Inverted Cable Retention Device for Rung Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clamps require excessive lifting and assembly effort, are difficult to secure to rungs without slots or holes, and may damage cable insulation, especially in North American settings where explicit standards for cable support structures are lacking, and must withstand extreme forces during short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A cable retention device comprising a base with a support channel engaging the rung and cable restraint surfaces contacting the cables, combined with a cap that secures over the cables, allowing for simultaneous securing of cables to each other and the rung without lifting, using bolts or alternative securing means, suitable for various cable support structures and cable arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cable clamps are used to secure cables to rungs, then cable retention is achieved, but excessive lifting and assembly effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting cables up into a clamp positioned above the rung, the clamp is inverted so that the cable support surface is below the rung. The clamp is positioned against the bottom of the rung, and cables are lowered onto the support surface, eliminating the need to lift heavy cables upward.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-positioned against the bottom of the rung before cables are installed. This preliminary positioning of the support structure eliminates the need for complex two-step assembly processes and reduces installation effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable clamps are secured to rungs without slots or holes, then adaptability to North American support structures is achieved, but securing the clamp to the rung becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A support surface with a recess is introduced as an intermediary between the clamp and the rung. The recess receives the bottom surface of the rung, creating a secure mechanical interface that does not require slots or holes in the rung, thus adapting to North American support structures while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a flexible or deformable support surface that can conform to the rung geometry within the recess, allowing secure attachment to rungs of varying sizes and shapes without requiring precise matching features in the rung.
3Reliability
If metallic bands or straps are used to restrain cables, then cable restraint is achieved, but cable insulation may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using metallic bands that can cut into and damage cable insulation, the invention uses a sacrificial compressible element (such as a rubber or foam pad) within the clamp. This element deforms to restrain the cable but protects the insulation from damage, even if it degrades over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp combines rigid structural elements with soft, compliant materials. The rigid parts provide structural strength and restraint force, while the soft materials (rubber, foam, or elastomeric compounds) contact the cable to prevent insulation damage while maintaining effective restraint.
4Reliability
If heavy cables are lifted and inserted into clamps, then secure cable attachment is achieved, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the clamp orientation so the support surface is below the rung, cables can be lowered onto the support surface by gravity rather than being lifted upward. This simple orientation change dramatically reduces installation effort and time for heavy cables while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design creates a potential energy advantage by positioning the cable support surface at a lower elevation than the rung. Cables naturally settle onto the support surface under gravity, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning efforts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable retention device is disclosed. The device may be used to restrain electrical cables routed along a cable support structure. These support structures are used in both internal and external settings, and the structures provide some physical support and protection to the electrical cables. In some high-power settings, these cables run from substations or electrical generators to a point within a facility. The support structures typically used in these settings do not fully restrain the cables. External forces, such as those that may occur during short circuit conditions, may result in movement of the electrical cables, which can lead to damage. Cable retention devices, referred to at times as cleats or clamps, are needed to restrain the cables. The cable retention device disclosed herein simultaneously restrains the cables and secures the cables to the cable support structure. The device comprises a base and cap that are secured to each other to enclose a part of the cables and the cable support structure.