Pivoting Cable Cleat Assembly for Short Circuit Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable cleats fail to securely manage 3-phase power cables during short circuit events, allowing cables to separate due to high electromagnetic forces, which can lead to damage and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A cable cleat assembly with a base and pivotally mounted side bodies, featuring pegs and slots for secure engagement, allowing the side bodies to rotate from an open to a closed position around the cables, and a fastener for securement to a ladder rack, accommodating various cable diameters and preventing galvanic corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable cleats are used to secure cables, then cables can be managed and secured in a trefoil arrangement, but cables can separate during short circuit events due to high electromagnetic forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable security during short circuitVSAvoidresistance to electromagnetic force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side bodies are made pivotally mountable to the base, allowing the cleat assembly to dynamically adjust to cable diameter variations while maintaining secure engagement. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to adapt during short circuit events, ensuring continuous cable retention under high electromagnetic forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member integrates multiple functions: the peg provides pivotal connection to the base, the circular rib engages with the slot for rotational movement control, and the alignment tabs guide proper positioning. This merging of functions into a single component enhances structural integrity and cable security during short circuit events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If rigid cable cleats are used to prevent cable movement, then cables are secured during short circuit, but the design becomes complex requiring separate hinges and multiple parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable retention during short circuitVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member combines the hinge function, mounting connection, and alignment features into a single integrated component. The peg acts as both the hinge pin and mounting element, while the circular rib provides rotational guidance, eliminating the need for separate hinges and reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side body design incorporates multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables pivotal movement through the mounting member, engages with the base via the slot and circular rib, and accommodates various cable diameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pivotally mounted side bodies are used to accommodate various cable diameters, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision is required for proper engagement of pegs and slots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of cable diameter variationsVSAvoidengagement tolerance of mounting members
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotal mounting allows the side bodies to rotate and adapt to different cable diameters dynamically. The circular rib engaging with the slot provides a guided rotational path that compensates for minor manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment tabs and slot geometry are designed to self-align the mounting members during assembly. The circular rib naturally guides the peg into proper engagement with the slot, providing self-correcting alignment that reduces dependency on high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3799237A1Cable cleat assembly
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 PANDUIT CORP
  • EP3799237A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799237A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799237A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cable cleat assembly secures a bundle of cables to a ladder rack. The cable cleat assembly includes a base and two side bodies. Each side body is pivotally mounted to one of the ends of the base. Each side body has a first end, a middle section, and a second end. The first end of each side body includes a mounting member. The mounting member has a peg extending from each side of the mounting member and a circumferential rib. The pegs are mounted in the base with the circumferential rib positioned between alignment ribs extending from the base to enable the side bodies to pivot from an open position to a closed position.