Splice Plate Spacing Indicia for Thermal Expansion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable tray splice plates lack effective mechanisms for ensuring proper longitudinal spacing between spliced sections, particularly in outdoor installations where thermal expansion and contraction occur, leading to potential misalignment and instability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed splice plate includes spacing indicia and windows to facilitate accurate alignment and spacing between cable tray sections, allowing users to adjust and secure the sections with calibrated markings and fastener openings, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional splice plates without spacing indicia are used, then the installation process is simpler, but the longitudinal spacing between cable tray sections becomes imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelongitudinal spacing precisionVSAvoidsplice plate complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splice plate includes spacing indicia (markings, windows, or openings) that allow the plate itself to indicate the correct longitudinal spacing between cable tray sections during installation. The installer uses these indicia directly on the splice plate to achieve proper spacing without requiring external measurement tools or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and alignment systems with simple visual spacing indicia printed or formed on the splice plate. Instead of using separate measuring devices, alignment tools, or complex fastening mechanisms, the solution uses graphical or physical markings that provide immediate visual feedback for correct spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cable tray sections are installed without proper spacing indicia, then installation is faster, but thermal expansion and contraction cause misalignment and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tray stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing indicia are pre-marked on the splice plate during manufacturing, allowing installers to quickly identify and achieve the correct longitudinal spacing position without performing measurements or calculations during installation. The correct spacing distance is predetermined and visually indicated on the plate itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The splice plate's own structure includes the spacing indicia, making the plate self-instructing for proper installation. The plate provides its own alignment guidance through markings, windows, or openings that show exactly where to position adjacent cable tray sections to achieve proper thermal expansion clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If expansion splice plates are used for outdoor installations, then thermal expansion accommodation is improved, but proper spacing alignment becomes more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidspacing alignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion splice plate includes spacing indicia that allow it to self-indicate the correct spacing position. The indicia (markings, windows, or openings) are integrated into the plate structure, providing built-in alignment guidance that eliminates the need for external measurement tools or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spacing indicia act as an intermediary between the splice plate design and the installer. The indicia translate the complex requirement for proper thermal expansion spacing into simple visual cues that guide the installer to the correct position, bridging the gap between engineering requirements and field installation practices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250096540A1Splice plate with spacing indicia for cable tray section spacing

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A splice plate for a cable tray facilitates proper longitudinal spacing between first and second cable tray sections. The splice plate may include spacing indicia that indicates to a user longitudinal spacing between the longitudinal ends of the first and second cable tray sections when the splice plate is fastened to the first and second cable tray sections. The splice plate may include a window that allows at least one of the longitudinal ends of the respective first and second cable tray sections to be visible when the splice plate is fastened to the first and second cable tray sections. The splice plate may include a machine readable marking including a machine readable representation of a web address that directs a hand-held device including a processor to a webpage including instructions for using the splice plate.