Frame-mounted wire management device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire management systems in distributed energy generation installations, such as solar panel systems, face issues with durability and cost due to the use of nylon tie devices, which break over time and require frequent replacements, and are limited in their ability to manage wires at various angles.
Innovation Solution
A wire management device comprising a clip with multiple retention features that can engage with structural members and retain wires in multiple directions, providing a secure and adaptable solution for managing wires in photovoltaic systems, made from durable materials like NORYL™ for long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nylon tie devices are used to constrain wires, then the initial installation cost is low, but the devices break over time when exposed to outdoor environments requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wire management device uses a composite construction combining a rigid clip body (made from durable materials like NORYL™) with a separate elastomeric retention member. This composite structure provides both initial cost-effectiveness and long-term durability in outdoor environments, resolving the contradiction between low initial cost and high reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single-loop tie device is used to constrain wires, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate wires passing at various angles to structural members
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the wire retention function into separate segments: the clip body provides structural support and attachment, while the elastomeric retention member provides the constraining force. This segmentation allows the retention member to be positioned at different orientations to accommodate wires at various angles while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric retention member can be oriented in different dimensions relative to the structural member, allowing it to accommodate wires passing at various angles. The retention member extends from the clip body in orientations that enable it to intercept and retain wires regardless of their approach angle, adding dimensional flexibility without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If nylon tie devices are wrapped around wires and structural members, then wire constraint is achieved, but the devices impart curvature to wires which adversely affects wire lifetime performance
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies constraint locally through the elastomeric retention member that wraps around the wire, while the rigid clip body attaches to the structural member. This local application of constraint force minimizes the curvature imposed on the wire compared to traditional tie devices that wrap around both wire and structural member, thereby preserving wire lifetime performance while maintaining effective constraint.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire management device is disclosed. The device comprises a clip comprising an upper planar member and a lower planar member, each planar member having an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the upper planar member includes a post extending toward the inner surface of the lower planar member, a stem extending from the outer surface of the lower planar member, the stem including two outwardly-extending flanges, each of the first and second outwardly-extending flanges including an edge portion extending toward the outer surface of the lower planar member, and a transverse passage extending along the outer surface of the lower planar member, the transverse passage extending across the stem, wherein the stem has a recessed portion along the transverse passage.