Modular Conveyor Wiring Mounts With Spring-Clip Cable Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems lack efficient and flexible solutions for securely mounting electrical power cables and electronic data cords, particularly in modular systems where reconfiguration is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The development of wiring mounts with spring clips and removable portions that securely support and release cables and cords, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration of conveyor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wiring mounting methods are used in modular conveyor systems, then cable security is maintained, but flexibility for reconfiguration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring mount is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket for attachment to conveyor modules, cable retainers for individual cable management, and removable portions for temporary support. This segmentation allows the system to maintain secure cable mounting while enabling easy reconfiguration by removing or repositioning individual components without affecting the entire wiring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retainers incorporate resilient (spring) elements that provide dynamic, adaptable retention. The spring clips can flex to accommodate cable installation and removal, then return to their original position to secure cables. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to transition between secure retention and easy release states, facilitating both cable security and reconfiguration flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If permanent cable mounting structures are used, then cable stability is improved, but ease of removal and reconfiguration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring mount separates permanent mounting functions (bracket attached to conveyor module) from temporary retention functions (removable cable retainers). This allows the mounting structure itself to remain stable and permanent, while the cable retention aspect becomes easily removable and reconfigurable, resolving the contradiction between mounting stability and cable removal ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retainers are designed as temporary, easily replaceable components rather than permanent fixtures. These spring-loaded retainers can be quickly removed and reinstalled without damaging the mounting bracket or cables, providing a low-cost, disposable-like solution that maintains stability during use but enables easy removal when reconfiguration is needed.
3Device complexity
If simple mounting brackets are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cable retention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring mount merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the mounting bracket provides structural attachment, while attached cable retainers with spring clips provide automatic cable retention. This combination delivers reliable cable retention without requiring complex separate mechanisms for each function, as the bracket and retainers work together as a unified simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cable retainers are self-actuating components that automatically engage and retain cables through their resilient nature. When a cable is inserted, the spring clip flexes and then returns to secure the cable without requiring additional fastening actions. This self-service mechanism provides reliable retention while maintaining structural simplicity, eliminating the need for complex adjustment or tightening mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides convenient and secure mounting of electrical cables and data cords, facilitating assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration of modular conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The cable retainer has a base and a resilient clip portion that extends away from the base, and can releasably receive an electrical cable
Data Source
AI summary
Wiring mounts support and readily release wires or cables of a modular electrical system of a conveyor system, such as one assembled from conveyor modules. The wiring mounts releasably support the cables and cords at desired locations relative to the conveyor module structures, typically along the outboard face of a horizontal beam, below the horizontal beam, or below and laterally inboard of the beam. The wiring mounts may be fitted with spring clips that readily receive, retain, and release cords or cables, and may also have removable portions that can provide temporary support for the cords or cables, while also facilitating removal of the cords and cables when desired.