Hinge-Arm Cable Tray Bracket for Minimizing Bend Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable support systems cause sagging of low-voltage electrical cables, which can disrupt data transmission rates due to bending and twisting, particularly in high-speed cables like Category 5 telecommunications cables, as they rely on narrow support elements that are inadequate for maintaining cable stability.
Innovation Solution
A cable support assembly featuring cable trays and brackets with a hinge arm mechanism that secures the trays to an overhead structure, allowing easy installation and maintenance, while ensuring cables are supported by the trays rather than hangers, thus preventing sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed through holes in support elements, then cable installation is simple, but cable sagging occurs which disturbs conductors and affects data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete bracket units spaced along the cable run, with each bracket providing localized support at critical points. This segmentation allows cables to be easily installed through pre-drilled holes while preventing sagging between support points, thus maintaining both installation simplicity and data transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Small support brackets serve as intermediary elements between the cable and the structural support elements. These brackets are installed at regular intervals to provide continuous support, preventing cable sagging and conductor disturbance while maintaining the simplicity of the overall installation process.
2Reliability
If hangers are used to support cables, then cable support is provided, but cable trays cannot be easily lowered for inspection or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the cable tray to be easily lowered from the supported position for inspection or repair, and then repositioned and secured. This dynamic capability enables maintenance personnel to access cables without permanent fixed installations, improving both support stability and repair accessibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cable trays are securely fixed to prevent movement, then cable support is stable, but cable trays cannot be lowered for maintenance without complete removal
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the cable tray to be easily lowered from the supported position for inspection or repair, and then repositioned and secured. This dynamic capability enables maintenance personnel to access cables without permanent fixed installations, improving both support stability and repair accessibility.
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
The solution effectively prevents cable sagging by supporting cables within the trays, maintaining data integrity and facilitating easy inspection, repair, or additional cable installation without compromising cable stability.
Implementation Method 1
The brackets include a base member and a hinge arm pivotally attached to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support assembly for routing electrical, communication, or data cables throughout a building. The cable support assembly includes cable trays and brackets for securing the cable trays to an overhead structure. Tray couplers are provided for coupling trays together. The brackets include a base member and a hinge arm pivotally attached to the base member. The brackets are first secured to the overhead structure to establish a desired path for the cables. The hinge arms on the installed brackets are pivoted downwards and a cable tray section inserted therein. The hinge arms and cable tray sections may be rotated upwards and latched to the base members to lock the cable trays in place. Adjacent cable trays may be joined with couplers to create a cable support assembly in which the cable tray provides support for any electrical, communication, or data cables installed therein.