Ratchet Strap Mounting Assembly for Cable Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable pulling accessories and mounting assemblies for cable trays are often cumbersome, requiring loose hardware, repetitive motions, or adjustments for different tray sizes, and lack efficient installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly featuring an elongated rod with slideable arms, a ratchet mechanism, and an extendable strap that quickly and securely attaches a cable feeder or roller to a cable tray, reducing installation time and accommodating various tray sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loose hardware (screws and nuts) is used to fasten cable pulling accessories, then the attachment can be securely fastened, but the installation becomes cumbersome and hardware can be lost or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly integrates the attachment mechanism into a single unit where the strap and ratchet mechanism are combined with the arms and rod structure. This eliminates the need for separate screws, nuts, and other loose hardware components, making the attachment secure while simplifying installation to a single integrated component that cannot be lost or dropped.
2Reliability
If screw-driven clamps are used to attach to cable tray, then secure attachment is achieved, but repetitive twisting motion and handles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the screw-driven mechanical clamping system with a strap-based ratchet mechanism. Instead of requiring handles and repetitive twisting motions to tighten screws, the operator simply pulls the strap to generate tension, and the ratchet mechanism automatically locks the position, eliminating the need for twisting motions while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If cam locks are used for mounting, then attachment is achieved, but adjustment is required for different tray sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates adjustable arms that can slide along the rod to different positions, allowing the width between the arms to be dynamically adjusted to match different cable tray widths. This dynamic adjustability enables the same mounting assembly to accommodate various tray sizes without requiring different cam lock configurations or adjustments.
4Reliability
If multiple clamps are used to secure the mounting assembly, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple clamping functions into a single integrated strap system that wraps around the cable tray. Instead of using multiple separate clamps distributed at different locations, one continuous strap provides uniform attachment security around the tray, reducing the number of components while maintaining or improving attachment reliability.
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 solution provides a fast, secure, and adjustable method for attaching cable feeders or rollers to cable trays, reducing manpower and time requirements while ensuring compatibility with different tray sizes without the need for complex adjustments or multiple clamps.
Implementation Method 1
The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet and an extendable and retractable strap.
Implementation Method 2
The strap can be extended around the bottom of the cable tray and attached to the attachment member.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting assembly is provided for mounting a product, for example a cable feeder, accessory or roller, to a cable tray. The cables can be laid on the cable tray for routing through a building. The mounting assembly includes an elongated rod, first and second arms extending downwardly from the rod and attached to the cable tray, a ratchet mechanism attached to one of the arms, and an attachment member on the other of the arms. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet and an extendable and retractable strap. The strap can be extended around the bottom of the cable tray and attached to the attachment member. This quickly and easily installs the product on the cable tray.