Elastic Cable Duct Structure for Secure Ceiling Cable Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable ducts are difficult to install on ceilings and walls due to cables falling out, requiring additional securing measures like gluing or screwing, and covers are often separate and prone to loss.
Innovation Solution
A cable duct with elastically designed side walls featuring lips that secure cables from falling out, a hinged cover for easy closure, and detachable fastening mechanisms for secure attachment to surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are inserted into conventional cable ducts during ceiling or wall installation, then cable routing is achieved, but cables fall out during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is designed with elastic flexibility, allowing it to dynamically deform during cable insertion and then maintain a securing position. The side wall can be pushed inward to accommodate cable insertion and then springs back to its original position, creating a retaining effect that prevents cables from falling out.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall's physical state is changed from rigid to elastic, allowing it to change shape in response to cable insertion. This parameter change enables the side wall to temporarily open for cable insertion and then automatically return to its original configuration to secure the cable.
2Reliability
If additional securing measures like gluing or screwing are used to prevent cables from falling out, then cable retention is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct's side wall is designed to automatically secure cables through its own elastic properties, without requiring external securing mechanisms like glue or screws. The elastic side wall self-regulates to prevent cable dropout through its inherent mechanical properties.
3Ease of operation
If covers are made detachable for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but covers may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is integrated into the cable duct structure through nesting, where the cover becomes a permanent part of the duct assembly. This integration ensures the cover cannot be lost while still allowing for straightforward installation and removal.
4Strength
If rigid side walls are used in cable ducts, then structural strength is improved, but cable insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall's mechanical properties are changed from completely rigid to elastic, allowing it to temporarily deform during cable insertion and then return to its original strong configuration. This parameter change enables both easy cable insertion and maintained structural strength.
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
Facilitates cable installation by preventing cables from falling out during installation and allows for easy cover attachment without additional securing measures, ensuring durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the side walls (3) is elastically designed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In certain situations, a cable duct is necessary to prevent cables inserted into it from falling out. Known cable ducts simply have a trough profile in which the cables can be guided. If such a trough profile is installed on a wall or ceiling, cables inserted into it can easily fall out again during installation. Furthermore, a suitable cover must be fitted separately. The cable duct according to the invention provides at least one rubber lip that extends from a side wall into the trough profile to temporarily secure inserted cables.