Spiral Locking Springs for Hygienic Conduit Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard cable trays for conduits, such as pipes and cables, are not easily cleanable from the outside, which is a hygiene concern in environments where food is produced or processed, as they do not allow for effective cleaning of the conduits themselves.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame configuration with releasable locking elements and spiral locking springs that secure conduits at a mutual distance, allowing for easy removal and reattachment, enabling thorough cleaning and maintenance without the need for cable ties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard cable trays with cable ties are used to guide conduits, then the conduits are held securely in place, but the conduits cannot be properly cleaned from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the conduit support into separate modular components: frame sections with transverse elements, locking elements, and spiral locking springs. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be released and removed, enabling access to conduits for cleaning while maintaining secure holding when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements and spiral locking springs provide a dynamic system that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The spiral locking springs store mechanical energy to maintain the locked position, while the locking elements can be manually released to enable conduit removal for cleaning purposes.
2Ease of operation
If locking elements and spiral locking springs are used to secure conduits, then the conduits are easily removable and reattachable, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements and spiral locking springs are merged into an integrated locking mechanism that works together as a unified system. The spiral locking springs are positioned to engage with the locking elements, combining the holding force of the springs with the mechanical locking action to achieve secure yet easily releasable conduit attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral locking springs automatically engage with the locking elements to secure conduits in place without requiring additional fastening operations. When conduits are installed, the springs self-compress and lock the conduits securely, eliminating the need for separate cable ties or additional fastening steps.
3Area of stationary object
If conduits are arranged adjacently in a compact configuration, then space is efficiently utilized, but the conduits are difficult to access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The frame configuration uses separate frame sections with transverse elements that create organized pathways for conduits. This segmented structure maintains compact adjacent arrangement while providing defined access points where locking elements can be released to remove specific conduits for cleaning without disrupting the overall compact configuration.
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 system ensures conduits are easily accessible for cleaning, maintaining hygiene standards by allowing for effortless disconnection and reconnection, facilitating both dry and wet cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
spiral locking springs, which extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conduits, wherein the spiral locking springs are configured to secure the arrangement of the adjacently arranged conduits
Data Source
AI summary
System for guiding a plurality of adjacently arranged conduits (1), which system comprises a frame configuration (2) which is configured to guide the conduits and to form a connection with an attachment surface or attachment points, wherein the system further comprises locking elements (3), which extend transversely to the conduits, wherein the locking elements are able to provide a releasable connection with the frame configuration, and wherein the system further comprises spiral locking springs (4), which extend transversely to the conduits, wherein the spiral locking springs are configured to secure the arrangement of the adjacently arranged conduits, in cooperation with the locking elements. For example, the frame configuration is a ladder-shaped frame or comprises one or more frame sections (5, 5′). The locking elements may extend on the inner side or the outer side of the spiral locking springs.