Non-metallic Cable Support Stanchion for Corrosion Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable supports in underground manholes, vaults, and tunnels made of galvanized steel are prone to galvanic and stray current corrosion, leading to rapid deterioration and safety hazards due to their conductive nature, which compromises the support of power and communication cables.
Innovation Solution
The use of nonmetallic cable arm supports with glass fiber reinforcement, such as E-shape and C-shape cross sections, molded from plastic materials like nylon or polyethylene, which are less susceptible to corrosion and can withstand heavy loads, along with adjustable rack arms that allow upward rotation for easier cable installation and stress relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If galvanized steel cable supports are used, then initial strength and load-bearing capacity are high, but corrosion resistance deteriorates rapidly due to galvanic and stray current corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining glass fiber reinforcement with plastic matrix (nylon or polyethylene) to create a nonmetallic support structure. This composite construction provides both the necessary mechanical strength to bear heavy cable loads and inherent corrosion resistance, eliminating the galvanic and stray current corrosion problems that affect metallic supports. The glass fiber reinforcement specifically addresses the strength requirement while the plastic matrix provides the corrosion resistance.
2Reliability
If nonmetallic materials are used, then corrosion resistance improves, but load-bearing capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glass fiber reinforced plastic composite materials that combine the corrosion resistance of nonmetallic plastics with the high strength of glass fiber reinforcement. The glass fibers provide tensile strength and structural rigidity necessary to support heavy cable loads, while the plastic matrix provides corrosion resistance and binds the reinforcement together into a load-bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating glass fiber reinforcement in specific areas of the support structure where mechanical strength is most needed, such as in the load-bearing arms and mounting sections. This localized reinforcement ensures adequate load-bearing capacity in critical areas while maintaining overall corrosion resistance throughout the structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed rack arms are used, then structural stability is high, but ease of installation deteriorates due to inability to accommodate cable weight variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing rack arms with rotational joints that allow the arms to adjust their angle and position dynamically. This enables the rack arms to accommodate variations in cable weight and installation requirements while maintaining structural stability when installed. The adjustable mechanism allows technicians to optimize the rack arm position during installation and maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.