Cable Trunking Lid Stowage for Secure Trackside Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of trunking sections alongside railway tracks faces challenges in ensuring that lids are properly associated and securely stored, leading to issues with stray lids being misplaced or lost, which complicates the installation process and can result in lids being damaged or misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A trunking section design featuring a base unit and lid with complementary inter-engaging features, allowing the lid to be temporarily stowed at a 90° angle alongside the base unit, using T-shaped projections and slots for secure retention, ensuring lids are kept in close proximity until final fitting, and facilitating easy access for cable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lids are distributed randomly at the installation site, then installation flexibility is improved, but lid security and proper association with base units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-stowed on the base unit using complementary inter-engaging features (projections and slots) that allow the lid to be held in a predetermined position alongside the track during installation. This preliminary positioning ensures proper association is maintained throughout the installation process rather than requiring random distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary inter-engaging features (projections on the lid and corresponding slots in the base unit) act as an intermediary mechanism that physically connects the lid to the base unit during installation. This intermediary structure ensures the lid remains properly associated with its corresponding base unit while still allowing installation flexibility.
2Reliability
If lids are kept in close proximity to base units, then lid security is improved, but access to base unit interior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be dynamically positionable in two configurations: a first configuration where the lid is stowed on the base unit for security during installation, and a second configuration where the lid is removed or opened to provide access to the interior for cable installation. The complementary inter-engaging features allow easy transition between these states.
3Strength
If concrete trunking is used, then structural strength is improved, but installation complexity and environmental impact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trunking system is segmented into modular base units with standardized complementary inter-engaging features. This segmentation allows for simplified installation through modular assembly rather than pouring concrete sections, while maintaining structural strength through the designed interlocking mechanism of the segments.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a trunking section for accommodating a cable or other service, the trunking section comprising a base unit and a lid, whereby: in a first configuration, the lid is arranged to reside atop the base unit such that an interior of the base unit is substantially covered; and in a second configuration, the lid is arranged to be coupled and in close proximity to the base unit, such that access to the interior of the base unit is substantially unimpeded.