Hinged Cable Tray Segment with Adjustable Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray segments are not suitable for forming smaller angular segments or functioning as straight segments, requiring multiple angle segments and significant manufacturing and storage efforts, and often need on-site cutting.
Innovation Solution
A cable tray segment with two channel parts connected by a hinge point, featuring a base part that bridges the gap between the channel parts and a channel edge strip to form adjustable angular segments, allowing for on-site angle adjustment without screws or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angle segments with different angles are provided, then various angular configurations can be achieved, but manufacturing and storage effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray segment is designed with a universal base part that can accommodate different hinge point positions, allowing a single segment type to function as multiple different angle segments (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) by simply repositioning the hinge points, eliminating the need to manufacture and store multiple specialized angle segments
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray segment incorporates adjustable hinge points that can be repositioned along the side rails, transforming a static segment into a dynamic one that can adapt to different angular configurations as needed, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-angle segments
2Adaptability or versatility
If angle segments are provided for different angles, then various angular arrangements can be formed, but storage effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal cable tray segment design with repositionable hinge points can replace multiple specialized angle segments, dramatically reducing the inventory space needed to store various angular configurations while maintaining the ability to form any required angle
3Reliability
If cable tray segments are connected using screws and connecting elements, then stable connections are achieved, but assembly requires tools and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray segment incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features through its base part design that automatically engages with the hinge points, enabling stable connections without requiring external tools or complex assembling operations, making the system both reliable and easy to install
4Stability of the object's composition
If a base part bridges the gap between channel parts, then structural stability is improved, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base part is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be divided into separate sections, allowing it to bridge gaps between channel parts effectively while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly, rather than requiring a single complex continuous structure
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
Enables versatile, tool-free angle adjustments and easier handling, reducing manufacturing and storage needs by allowing the formation of various segment configurations, including straight and angular segments, with improved stability and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
two channel parts connected to one another on one of the two side rails by at least one hinge point, which channel parts can be adjusted relative to one another about the pivot axis provided by such a hinge point
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable tray segment 1 comprises a channel 4 formed by two side rails 2, 2.1 and a base 3 connecting the side rails 2, 2.1. The cable tray segment 1 has two tray sections 5, 5.1 connected to each other at one of the two side rails 2, 2.1 by at least one hinge 7, 7.1. The tray sections 5, 5.1 are adjustable relative to each other about the pivot axis provided by such a hinge 7, 7.1. Furthermore, the cable tray segment 1 comprises an attached insert 11 with a base section 12 bridging the gap 10 located between the bottoms of the tray parts 5, 5.1. The base section 12 carries on its edge opposite the at least one hinge point 7, 7.1 a channel edge strip 15 bridging the gap 10 located between the side rails 2, 2.1 of the tray parts 5, 5.1 opposite the at least one hinge point 7, 7.1.