Wire Mesh Cable Tray Splice Clip for Tool-Free Electrical Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining sections of cable trays require multiple tools and parts, leading to increased complexity and the risk of electrical bonding failure over time.
Innovation Solution
A splice clip designed to securely join discrete sections of wire mesh cable trays without tools, featuring a bolt with ledges and a retainer with pockets and guidance features to ensure mechanical and electrical bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional methods using nuts, bolts, and washers are used to join cable tray sections, then mechanical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated splice clip component. The clip incorporates both mechanical fastening features (tabs that engage with slots in cable tray sections) and electrical bonding capabilities (conductive material and grounding tab) in one piece, eliminating the need for separate nuts, bolts, and washers.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between sections, establishes electrical bonding, and includes integrated grounding capability. This multi-functional design replaces traditional multi-component fastening systems with a single versatile component.
2Productivity
If traditional nuts and bolts are used for joining cable tray sections, then mechanical connection is secure, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice clip is pre-configured with tabs and slots that align automatically during installation. The mechanical engagement features are designed to snap into place without requiring alignment adjustments or multiple steps, enabling rapid installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice clip design allows for tool-free installation where the component self-secures through its tab-and-slot mechanism. The clip automatically engages with the cable tray sections and maintains secure connection without requiring external tools or multiple fastening operations.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical fastening methods are used, then connection is achieved, but electrical bonding reliability decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The splice clip is constructed from electrically conductive material that provides both mechanical fastening and electrical bonding functions. This composite approach ensures continuous electrical contact between cable tray sections while maintaining mechanical strength, preventing the loosening and bonding failure issues associated with traditional separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the electrical bonding function directly into the mechanical fastening component, the patent ensures that the same structural elements that maintain mechanical connection also maintain electrical continuity. The grounding tab and conductive body remain firmly attached through the tab-and-slot mechanism, preventing the separation that causes bonding failures in traditional systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice clip is provided for coupling discrete sections of a wire mesh cable tray. The splice clip can include a bolt with a base. The splice clip can also include a retainer with a set of pockets, including a first pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket can receive a first wire of a first discrete cable tray section and the second pocket can receive a second wire of a second discrete cable tray section. The bolt can be movable along the retainer between an open position and a closed position to secure the first and second wires in the first and second pockets.