Cable Trough Coupler With Spring-Loaded Pawl Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable routing systems for optical fibers and other cables in telecommunications facilities require cumbersome hardware for joining trough members, making them difficult to modify and rearrange.
Innovation Solution
A locking element for couplers that includes a pawl member and a spring mechanism, allowing for tool-less and automatic locking and unlocking of trough members, enabling easy connection and disconnection without the need for separate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hardware is used for joining trough members, then the connection is secure, but the hardware is cumbersome and difficult to modify or rearrange
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be self-operating through a spring mechanism that automatically engages the pawl with the rack teeth when the coupler is assembled, eliminating the need for separate tools or complex hardware operations for both locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components (spring, pawl, rack teeth) that work together independently, allowing the system to achieve secure locking through simple individual parts rather than complex integrated hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hardware components are used for coupling, then the connection is reliable, but the system becomes difficult to disconnect and reconnect
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hardware functions (locking, securing, positioning) are merged into a single integrated locking element assembly that operates as one unit, allowing the entire coupling mechanism to be secured or released with a single operational action rather than multiple separate hardware adjustments
3Productivity
If traditional coupling hardware is used, then the trough members are securely joined, but the process requires separate tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically performs the locking action when the coupler is assembled, eliminating the need for separate locking tools or manual tightening operations, thereby increasing assembly speed without sacrificing operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during manufacturing to exert immediate locking force when the rack teeth engage the pawl, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments or additional tools to secure the connection
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 provides a modular and adaptable cable routing system that can be easily rearranged, reducing hardware complexity and facilitating efficient cable management by allowing trough members to be quickly connected and disconnected.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism, allowing for tool-less and automatic locking and unlocking of trough members
Data Source
AI summary
Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system includes a frame member including a shaft, a pawl member including first and second ends, and defining an aperture, the shaft of the frame member extending through the aperture so that the pawl member pivots on the shaft, and a member positioned to engage the first end of the pawl member to pivot the pawl member about the shaft into a locked position. When a force is applied to the first end in a direction opposite to that exerted by the member, the pawl member moves about the shaft into an unlocked position.