Polymeric Cable Tray Connector with Hinged Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for cable tray segments at variable angles often incorporate metal elements, such as pins, which create return torque, hindering the operation and requiring external pins or complex hinge mechanisms, and are not fully compatible with polymeric materials for cable tray installations.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising two monoblock rigid parts made of polymeric material with a hinging articulation formed by aligned rods and hook-shaped ears, allowing rotation without torque and ensuring secure assembly and disassembly only at specific angles, eliminating the need for metal pins and enabling variable angle adjustments without resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a metal pin is used to form the hinging articulation, then the articulation function is achieved, but metal elements cannot be eliminated and return torque is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal pin from the hinging articulation, extracting the harmful metal element and the source of return torque. The articulation is reformed using only polymeric materials - specifically, a rod retained by hook-shaped ears that can slide along the rod, eliminating the need for metal components entirely while maintaining the hinge function without generating return torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental mechanism of the hinging articulation from a rigid pinned connection to a sliding retention system. Instead of a fixed metal pin that creates rotational resistance, the system uses a polymeric rod with hook-shaped ears that slide along the rod, fundamentally changing the articulation parameter from rigid to semi-flexible, thereby eliminating return torque while preserving the variable angle connection capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a flexible plate-shaped central portion is used to perform the articulation function, then metal elements are eliminated, but return torque is created due to elastic bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection device into two separable monoblock rigid parts made of polymeric material, each with attachment ends featuring rods and hook-shaped ears. This segmentation allows the articulation to be formed by the assembly of these parts rather than requiring a flexible central portion, eliminating elastic bending and return torque while maintaining the polymeric material requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible element to achieve articulation (as in the prior art), the patent inverts the approach by using rigid parts that form the articulation through their geometric arrangement and relative movement. The rods and hook-shaped ears create the hinging function through their configuration rather than through material flexibility, reversing the conventional approach to achieving variable angle connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection device allows free rotation at any angle, then variable angle adjustment is achieved, but the device cannot be secured in usage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic retention system where the hook-shaped ears can slide along the rods during assembly and adjustment, allowing free rotation to any angle. Once positioned, the geometry of the assembled parts causes the ears to retain the rods, automatically securing the device in its usage position. This dynamic behavior provides both adjustability and secure attachment without requiring additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device automatically secures itself in the usage position through the geometric arrangement of the rods and hook-shaped ears. When the two monoblock parts are assembled, the ears naturally retain the rods at the appropriate angle, providing self-securing functionality without requiring external pins, clips, or additional fastening elements. The system uses its own structure to achieve both adjustability and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for connecting two cable tray segments (2) at a variable angle. The device (1) comprises two monoblock rigid parts (3) made of a polymeric material attached in a separable manner by means of a hinging articulation (4). Each part (3) has a fitting end for fitting with a corresponding end (6) of a cable tray segment (2), and an attachment end for being attached in a separable manner to the attachment end of the other part (3). The attachment ends of the parts (3) have ears and rods which are assembled together in a detachable manner by means of a translational movement of one part (3) towards the other part (3) to form the hinging articulation (4).