Cable Tray Section with Integrated Transverse Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling cable tray sections are costly, time-consuming, and complex, particularly due to the need for junction pieces like fishplates, which can be difficult to access and require laborious manual handling, leading to manufacturing and assembly challenges, including damage during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray section design featuring a wire mesh with obliquely extending assembly parts, including loops and hooks, that allow for transverse snapping and welding, enabling easy assembly without additional inserts, thus simplifying manufacturing and enhancing mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If junction pieces like fishplates are used to assemble cable tray sections, then the sections can be immobilized and connected, but the assembly becomes costly, time-consuming, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the junction function directly into the cable tray sections themselves through integrated hooks and loops formed from the wire mesh structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate fishplates or junction pieces, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection stability through the interlocking hook-loop mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray sections are designed with self-contained assembly features (hooks and loops formed from the wire mesh) that enable self-assembly without requiring external tools or additional components. The sections can be connected by simply interlocking these features, making the assembly process simple and rapid
2Reliability
If fishplates are assembled on site, then sections can be joined, but it requires tools and takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hook and loop design allows sections to be connected by simple interlocking without requiring tools or skilled labor. The assembly can be performed quickly on-site by workers without specialized training, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining joint strength through the mechanical interlock
3Ease of operation
If clamps project outside the section to cooperate with end weft threads, then assembly is possible, but the ends of sections can be damaged during transport, handling or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks and loops are integrated within the wire mesh structure of the cable tray sections themselves, nested within the overall section geometry. This integration protects the assembly features from damage during transport and handling, while still allowing easy assembly through the interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The wire mesh construction provides inherent flexibility and resilience to the integrated hooks and loops, allowing them to withstand handling stresses without damage while maintaining their assembly function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
Section (1) of cable tray (2) in wire lattice with U-shaped cross-section, this section comprising: - a wire lattice formed by assembling longitudinal warp wires (3) and transverse weft wires (4) defining a base (5) and two wings (6); - lateral assembly pieces (7) attached to the wings (6) of the section (1) comprising a loop (9) and two arms (10) substantially perpendicular to the loop (9), namely an upper arm (11) and a lower arm (12); characterized in that: - the assembly piece comprises a hook (13) defining a concavity (14) facing outwards from the section (1), this hook (13) being placed in the extension of the upper arm (11); - the loop (9) extends obliquely with respect to the wing (6) so as to allow a transverse snap-fit of the section (1) onto an adjacent section (1).