Conveyor Track Cable Tray Layout for Concealed Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems often lack an integrated look due to the routing of cables, leading to 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 detachable side covers to conceal cables, ensuring a cohesive appearance and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cables are routed separately on the conveyor system, then cable installation is simple and flexible, but the system lacks an integrated look and perceived quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable tray with the conveyor track structure by making them monolithic (formed from a single piece of sheet metal). This merging eliminates the need for separate cable routing components while providing an integrated appearance, directly resolving the contradiction between simple cable installation and aesthetic quality.
2Shape
If side covers are used to conceal cables, then aesthetic quality is improved, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side cover is designed as a detachable component that can be easily attached and removed from the conveyor track. This segmentation allows the cover to be installed separately without complicating the overall manufacturing process, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the aesthetic benefit of concealed cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover is made detachable rather than permanent, allowing it to be easily installed and removed as needed. This dynamic design simplifies both installation and maintenance operations while still providing the aesthetic benefit of concealing cables when in place.
3Shape
If cables are concealed within the track system, then aesthetic quality is enhanced, but cable accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable side cover enables dynamic access to concealed cables. When maintenance is needed, the cover can be easily removed to expose the cables, and then reattached when complete. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining aesthetic quality during normal operation while providing easy accessibility during maintenance.
Data Source
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.