Polymer Cable Tray Support Bar With Buttressed Inner Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support bars for cable trays lack sufficient robustness to securely fix cable trays and other elements under lateral stresses and heavy loads, particularly when subjected to strong tightening forces, which can lead to bending and instability.
Innovation Solution
The support bar features inner walls that act as buttresses at the protrusions, increasing rigidity, and a striated surface to enhance frictional force, allowing for secure fixing without complicating the manufacturing process or increasing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support bar uses a simple hollow profile structure, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the robustness and rigidity are insufficient to withstand lateral stresses and heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are segmented into multiple functional zones: upper flanges for bearing, protrusions for lateral confinement, and inner walls for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple 2D hollow profile to a 3D complex geometry by adding protrusions extending inward from side walls and inner walls connecting base to protrusions. This dimensional enhancement provides multiple structural benefits (rigidity, confinement, reinforcement) within the same extruded profile, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and robustness
2Reliability
If the support bar structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then production is more efficient and cost-effective, but the fixing security under strong tightening forces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded profile performs multiple functions simultaneously: the hollow structure provides basic support, flanges provide bearing surface, protrusions provide lateral confinement, and inner walls provide reinforcement. This multi-functionality achieves high fixing security without requiring multiple separate components, maintaining ease of manufacture through single-profile extrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes geometric parameters of the extruded profile (thickness of flanges, dimensions of protrusions, positioning of inner walls) to achieve the desired fixing security. By carefully controlling these parameters, the structure provides sufficient rigidity and confinement while remaining manufacturable through standard extrusion processes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support bar (1) for cable trays, formed by a rectangular profile in the form of a rail made of polymer material. An upper open wall (4) has a flat outer surface (6) on both sides of a continuous opening (5). The side walls (3) form two facing inner flanges (9) having a lower face oriented towards the base wall (2) and an upper face forming the flat outer surface (6). The side walls (3) form two facing inner protrusions (13) projecting below the lower face of the flanges (9) without covering it. Two inner walls (15) join the base wall (2) and the protrusion (13) of the side wall (3), and each of said inner walls extends next to one of the side walls (3). The base wall (2), the side wall (3), and the inner wall (15) demarcate an empty space (16).