Striated Polymer Support Bar for Secure Cable Tray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support bar structures for cable trays are cumbersome to install, especially in hard-to-access places, due to the need to handle multiple parts and the difficulty in maintaining the correct position of cable trays and connecting parts, which leads to increased complexity and potential errors during installation.
Innovation Solution
A support bar with a flat outer surface featuring longitudinal striation, increasing friction to reduce sliding and facilitate easier installation and adjustment of cable trays and connecting parts, while also reducing the need for excessive clamping, achieved through extrusion of the polymer material during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth flat outer surface is used on the support bar, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the cable tray slides easily and cannot be securely positioned during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding striations only to specific regions of the flat outer surface where contact with cable trays and connecting parts occurs. The striations are positioned locally to provide friction enhancement exactly where needed for positioning, while the rest of the surface remains smooth for manufacturing simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by providing positioning accuracy only in the necessary locations without complicating the entire surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameter by introducing longitudinal striations that modify the friction characteristics of the flat outer surface. The striations increase the coefficient of friction between the support bar and cable trays or connecting parts, enabling secure positioning during installation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by transforming the smooth surface into a textured surface that provides the necessary grip without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for support bars and fixing elements, then the support structure can be flexibly assembled, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming in hard-to-access places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support bar with integrated fixing elements by providing flat outer surfaces on the support bar itself that can directly receive and secure cable trays and connecting parts. Instead of requiring separate mounting brackets and fasteners, the support bar incorporates the fixing functionality directly into its structure through the flat surfaces with striations. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of separate parts to handle during installation while maintaining the flexibility of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the support bar to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, positioning, and securing of cable trays and connecting parts all through its flat outer surfaces. The same flat surface with striations serves both as a contact surface for support and as a friction-enhancing surface for secure positioning. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the installation process in hard-to-access places.
3Reliability
If strong clamping forces are applied to secure cable trays, then the fixing security is improved, but the adjustment and repositioning of cable trays becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface friction parameter by introducing longitudinal striations that provide enhanced friction between the support bar and cable trays or connecting parts. This friction enhancement provides secure positioning and prevents accidental movement during normal operation, while still allowing for controlled adjustment and repositioning when needed. The striations create a balance between holding force and adjustability, resolving the contradiction between fixing security and ease of adjustment.
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 striated surface enhances frictional force, allowing for easier and more secure placement and adjustment of cable trays and connecting parts, reducing accidental movement and the need for excessive clamping, thereby simplifying the installation process and improving fixing security.
Implementation Method 1
The striation has the effect of significantly increasing the frictional force between the flat outer surface of the open wall of the support bar and the surface of the cable tray which is placed on said support bar
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support bar (1) for cable trays, formed by a rectangular profile in the form of a rail made of polymer material. The support bar (1) comprises a base wall (2), two side walls (3) facing one another, and an open wall (4) facing the base wall (2). The open wall (4) comprises a continuous opening (5) extending along the entire length of the support bar (1), such that said open wall (4) has a flat outer surface (6) extending on both sides of the continuous opening (5). The flat outer surface (6) of the open wall (4) comprises striation (7) in the longitudinal direction of the support bar (1).