Cable Tray Splice Plate Assembly for Fast Secure Wire Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable tray systems face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple wire basket cable tray sections while maintaining electrical continuity and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a splice plate assembly with specific configurations, including planar bodies, side walls, tabs, and slots, designed to securely engage both longitudinal and transverse wires of adjacent cable tray sections, ensuring easy installation and maintaining electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cable tray systems use simple connection methods, then installation speed is improved, but structural integrity and electrical continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate is divided into multiple functional components: slots for longitudinal wires, side walls for transverse wires, and tabs for additional wire engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve both quick installation and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate acts as an intermediary component between adjacent cable tray sections. It provides a standardized interface that simultaneously ensures structural integrity through mechanical engagement and electrical continuity through wire retention, eliminating the need for complex connection procedures.
2Strength
If complex connection mechanisms are used, then structural integrity is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate is pre-configured with slots, side walls, and tabs in specific positions and orientations. This preliminary arrangement of connection elements allows for direct engagement with cable tray wires without requiring complex assembly steps, reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate design allows wires to be directly inserted and retained through the slots and tabs without requiring additional fastening operations or complex manipulation. The structure serves itself by providing built-in retention mechanisms that automatically secure wires upon insertion.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to ensure electrical continuity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: structural support through the planar body, longitudinal wire engagement through slots, transverse wire engagement through side walls, and additional retention through tabs. This consolidation ensures electrical continuity and structural integrity without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, electrical continuity, and wire retention. The single plate structure performs multiple roles that would otherwise require separate components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a splice plate including a planar body, first and second pairs of opposing side walls, and a pair of tabs. The first pair of opposing side walls define two parallel slots with one slot engaging a first wire of a first cable tray section and a second slot engaging a first wire of a second cable tray section. The second pair of opposing side walls define at least one slot. A side wall of one of the second pair of opposing side walls engages a second wire of the first cable tray. A side wall of the other of the second pair of opposing side walls engages a second wire of the second cable tray section. One tab of the pair of tabs engages the first wire of the first cable tray section and a second tab engages the second cable tray section’s first wire.