Cable Trough Clip with Transverse Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray fixing systems require multiple complex and costly parts to retain cables inside and secure outgoing cables, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution that minimizes the number of components needed.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a transverse reinforcement and clipping lugs that can be clipped over a cable tray, utilizing elastic deformation to secure the device and provide both retention and securing support for cables, featuring a simple geometry that can be manufactured with a limited number of mold parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices (retention ring, harpoon devices, securing plates) are used to retain and secure cables, then cable retention and securing functionality is achieved, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cable management functions (cable retention, cable securing, and support) into a single integrated holding device. This single device includes a retention ring with integrated harpoon rods and securing plates, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining all necessary functionalities for cable management.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it retains cables within the cable tray, secures outgoing cables at extraction points, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the overall system complexity by replacing multiple specialized parts with one versatile device.
2Reliability
If a retention ring with complex geometry and undercut areas is used, then cable retention functionality is achieved, but manufacturing tool cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into distinct functional elements (retention ring, harpoon rods, securing plates) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to have a simpler geometry that is easier and less costly to manufacture using standard injection molding techniques, while the final assembled device maintains the complex functionality needed for cable retention.
3Reliability
If harpoon devices are placed at locations with adequate perforations in the cable tray bottom, then cable securing is achieved, but the number of distinct parts and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harpoon rods are integrated directly into the retention ring structure, forming a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate harpoon devices that would need to be installed at perforated locations, reducing the number of distinct parts from four (retention ring, harpoon rods, lower plates, upper plates) to one, while maintaining the cable securing functionality.
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 effectively retains cables inside the tray and secures outgoing cables with a single part, reducing the number of components required and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining rigidity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the lug being capable of being disengaged from the trunking bottom by elastic deformation of the lug
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The fixture i.e. clip (1), has a transverse reinforcement (8) to be arranged transversely above opposite ends of a trough base of rails. A holding strip (13) extends the reinforcement toward the trough base in an assembled position from the fixture. The reinforcement includes two transverse bars (9) for connecting each of two parallel clamping legs (12). The transverse bars connect the legs with each other by two bars e.g. fastening bar (10) and reinforcement bar (11), disjoined from one another. The reinforcement bar is arranged at the side of the fastening bar along the transverse bars. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a holding fixture for a cable trough.