Modular Cable Ducting Accessory with Interchangeable Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cable ducting systems require numerous accessories for various route changes, leading to complex management, increased costs, and logistical challenges due to the need for multiple components for each size and finish, as well as increased installation time and potential unavailability of necessary accessories.
Innovation Solution
A modular bend or junction accessory with a universal main body and interchangeable configuration elements allows for flexible configuration of bends and junctions, reducing the number of required components and enabling on-site adaptation of ductwork topology without additional costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous specific accessories are provided for each type of bend or junction, then the system can handle complex ductwork topologies, but the number of components to manage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal main body that can serve multiple functions by accepting different configuration elements. The main body includes opposing side faces that can receive various removable configuration elements (such as panels, flanges, or connectors) to create different bend and junction accessories. This allows a single base component to replace numerous specialized accessories, reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to handle complex ductwork topologies.
2Volume of stationary object
If accessories are broken down into constituent elements, then storage space is reduced, but assembly time and installer expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the accessory into a main body and removable configuration elements that can be stored separately and assembled as needed. The configuration elements are designed to be mutually replaceable and attach to standardized interfaces on the main body. This segmentation reduces storage volume by allowing compact packaging of individual elements, while the standardized interfaces minimize assembly complexity and time requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple types of accessories are stocked in advance, then installation can proceed without delays, but transportation cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal main body with interchangeable configuration elements allows installers to transport a minimal set of components that can be configured for multiple different accessory types on-site. Instead of transporting numerous specialized accessories, the installer only needs to transport the main body and a small selection of configuration elements that can be combined to create the required bends and junctions, significantly reducing transportation weight and space while maintaining installation continuity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3a
AI summary
A configurable bend or junction accessory (10) for cable ducts is described, comprising: - a main body (12) with a box-like shape common to a plurality of possible accessory configurations, adapted to delimit therein a cable routing volume (V), which includes: a base wall (20), a pair of facing side walls (22', 22"), from which extends a portion (24) connecting to a first cable conduit or tray, and a pair of opposite open side faces (28', 28") each adapted to receive a respective removable configuration element (14; 16a; 16b); and - a pair of removable configuration elements (14; 16a; 16b) selectable according to the intended use of the accessory (10) between a closed wall configuration element (14) and a configuration element (16a; 16b) for connecting to a cable conduit or tray (D1-D7).