Slotted Service Tray Mounting for Stable Connection Box Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for supporting equipment in connection boxes, such as fiber optic connection boxes, lack stability and security, often relying on makeshift methods that do not provide a secure or stable platform for cable maintenance and splicing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A service tray with an L-shaped design, featuring a non-slip work surface and a mounting flange with slotted openings to align with existing bolt patterns, secured by threaded bolts, providing a stable and secure platform for tools and equipment, made from durable materials like aluminum and equipped with a fire-resistant polypropylene non-slip pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If makeshift methods (balancing on buckets or nearby equipment) are used to support equipment, then equipment can be positioned at proper elevation, but stability and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The service tray is divided into a mounting flange portion and a work surface portion, allowing independent optimization of each function. The mounting flange integrates with existing connection box bolt patterns while the work surface provides stable equipment support, resolving the contradiction between stable support and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The service tray serves multiple functions: it provides stable support for equipment, offers a secure mounting platform using existing bolt patterns, and creates an organized workspace. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate makeshift support structures while maintaining ease of installation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a secure mounting structure is created using existing bolt patterns, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different connection box configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting flange incorporates slotted openings that allow dynamic adjustment of bolt positions to accommodate different connection box bolt patterns. This dynamic adaptability maintains stable mounting across various configurations while preserving the security and stability of the equipment support function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a non-slip surface is added to prevent equipment movement, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-slip surface treatment is applied locally only to the work surface portion where equipment contact occurs, rather than the entire structure. This localized application provides the necessary security and stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity and material usage.
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 service tray offers a stable, secure, and easily installable/uninstallable solution for supporting equipment in connection boxes, enhancing safety and efficiency in cable maintenance and splicing tasks, while accommodating various bolt hole patterns and withstanding harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The work surface has an upper or work surface and an upwardly oriented lip extending about first, second and third edges of the work surface. In embodiments, the work surface is a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface can be provided by a resilient, non-slip pad.
Implementation Method 2
The openings can be slotted openings. A portion of one or more of the openings have opposing edges configured to threadedly receive a threaded bolt, so that the unthreaded portion of the shank slides along the slotted opening.
Implementation Method 3
The tray can be powder coated to prevent corrosion and to provide for an extended service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A service tray for use with, and attachment to, a connection box having a flange having a bolt pattern, includes an L-shaped member defining a work surface and a mounting flange at about a right angles to each other. The work surface has an upper, work surface. The mounting flange has a plurality of openings, at least some of which are aligned with the connection box flange bolt pattern. The L-shaped member has an upwardly oriented lip extending about the edges of the work surface. A portion of at least one of the mounting flange openings has opposing edges configured to receive and secure a threaded bolt. One or more mounting bolts are received in one or more of the mounting flange openings to secure the service tray to the connection box.