains sufficient rigidity to provide stable support under heavy cable loads during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention concerns a splice bar for connecting two abutting sections of said cable tray, each cable tray section comprising longitudinal warp yarns and transverse weft yarns connecting the warp yarns. It comprises: an elongated central part (2) having two transverse support zones (18), designed each to receive one weft yarn; two anvil lugs (4) connected to the central part (2) on the same side thereof and arranged on either side of the transverse support zones (18); and two locking lugs (6) connected to the central part (2) on the side opposite to the anvil lugs (4) and arranged on either side of the transverse support zones (18).