Panel Wire Support Bracket with Guide Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting electrical cables and wires above electrical panels are inefficient, prone to damage, and do not comply with the National Electric Code, as they require significant time and effort to install and may not securely hold a variety of cable sizes.
Innovation Solution
A panel wire support bracket that is molded as a single element with hinged end flaps, allowing flexible attachment between studs, and features holes with guide walls and protrusions to securely hold cables without damaging them, ensuring proper alignment and compliance with code requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional 2x6 or 2x4 wood supports are used with individual stapling of cables, then cables can be supported above the electrical panel, but the installation process requires significant time and effort and may damage cables before they reach the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular bracket units, each capable of supporting individual cables or groups of cables. These brackets can be independently installed and configured, allowing for streamlined installation while maintaining support effectiveness for multiple cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are pre-configured with cable support features and attachment mechanisms during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for现场 drilling, stapling, or complex cable routing adjustments during installation, significantly reducing installation time and potential cable damage.
2Reliability
If traditional wood supports are used, then cables can be held in place, but the method does not comply with the National Electric Code by being 1/4 inch too close to the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates adjustable parameters including the distance from the electrical panel, allowing precise positioning to meet the 12-inch minimum distance requirement. The bracket can be configured with different arm lengths or positioning features to ensure code-compliant cable support distances.
3Ease of operation
If individual cable stapling is performed on 2x6 or 2x4 supports, then each cable can be secured, but the process is time-consuming and may damage cables
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable support functions are merged into a single bracket unit. The bracket can simultaneously support and secure multiple cables through integrated features such as multiple support arms, channels, or clamping mechanisms, eliminating the need for individual stapling operations for each cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device between the electrical panel and the cables. It provides a pre-configured interface that simplifies cable attachment through features like pre-drilled holes, integrated cable ties, or snap-in mechanisms, reducing the complexity and time of cable installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a support structure is designed to hold a large number of varied cables, then cable support capacity increases, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to install between studs
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a universal support device that can accommodate various cable types, sizes, and quantities through standardized features. It includes adjustable components, multiple support points, and flexible configuration options that allow a single bracket design to serve multiple cable support scenarios without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel wire support bracket may provide for support of a plurality of insulated electrical wires adjacent a building stud. The bracket may include an end cap including a stud face for flush fastening to the building stud, and a support bar with a plurality of holes and guide walls that extend downward from the holes. Each guide wall may define a guide tube having an upper opening and a lower opening configured to receive one of the wires for insertion through the upper opening and the lower opening. The holes and guide walls may be configured for locating and slidably supporting the wires passing through the holes. The guide walls may include flexible support for the wire with a protrusion to contact the wire. The flexible support may also include a tab operable for moving the protrusion away from contact with the wire. The holes may define hexagonal shapes and the guide walls may taper inwardly from the hole.