Multiway Cable Trough Connectors for Flexible Railway Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable trough systems for railway infrastructure face challenges in flexibility and ease of connection, particularly in outdoor environments, where traditional connection methods require lifting and twisting, and may not accommodate curved paths or require additional parts for assembly.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of multiway connectors with a tongue and groove system that allows for flexible connection of cable troughs, enabling them to be connected without lifting, and accommodating bends or curves, while also eliminating the need for additional connection parts, such as pegs, and providing a secure cable tie system for cable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods (lifting and twisting) are used, then cable troughs can be connected securely, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complex assembly process requiring lifting and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct male and female components with complementary geometries. The male connector includes a tongue that fits into a groove in the female connector, allowing simple insertion without lifting or twisting operations while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active manipulation (lifting and twisting) to engage connectors, the design inverts the approach by allowing passive insertion where the tongue automatically engages with the groove through simple dropping or sliding motion, eliminating complex assembly steps while maintaining connection security
2Ease of operation
If cable troughs are made from lighter materials (plastics or GRP), then ease of operation improves, but the stability deteriorates on uneven surfaces compared to concrete troughs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates curved engagement surfaces and rounded geometries that allow the lightweight plastic troughs to self-align and stabilize on uneven surfaces. The curved interfaces distribute loads more effectively and accommodate surface irregularities while maintaining secure connections between trough sections
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiway connectors with tongue and groove are used, then adaptability improves for curved installations, but device complexity increases due to the connector design
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove connector design serves multiple functions: it provides secure linear connections between troughs, enables curved installations through angular connection capability, and accommodates various installation orientations. This universal design eliminates the need for different connector types for different application scenarios, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated single connector design
Data Source
AI summary
A cable trough (1) has a base (2) a plurality of sidewalls (3) and open ends (5, 6) arranged for connection to the open end of another cable trough to form a cable trough system. Both open ends (5, 6) are provided with a multiway connector (25, 26). The multiway connectors (25, 26) comprise both a groove (9) to receive the tongue (11) of another cable trough and a tongue for insertion into the groove of another cable trough. Both ends are capable of connection to a male connector (16) of another cable trough, comprising a tongue, and capable of connection to a female connector (15) of another cable trough, comprising a groove.