Polygonal Wire Mesh Cable Tray with Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of cable trays with reduced opening width, such as triangular or G-sections, is challenging due to high manual effort requirements and the need for additional tools and splints, which increases costs and safety risks during installation and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A wire mesh cable tray section design with folded weft wires and snap-fit assembly means, including wire loops, allows for easy assembly and disassembly without additional tools, by rotating and snapping the sections together, reducing manual effort and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cable tray sections with reduced opening width (triangular or G-section) are assembled using traditional insertion and pivoting methods, then assembly is possible, but the opening width is too narrow to allow insertion of one section into another
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray section is divided into a body portion and an integrated assembly means (male or female ends). The assembly means is segmented as a separate functional component that can be independently configured to enable connection, allowing the main body to maintain its reduced opening width while the assembly means provides the necessary clearance and structure for joining sections together.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly means projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane of the end weft wire, extending outward from the cable tray body. This dimensional extension creates assembly clearance in the perpendicular direction while maintaining the compact reduced opening width in the original plane, enabling assembly operations without increasing the footprint of the cable tray opening.
2Ease of operation
If cable tray sections are assembled by bringing sections together longitudinally, then assembly is possible, but very high manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly means incorporates flexibility through the wire mesh construction and folded weft wires, allowing dynamic adaptation during the assembly process. The flexible structure enables the assembly means to deform and flex as sections are brought together, reducing the peak force required compared to rigid connection methods, and allowing assembly through controlled deformation rather than high-force impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly means (male end) is nested within or integrated into the cable tray body structure itself, with the assembly means forming part of the overall section assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate external connecting components, reducing the total mass that must be moved and assembled, thereby reducing the manual effort required compared to methods using separate splices or connecting pieces.
3Ease of manufacture
If splices or connecting pieces are used to assemble cable tray sections, then assembly is possible, but significant costs are generated and specialized tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly means is merged with the cable tray body to form an integrated unit. The male end and female end assembly means are incorporated directly into the wire mesh structure of the cable tray sections, eliminating the need for separate splices, connecting pieces, or additional fastening components. This integration reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions (cable support and section connection) into a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray sections are designed to be self-assembling through their integrated assembly means. The male and female ends are configured to interconnect directly without requiring external tools, specialized equipment, or additional fastening components. The sections can be assembled by simply bringing them together and allowing the integrated assembly means to engage, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external assembly aids.
4Ease of operation
If integrated assembly means are used in wire mesh cable trays, then assembly is possible, but assembly is not quick and easy for sections with small openings
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tray section is divided into a body portion and an integrated assembly means (male or female ends). The assembly means is segmented as a separate functional component that can be independently configured to enable connection, allowing the main body to maintain its compact reduced opening width while the assembly means provides the necessary clearance and structure for joining sections together.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly means projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane of the end weft wire, extending outward from the cable tray body. This dimensional extension creates assembly clearance in the perpendicular direction while maintaining the compact reduced opening width in the original plane, enabling assembly operations without increasing the footprint of the cable tray opening.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Track sections (2, 3) of wire mesh cables comprising warp wires (14-17), weft wires (13) and a longitudinal opening (12), the weft wires being folded in a transverse plane and comprising four successive portions (8-11) separated by three folds (19-21), two portions (9, 10) of the weft wires extending over two sides of the section, two other portions (8, 11) of the weft wires extending on either side of the opening, the section comprising a first end portion (4) and a second end portion (5), the end portions each being provided with an end weft wire, the first end portion having assembly means (6, 7) projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane of the end weft wire, the assembly means being configured to be snapped onto the end weft wire of the second end portion of a section of cable tray.