Pivoting Cable Tray Structure With Defined Opening Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable storage solutions for tables lack stability and defined opening pivot angles, leading to potential instability and interference with the table top when equipped with cables and sockets.

Innovation Solution

The cable tray features an 'L'- or 'T'-shaped opening area with one side extending vertically at the edge of the channel leg, a pivoting limiting stop formed by a contact surface and edge surface, and a divided suspension area to provide four-point support, ensuring a defined opening pivot angle and preventing contact with the table top during normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the channel leg is made pivotable to allow opening, then the cable tray can be equipped with cables and sockets, but the storage element becomes unstable and may fall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipability with cables and socketsVSAvoidstability of storage element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a pivoting limiting stop that prevents the channel leg from rotating beyond a defined angle. This stop creates a predetermined counteracting force that stabilizes the storage element while still allowing it to be opened for equipment installation. The limiting stop is positioned to engage before complete rotation, preventing instability and falling while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Shape

If the opening area is small, then the structure remains compact, but the cable tray cannot accommodate cables and sockets properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidaccommodation of cables and sockets
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a simple planar opening to a three-dimensional pivoting mechanism. The channel leg rotates about a horizontal axis, creating a spatial opening that provides sufficient volume for cables and sockets while maintaining a compact overall structure when closed. This dimensional change allows the opening area to expand in the vertical dimension during operation while remaining compact in the closed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the channel leg can rotate freely, then access is improved, but the opening angle becomes undefined and interferes with the table top

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to storage areaVSAvoiddefined opening pivot angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting limiting stop serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the precise opening angle, prevents interference with the table top, and maintains stable support for the storage element. This single structural feature accomplishes what would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms, providing both accessibility and angular precision through a unified design.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2674066B1Cable tray for a table
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 KONIG NEURATH AG
  • EP2674066B1 patent drawingFigure 1~9
  • EP2674066B1 patent drawingFigure 10~11

AI summary

The tray has two holding elements (1), where each holding element comprises hanging up regions (2) and a deposit inner element (3) with reciprocal cutting legs (4) and opening portions (5) for hanging up into the hanging up regions of the holding elements. One of the cutting legs is pivotably formed when the deposit inner element is hung into the hanging up regions of the holding elements. The hanging up region comprises a drag stop (6) cooperating with the cutting leg for fastening the deposit inner element at aperture pivoting angle.