Rotatable Cable Duct Connector for Angular Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable duct system connection arrangements struggle with non-right-angled corners, leading to gaps, visual impairment, and insecure connections due to rigid designs that do not adapt well to angular deviations, resulting in costly and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring rotatable connection elements with pins and webs that allow for adjustable alignment, ensuring a secure and visually appealing fit in any corner angle without gaps, using polymer materials for cost-effectiveness and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid connector designs are used for cable duct systems, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to non-right-angled corners deteriorates, resulting in gaps and visual impairment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector alignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to corner angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a rotatable element that allows dynamic adjustment between different angular positions, enabling the rigid connector structure to adapt to various corner angles while maintaining precise alignment and secure locking throughout the range of motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable connection arrangements with rotatable elements are used, then adaptability to non-right-angled corners is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to corner anglesVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable element, locking mechanism, and connector body are merged into an integrated assembly where the rotatable element is directly formed as part of the connector structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If locking elements are arranged on the connection assembly for force-fit mounting, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when angular adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are pre-positioned on the connector body in such a way that they automatically engage with the cable duct elements during the angular adjustment process, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and simplifying the assembly procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2639907B1Connection assembly for cable channel elements
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 OBO BETTERMANN PRODUKTION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO KG (100 00)
  • EP2639907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2639907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The connection assembly (1) has two connecting elements (10,20) that are connected with each other, such that connecting elements are provided with base surfaces and top surfaces respectively. The cable channel elements (31,41) of cable duct systems (3,4) are connected with connecting elements by a latching element. A pin provided in connecting element (10) is rotatably inserted in an opening of the connecting element (20).