Composite Cable Support Structure With Snap-Locked Crossties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable and pipe support structures often rely on conventional bonding or bolting systems, which can be cumbersome and prone to functional issues when loaded with cables, pipes, or other components.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising parallel profiles made of composite material, connected by crossties with geometrically matching grooves and stop projections, allowing for secure mechanical engagement without the need for conventional bonding or bolting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bonding or bolting systems are used to connect profiles and crossties, then the structure can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and reliability decreases under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional bonding or bolting systems with a mechanical interlocking system featuring grooves and stop projections. The crossties have grooves that receive stop projections from the profiles, creating a secure connection through geometric matching rather than adhesives or fasteners. This substitution eliminates the complexity and reliability issues associated with conventional bonding or bolting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements a nested configuration where the stop projections are inserted into the grooves of the crossties. The profile's stop projection fits within the crosstie's groove, creating a nested interlocking mechanism that provides secure mechanical engagement while simplifying the assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If composite material is used for all components, then manufacturing ease and insulation capabilities improve, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that profiles and crossties are made of composite material, combining the benefits of ease of manufacture with adequate structural strength. The composite material allows for integral formation of complex geometries including grooves and stop projections, while the interlocking design ensures sufficient load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves in the crossties are designed with curved bottoms rather than sharp corners. This curvature prevents stress concentration points that would compromise structural strength, while still maintaining the effectiveness of the mechanical interlocking system. The rounded geometry is particularly suitable for composite material manufacturing.
3Reliability
If geometrically matching grooves and stop projections are used for connection, then mechanical engagement is secured without bonding or bolting, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specific dimensional parameters for the grooves and stop projections that optimize both mechanical engagement and manufacturing feasibility. The groove dimensions, projection sizes, and tolerances are carefully selected to ensure reliable interlocking while accommodating standard composite material manufacturing capabilities. The curved bottom of grooves and the specific geometry of stop projections are designed to balance precision requirements with manufacturability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention concerns a support structure (1) for cables and/or pipes comprising longitudinally flanked first and second profiles (4, 5) having a respective anchoring seat (6) facing the anchoring seat (6) of the other of said profiles. Crossties (7) are engaged to the first and second profiles (4, 5), each of which having a first end (7a) snapped into the anchoring seat (6) of the first profile (4) and a second end (7b), opposite the first end (7a), snapped into the anchoring seat (6) of the second profile (5). A process of manufacturing the support structure (1) and a process of installing it is also described.