Adjustable Splice Plate for Cable Bus Enclosure Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable bus enclosure systems face issues with over-extension and stress on power cables due to uncontrolled connection angles and wide gaps between sections, leading to potential damage and instability during installation.
Innovation Solution
A splice plate design with adjustable angled connections using a combination of straight and arc slots on each side, allowing for selective adjustment of connection angles in both vertical and horizontal orientations, secured by multiple bolts to prevent over-extension and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two plates are used on each side of the enclosure with a single pivot point, then flexibility in connection angle is improved, but the connection becomes less rigid and allows over-extension of cables
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple discrete adjustment positions using separate straight slots and arc slots, allowing controlled angular adjustment while maintaining structural rigidity. The segmentation of adjustment mechanisms into distinct slot types provides both flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a fixed single-pivot design to a dynamic multi-position adjustment system. The slots enable the connection angle to be dynamically adjusted to different predetermined positions while maintaining rigidity at each selected position through bolt securing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single pivot point is used to join splice plates, then ease of assembly is improved, but the gap between enclosures becomes too wide and cables are stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot point is segmented into multiple bolt positions distributed across straight and arc slots. This segmentation allows precise control of the gap between enclosures while maintaining ease of assembly through a standardized slot-and-bolt mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters (gap size, connection angle) are changed by selecting different bolt positions within the slots. This allows the same structural component to achieve multiple gap configurations, controlling the enclosure gap while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If splice plates allow free rotation at the pivot point, then adaptability to layout changes is improved, but the connection angle cannot be limited and cables may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rotation freedom is segmented into discrete angular positions defined by the slot geometries. This segmentation maintains adaptability to layout changes while preventing harmful over-extension by limiting rotation to safe predetermined angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot design preliminarily prevents harmful over-rotation by constraining the bolt to move only within the slot boundaries. This preliminary constraint stops the connection from reaching dangerous angles before cable damage can occur.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bolts are used to secure the splice plate, then connection stability is improved, but the complexity of the connection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple bolts are segmented into functional groups: some bolts secure the straight slot connections while others secure the arc slot connections. This segmentation provides stability through distributed fastening while managing complexity through organized functional groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The same bolt type and slot-and-bolt mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the connection, enabling angular adjustment, and controlling gap size. This multi-functionality increases stability while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice plate for adjustable angled connections between adjacent sections of cable bus enclosures having a first portion for adjustably connecting to a first siderail of a first cable bus enclosure, and a second portion for connecting to a second siderail of an adjacent second cable bus enclosure; at least one straight slot included in said first portion for receiving a connecting bolt to interconnect said first siderail and said plate, wherein a position of said connecting bolt within said straight slot is movable to allow changes of connection angle; at least one arc slot included in said first portion for receiving connecting bolts to interconnect said first siderail and said plate, wherein a position of said connecting bolts within said arc slot is movable to allow changes of connection angle in cooperation with said straight slot; whereby an angle of connection between said first and second cable bus enclosures is selectively adjustable by changing the position of said connecting bolts in said slots on said first portion of said plate.