Locking Cable Hanger With Closed-Loop Grip for Messenger Wires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable hanger systems in solar, mining, and electrical industries face challenges with hangers easily falling off during installation due to open loop designs, and the need for increased separation of AC and DC cables as per the National Electric Code, leading to complex wire management and increased labor costs in desert environments.
Innovation Solution
A locking cable hanger system with a captive closed loop spiral attachment that securely grips the messenger wire, maintaining hanger position and orientation, and includes PVC coating for corrosion resistance and ease of handling, allowing for efficient installation and separation of cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If open loop attachment sections are used on cable hangers, then installation is simple and quick, but the hangers easily fall off during cable loading process
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment section is divided into two separate loops: a first open loop for initial attachment and a second closed loop for secure locking. This segmentation allows the hanger to progress from easy installation to secure retention through a two-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first open loop allows preliminary attachment to the messenger wire before the cable loading process begins. This preliminary action enables quick installation while the second closed loop provides subsequent security during the loading operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable hangers are designed to accommodate various wire bundle sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger body is designed with flexible sides that can be compressed together to reduce the width of the cable carrier formation. This dynamic adjustment allows the same hanger to accommodate different cable bundle sizes without requiring multiple specialized hanger designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The width parameter of the cable carrier formation can be changed by compressing the hanger sides together. This parameter change enables a single hanger design to adapt to various cable bundle dimensions, maintaining versatility while avoiding design complexity.
3Reliability
If AC and DC cables are separated according to NEC code requirements, then safety and signal integrity are improved, but wire management complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable hanger is designed with a universal cable carrier formation that can accommodate multiple different cable types (AC, DC, category 5) simultaneously. By loading all cables onto a single hanger in the desired configuration before attachment, the separation requirement is met without increasing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables are pre-arranged in the correct separated configuration within the cable carrier formation before the hanger is attached to the messenger wire. This preliminary arrangement ensures NEC code compliance while maintaining efficient installation speed.
4Reliability
If hangers are loaded with cable bundles during installation process, then proper cable support is achieved, but hangers fall off when bumped or jostled
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into two distinct loops that perform different functions: the first open loop for initial attachment and the second closed loop for secure locking. This segmentation ensures that the hanger maintains stability during cable loading while remaining easy to install.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed second loop automatically locks onto the messenger wire after the hanger is initially attached, providing self-securing functionality. This self-service locking mechanism ensures the hanger remains stable during cable loading without requiring additional manual securing actions.
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 system prevents hangers from falling off during installation, maintains proper orientation for easy loading, and ensures consistent spacing, significantly reducing labor costs and improving efficiency by allowing single-handed cable loading and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The cable hanger has a unique locking arm attachment section which has a closed loop spiral for a secure lock on the messenger wire... and includes PVC coating for corrosion resistance
Implementation Method 2
Attachment sections are formed on each of the open ends of the spaced apart arms with the attachment sections being elastically shape resilient and flexible so as to be bent together for attachment to a messenger wire
Data Source
AI summary
A cable hanger for the solar, mining, and electrical industry for use in supporting a plurality of conductive cables from a messenger wire.