Multi-Directional Cable Clip for Small PV Frame Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in flange size of photovoltaic module frames and rail systems in solar installations necessitates improved cable management solutions to effectively route electrical wires, as existing cable clips struggle to securely manage wires due to reduced material usage and altered structural configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of wire management clips with multiple clip pockets and structure engaging members that allow for flexible attachment to different positions on photovoltaic module frames and rail systems, featuring lead-ins that facilitate cable entry and retention, and structure engaging members for secure grip, constructed from flexible materials like plastic or metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If flange size is reduced to minimize material usage, then material consumption decreases, but cable management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clip is divided into multiple independent clip pockets (first clip pocket, second clip pocket) that can be positioned at different locations along the rail system. This segmentation allows the cable management function to be distributed across multiple attachment points, maintaining effective cable routing capability even when individual flange sizes are reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-directional attachment capability with clip pockets oriented in different directions (first direction, second direction). This dimensional approach allows cables to be managed from multiple spatial perspectives, compensating for the reduced material availability in traditional single-direction clips by providing alternative routing paths.
2Loss of substance
If flange size is reduced to minimize material usage, then material consumption decreases, but wire routing effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clip is pre-configured with multiple clip pockets positioned at optimal locations and oriented in appropriate directions before installation. This preliminary arrangement of attachment points ensures that wire routing can be performed efficiently during installation without requiring complex on-site adjustments, maintaining ease of operation despite reduced flange dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clip design incorporates multiple clip pockets that can accommodate different cable types and routing configurations. This multi-functional capability allows a single clip design to handle various wire management scenarios, maintaining effective wire routing operations across different installation contexts without requiring additional materials.
3Loss of substance
If traditional cable clips are used with reduced flange sizes, then material usage is minimized, but secure cable attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented into multiple clip pockets distributed along the cable clip body. By spreading the attachment points across multiple locations rather than relying on a single large flange, the design achieves secure cable attachment through distributed mechanical engagement, maintaining reliability while using less material overall.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clip pocket is designed with specific local characteristics (orientation, position, geometry) optimized for its particular attachment function. This localized optimization ensures that each attachment point provides maximum security for its specific cable routing requirement, achieving overall reliable cable attachment without requiring excessive material in any single location.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire management clip includes a cable pocket, a first clip pocket with an opening to receive a structure, and a second clip pocket with an opening to receive a structure. The opening of the first clip pocket is accessible from one direction relative to the wire management clip, and the opening of the second clip pocket is accessible from another direction relative to the wire management clip. The wire management clip may also include one or more structure engaging members for engaging or contacting a surface of the structure received within the first clip pocket and the second clip pocket.