Conveyor Track With Integrated Cable Trays for Unified Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems often lack an integrated look due to the routing of cables, resulting in a perceived lack of quality.
Innovation Solution
A track system comprising a pair of conveyor tracks with integrated cable trays and side covers, connect rails, and monolithic construction for seamless cable management, ensuring a unified appearance and easy installation of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed to various locations on the conveyor system, then electrical components can be supplied, but the integrated look is compromised and quality perception decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray is merged with the conveyor track structure, forming a unified integrated component. The cable tray is formed as a single piece with the track, eliminating separate cable management elements and creating a cohesive appearance that maintains quality perception while still allowing cable routing to various locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate cable trays and covers are added to manage cables, then cable management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray, side covers, and conveyor track are combined into a single integrated assembly. The cable tray is formed as one piece with the track, and the side covers attach directly to this unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining effective cable management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated track structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the conveyor surface, supports cable management through the built-in cable tray, and accepts side covers for additional protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If monolithic construction is used for running portion, mounting portion, and cable tray, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but structural flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
While the running portion, mounting portion, and cable tray are formed as a single monolithic piece to simplify manufacturing, the overall conveyor system maintains flexibility through detachable side covers that can be added or removed. This segmentation at the system level allows adaptation to different needs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity at the core structure level.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A track system and a method are disclosed. The track system comprising a pair of conveyor tracks defines an inner side and an outer side. Each conveyor track comprises a running portion comprising a running surface on the inner side of the conveyor track, a mounting portion comprising a mounting surface on the inner side, and a first cable tray monolithic with the mounting portion. The first cable tray extends a width of the conveyor track. Each side cover of a pair of side covers is detachably mounted with the outer side, and is configured to cover the first cable tray. Each connect rail is positioned between each of the pair of the conveyor tracks and coupled with the mounting portion. Thereafter, one or more openings are fabricated through the mounting portion for passage of one or more cables across the first cable tray and the second cable tray.