Integrated Cable Channel Element for Fast Protected Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable installation methods along traffic routes, such as railways or roads, are complex and time-consuming, especially for long cables, as they often require special clamps and covers, making it difficult to lay cables efficiently without segmented designs.

Innovation Solution

A channel element with a curved inner surface and a planar section that allows cable insertion, combined with a connector system for easy assembly and anchoring, eliminating the need for a separate cover element by using a sleeve and anchoring elements to secure the cable in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable routing systems are used along traffic routes, then cables can be routed with protection, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring special clamps and covers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidinstallation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable channel body and cover into a single integrated element that can be installed as one piece. The channel element includes both the protective enclosure and the cable support structure merged into a unified component, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple parts during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the cable, supports the cable in a designated position, and can be directly installed along traffic routes without requiring additional specialized components. The single element performs what previously required multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate cover elements are used to close the duct, then cable protection is improved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cover and channel body are merged into a single integrated element. The channel element includes both what would traditionally be separate components (the protective enclosure and the cable support structure) combined into one piece that is installed as a unit, eliminating assembly time between these parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cable clamps are used instead of ground anchors, then installation flexibility is improved, but special components and installation time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel element is designed to be universally installable using standard ground anchors. The element incorporates integrated features that provide both anchoring capability and cable support functionality, allowing it to be installed flexibly along traffic routes using common anchoring methods rather than requiring specialized cable clamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3937321B1Channel element, channel and method for installing a cable
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 NIEDAX
  • EP3937321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3937321B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3937321B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A channel element (20) has a support section (21) for at least one cable (10) and a guide section (22) which covers the support section (21) and is formed integrally with the support section (21). The guide section (22) is designed to guide the at least one cable (10) to the support section (21) when the channel element (20) is rotated about its longitudinal axis.