Splice Plate Coupling for Cable Tray Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tray junction systems face challenges in efficiently and securely connecting multiple cable trays without the need for separate fasteners, particularly in configurations such as L-formation, T-formation, and cruciform formations, while ensuring cable integrity and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable tray junction system comprising a floor panel, posts with splice plate connectors, and wall panels, where the posts extend upward from the floor panel, and splice plates connect to both the posts and cable trays using a male-female coupling mechanism without separate fasteners, allowing for flexible configurations and secure cable routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable tray junction systems use separate fasteners for connecting cable trays, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate integrates multiple connection functions into a single component. It combines the function of connecting to the post (via male coupling component) and connecting to the cable tray (via tray connector with fastener openings) into one unified element, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connector to the post, a connector to the cable tray, and a structural support element. The male coupling component and tray connector work together in a single component to provide both mechanical attachment and alignment functions
2Strength
If traditional cable tray junction systems require multiple separate fasteners, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the post connector and tray connector into a single splice plate component, the assembly process is simplified to one attachment operation rather than multiple separate fastening steps, while the integrated design maintains structural strength through coordinated male-female coupling and fastener engagement
3Stability of the object's composition
If cable tray junction systems use fixed connection methods, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability to various formations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The splice plate design allows for dynamic adaptation to different cable tray configurations (L-formation, T-formation, cruciform formations) while maintaining stable connections. The male-female coupling mechanism and tray connector can accommodate various orientations and positions, providing both stability and versatility
4Reliability
If separate fasteners are used for connecting splice plate to post, then the connection reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the male coupling component directly into the splice plate eliminates the need for separate fasteners when connecting to the post. The male coupling component engages with the female coupling component in a single operation, maintaining connection reliability while significantly improving assembly speed and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A cable tray junction includes floor panel and a post secured to the floor panel. The post includes a splice plate connector defining a female coupling component. A splice plate interconnects the post and a cable tray. The splice plate includes a post connector, which defines a male coupling component received in the female coupling component to connect the splice plate to the post without the use of a separate fastener. The splice plate connector may have a curved groove and the post connector may have a tongue received in the curved groove. A wall panel connector of the post defines a wall panel groove in which a wall panel is received to connect the wall panel to the post.