Integrated Cable Tray Splice With Groove-Retained Splice Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray splicing methods lack a robust and efficient solution for securely connecting two cable tray sections, leading to potential instability and increased risk of electrical interference.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a splice plate assembly with first and second splice plates, each featuring a planar body with fastener openings and a design that allows them to be securely attached to the cable tray sections, ensuring alignment and stability when connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional splicing methods are used to connect cable tray sections, then the connection can be established, but the structural integrity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate is divided into multiple segments (first splice plate and second splice plate) that can be independently attached to each cable tray section. Each segment contains fastener openings and engagement features that work together to create a robust multi-point connection system, distributing mechanical loads across multiple attachment points rather than relying on a single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate assembly combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated component: fastener openings for attachment, engagement features for interlocking, and alignment features for positioning. This merging of functions into one assembly simplifies installation while ensuring both sections are securely connected with proper alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cable tray sections are connected without proper alignment features, then the splicing process is simpler, but misalignment and instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate incorporates pre-formed engagement features and alignment features during manufacturing. These features are built into the splice plate structure beforehand, including protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses and alignment tabs that guide proper positioning. This preliminary preparation ensures automatic alignment during installation without requiring additional alignment steps or complex adjustment procedures.
3Strength
If splice plates are designed with multiple attachment points, then connection strength improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate is designed with uniform thickness and consistent material composition throughout its structure. All engagement features, fastener openings, and alignment features are formed using the same manufacturing processes (such as punching, bending, or molding), maintaining homogeneous material properties and simplifying production. This homogeneity allows for efficient manufacturing while achieving the required connection strength through proper geometric design rather than material complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray assembly includes first and second cable tray sections. Each cable tray section included a rail including a vertical web, an upper flange, and a lower flange. Each upper flange includes an outboard portion having a downwardly extending tab forming a groove extending along the upper flange. A splice plate assembly connects the first and second cable tray sections. The splice plate assembly includes a first splice plate configured to be retained in the groove extending along the upper flange of the first cable tray section. A second splice plate is configured to be retained in the groove extending along the upper flange of the second cable tray section. The first and second splice plates each define a fastener opening. The fastener openings are alignable with one another and configured to receive a fastener to connect the first and second cable tray sections when the splice plates are attached to the respective cable tray sections.