Expansion Splice Plate Structure for Cable Tray Support and Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion splice plates for cable trays require additional supports at each end of adjacent sections, making installation more time-consuming and expensive, and result in greater deflection when quarter-span supports are eliminated due to inadequate support.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray assembly with an elongate expansion splice plate featuring multiple sets of slot-shaped fastener openings that allow for longitudinal movement between cable tray sections, providing sufficient support to eliminate the need for additional end supports and reduce deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional expansion splice plates are used, then cable tray sections can be spliced together with support for thermal expansion, but additional supports must be installed at each end of adjacent sections making installation more time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the splice plate and end support into a single integrated expansion splice plate structure. The elongate body with central section and unequal longitudinal portions provides both splicing functionality and adequate support for thermal expansion without requiring separate end supports, thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If conventional expansion splice plates are used, then cable tray sections can be connected, but additional supports are required at each end resulting in greater expense
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the splice plate and end support functions into one component. The asymmetric design with a longer first longitudinal portion providing adequate support eliminates the need for additional end supports, reducing material costs and installation expenses while maintaining structural reliability for thermal expansion
3Device complexity
If quarter-span supports are eliminated to reduce installation complexity, then fewer supports are installed, but greater deflection of the cable tray run occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating support functionality in specific regions through the asymmetric design. The longer first longitudinal portion provides enhanced local support where needed, allowing quarter-span supports to be eliminated while maintaining adequate deflection control and structural stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the number of required supports, simplifies the installation process, and minimizes cable tray deflection by distributing support effectively along the cable tray run.
Implementation Method 1
Splicing cable tray sections using expansion splice plates is required when installing the cable tray run outdoors where temperature variations may cause thermal expansion and contraction of the cable tray sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray expansion splice plate for connecting first and second cable tray sections end-to-end is disclosed. The splice plate includes an elongate body having a central section, an upper flange section, and a lower flange section. In one embodiment, the lower flange section defines a channel for receiving components of the first and second cable tray sections such that the lower flange section underlies the components. Fastener openings in the central section receive fasteners to fasten the body to the cable tray sections. These openings include slots which permit the cable tray sections to move relative to one another in a longitudinal direction.