Rigid-Coupled Cable Hanger for Solar Array Line Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable management systems for solar arrays face challenges such as sharp edges damaging current lines, the need for expensive messenger wires and poles, and limited space occupancy, as well as difficulties in adding or removing current lines without damaging them.

Innovation Solution

A cable hanger system featuring a rigid element support coupling that is coupled to a solar panel installation frame, providing a gripping and flexible mechanism to securely hold current lines without sharp edges, eliminating the need for messenger wires and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable ties are used to bundle and secure current lines to the frame, then the current lines are supported, but the cable ties must be cut and reinstalled when adding new lines, increasing the chance of damaging current lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adding current linesVSAvoidrisk of damaging current lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is divided into modular components: the frame with integrated channels, cable ties for securing, and cable hangers for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy addition of lines by simply attaching new cable hangers without affecting existing connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable hanger acts as an intermediary component between the frame and the current lines. It provides a protective interface that eliminates direct contact between lines and sharp edges, while also serving as the attachment point for cable ties. This intermediary structure allows lines to be added or removed by simply detaching/attaching cable hangers without cutting cable ties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the solar panel installation frame has special channels or slots to support current lines, then the lines are secured, but the sharp edges of the frame can cut or damage the current lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of securing current linesVSAvoiddamage from sharp edges
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable hanger serves as an intermediary protective element between the current lines and the sharp edges of the frame channels. It provides a cushioning interface that prevents direct contact between the lines and harmful sharp edges, while still allowing the lines to be securely supported and organized within the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable hanger is designed with a structure that inherently provides cushioning and protection before any potential damage can occur. By positioning the cable hanger to contact the lines first, it absorbs any mechanical stress or sharp edge contact, preventing damage to the current lines while maintaining secure support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If messenger wires and poles are used to elevate current lines, then the lines are protected from ground damage, but the system becomes expensive and occupies limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of current linesVSAvoidcomplexity of support system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable hanger integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for current lines, acts as a protective barrier against sharp edges, serves as an attachment point for cable ties, and enables easy addition/removal of lines. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate messenger wires and poles, reducing system complexity and space occupation while maintaining line protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable hanger is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, protective shielding, cable organization, and modular attachment interface. This multi-functionality replaces the need for specialized messenger wires and poles, simplifying the overall system while providing comprehensive protection and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240039463A1Cable hanger
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 CAMBRIA COUNTY ASSOC FOR THE BLIND & HANDICAPPED
  • US20240039463A1 patent drawing
  • US20240039463A1 patent drawing
  • US20240039463A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable hanger including a body defining a support coupling and a number of supported element couplings. The support coupling is a rigid element support coupling.