Cubic Cable Duct Connector with Six Planar Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for cable ducts are limited in mechanical strength, flexibility, and complexity in device and production technology, making them unsuitable for versatile and resilient connections of multiple cable ducts with varying orientations.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a cube-shaped main body featuring six planar abutment areas at right angles, allowing connection of two to six cable ducts in various spatial axes, with screw connections for mechanical resilience and a hollow interior for cable routing, and optional supplementary parts for additional flexibility and edge protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If corner connectors or curved elements for cable ducts are used, then cable ducts can be connected at angles, but mechanical strength is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a modular cubic structure with six independent connection faces, each capable of connecting cable ducts in different directions. This segmentation allows the connector to handle angular connections while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid cubic framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The cubic connector provides six identical connection faces that can universally connect cable ducts from any direction (up to six ducts simultaneously). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different types of connectors for different connection scenarios, providing both versatility and structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If T-shaped connectors with additional alignment elements and joint coverings are used, then cable ducts can be connected, but device complexity and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single cubic body: connection faces for cable ducts, internal hollow space for cable routing, and structural support all in one component. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment elements and joint coverings, reducing device and production complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cubic connector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it connects up to six cable ducts, provides internal routing space, and offers structural support. This multi-functionality in a single simple geometric form greatly reduces device complexity compared to T-shaped connectors with multiple additional components.
3Ease of manufacture
If connectors with predetermined number and arrangement of cable ducts are used, then connections can be made, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cubic connector provides six identical connection faces that can accommodate any combination of cable ducts from 2 to 6, in any orientation. This universal design allows the same connector to be used for all connection scenarios, maximizing flexibility while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows dynamic adaptation to different connection needs. The six faces can be used selectively depending on the required number and orientation of cable ducts, enabling the same static component to serve multiple dynamic configurations without requiring different predetermined connector types.
4Ease of manufacture
If cube-shaped connectors for cable ducts with equal square cross-section are used, then connections can be made, but adaptability to different cable configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each connection face of the cubic connector is designed with local adaptability features that can accommodate different cable cross-sections and configurations. The standardized cubic form provides manufacturing simplicity, while local modifications at each face enable versatility in connecting different cable types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector with five or six contact surfaces for cable trays is disclosed, wherein the cable trays may have substantially square end faces or rectangular end faces half that size. The connector has a main metal body having one or two square contact surfaces or sections thereof, and four smaller substantially rectangular contact surfaces.