Pivoting Cable Trough Cover Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable routing systems, particularly trough members, are prone to debris entry and fiber escape due to their open ends, and require frequent access for maintenance or adjustments, which complicates optical fiber management in telecommunications facilities.
Innovation Solution
Design of pivoting covers for cable trough members that can be coupled to the troughs to close open ends, allowing access while preventing debris entry and providing a biased rest position for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If covers are added to close the open ends of trough members, then debris entry is prevented, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to pivot between a closed position (preventing debris entry) and an open position (allowing maintenance access). The hinge mechanism enables dynamic movement, and the biasing mechanism automatically returns the cover to the closed position after use, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed covers are used to close trough members, then debris entry is prevented, but periodic access for adding or removing fibers becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic pivoting design, enabling easy access without complex removal procedures. The hinge and biasing mechanism create a simple yet effective system that maintains protection while facilitating periodic maintenance operations.
3Ease of operation
If open-ended trough members are used, then ease of cable installation is improved, but fiber escape and debris entry occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting cover maintains the functional benefits of open-ended trough members during cable installation while providing protection when closed. The ability to easily open and close the cover preserves installation ease while preventing fiber escape and debris entry during normal operation.
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
The covers effectively prevent debris from entering the troughs while allowing for easy access and maintenance, ensuring the protection of optical fibers and simplifying cable management by maintaining a secure, adaptable routing system.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge assembly coupling the cover to the trough member, the hinge assembly allowing the cover to pivot relative to the trough member between closed and open positions
Data Source
AI summary
A cable trough system includes a trough member including a base wall and first and second sidewalls extending from the base wall to form a trough. The system also includes a cover including a main body with a first end and a second end, and first and second hinge portions coupled to the first and second ends of the main body. Each of the first and second hinge portions includes a first member that extends to an end positioned to contact an inner surface of the first sidewall, a second member that defines an arm that is positioned to at least partially contact the first sidewall, and an extension member that extends from the second member in a direction opposite to that of the arm. The first and second members have a space therebetween sized to receive a portion of the first sidewall.