Solar Cable Bracket With Clamp Halves for Cable Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems for solar applications do not adequately maintain cable separation, leading to derating issues due to lack of free air space, which increases the need for larger conductors and complicates installation.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped bracket with securement slots and clamp halves that securely hold and separate cables, featuring messenger wire latches and cushion inserts to accommodate various cable diameters, allowing easy assembly and installation without derating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are laid next to each other in the bracket without separation, then installation is simpler, but current carrying limit must be derated due to lack of free air space
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls, with each compartment designed to hold a specific number of cables (e.g., 2-6 cables per compartment). This segmentation automatically maintains proper spacing between cables while simplifying installation, as cables are placed in organized sections rather than requiring manual spacing across the entire bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediary structures between cables, providing the necessary separation to maintain free air space without requiring complex external spacing mechanisms. These walls create physical barriers that enforce proper cable spacing while allowing cables to be easily placed in their designated compartments.
2Reliability
If more components are added to the bracket to maintain cable separation, then cable spacing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls are integrated directly into the bracket structure, merging the cable separation function with the bracket's primary support function. This eliminates the need for separate external spacing components, as the partition walls serve dual purposes: structural support and cable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the bracket, create cable separation compartments, and define installation zones for cables. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If cable separation is maintained with proper free air space, then current carrying capacity is preserved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket into predetermined compartments that accommodate specific cable quantities, the system pre-establishes proper spacing configurations. Installers simply place cables in the designated compartments without needing to calculate or measure spacing, maintaining current carrying capacity while simplifying the installation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable management system designed to support cables in solar applications. The cable management system includes a U-shaped bracket and at least one clamp half. The U-shaped bracket has a base with two arms with each arm including a securement slot. The clamp half has a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and sides with button pads extending from the sides. The clamp half is installed within the U-shaped bracket such that the button pads slide in the securement slots to position the clamp half in the U-shaped bracket. The clamp half separates and supports the cables installed in the U-shaped bracket.