Petal-Shaped Elastic Arms for Tool-Free Cable Tray Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling cable tray sections are costly, require tools or screws, and are not easily adaptable to different dimensions, making them inefficient and cumbersome for operators.
Innovation Solution
A device with four elastic arms arranged in a petal shape, each arm having a body portion and a head portion that can deform to securely lock two elements together without additional tools, allowing for easy assembly of cable tray sections and supports by inserting into coincident perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional assembly methods using fishplates, screws, or welding are used, then the connection strength between cable tray sections is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is divided into four separate elastic arms that can be independently inserted into perforations. Each arm acts as an independent locking element, allowing the system to achieve strong connections through multiple simple modular units rather than one complex fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms automatically lock the cable tray sections together through their own elastic deformation when inserted into the perforations. The arms exert continuous elastic force to maintain the connection without requiring additional tools, screws, or welding operations, making the assembly self-sufficient.
2Strength
If conventional fastening methods with additional tools are used, then the assembly strength is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms automatically lock the cable tray sections together through their own elastic deformation when inserted into the perforations. The arms exert continuous elastic force to maintain the connection without requiring additional tools, screws, or welding operations, making the assembly self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms utilize changes in their physical state (elastic deformation) to achieve locking. By transforming from a deformed state during insertion to a recovered state during locking, the arms provide strong connections through parameter changes rather than mechanical fastening.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard assembly devices are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different cable tray dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device with four elastic arms can be universally applied to cable tray sections of various dimensions. By positioning the arms at different locations and adjusting their insertion depth into the perforations, the same simple device structure can accommodate different tray sizes and configurations without requiring tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms provide dynamic adaptability through their ability to deform and flex. This elasticity allows the arms to adjust to different geometric constraints and dimensional variations in cable tray sections, enabling a single standardized device to work across multiple applications.
4Device complexity
If simple elastic arms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to withstand stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is divided into four separate elastic arms that can be independently inserted into perforations. Each arm acts as an independent locking element, allowing the system to achieve strong connections through multiple simple modular units rather than one complex fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms are made of elastomeric material that combines flexibility with high strength-to-weight ratio. This material selection allows simple arm structures to withstand significant mechanical stresses, cable weights, and environmental loads while maintaining device simplicity.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures secure locking of cable tray sections and supports, accommodating various dimensions while withstanding typical cable tray stresses.
Implementation Method 1
Each arm comprising a body portion extending from the lower edge to an upper edge, having an axial extension, and comprising an elastic tab projecting radially towards the opposite direction of the reference axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (1) has elastic arms (2) arranged in form of petal and extended from a lower edge (3) to a free edge (4), where the arms are joined at the lower edge. Each of the arms includes a body portion (9) extending from the lower edge to an upper edge (12). The body portion includes an elastic tab (13) projecting radially toward a direction opposite to a reference axis (R). Each of the arms includes a head portion (10) extending from the upper edge to the free edge. The head portion includes a radial extension toward the direction opposite to the reference axis. An independent claim is also included for a raceway.