Support structure for profiles supporting cable carrier systems in industrial ducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable duct systems require numerous variants of anchoring elements for different sizes and load-bearing classes, leading to cumbersome installation processes that are inefficient and require welding, making it difficult to align and secure backing profiles correctly.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure for cable duct profiles made by bending a shaped plate with selectable transverse and longitudinal constraint elements, using fast-coupling fixing pins that allow for easy assembly and adaptation to various sizes and orientations without welding, enabling secure attachment to walls or ceilings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchoring elements with welded perforated plates are used, then the profile can be securely anchored to walls, but the installation process becomes complex requiring welding operations and precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding-based mechanical connection system with a purely mechanical assembly system using pressing-fit connections and snap-in mechanisms. The anchoring element uses a pressing-fit connection between the profile and anchor plate, eliminating welding operations while maintaining secure anchoring through friction and geometric interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The profile incorporates self-aligning features including guide ribs that automatically align with corresponding grooves in the anchor plate during insertion. The system includes self-positioning elements that guide the profile into the correct position without requiring manual alignment, making the installation process simpler and more intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous variants of anchoring elements are produced for different sizes and load-bearing classes, then the system can accommodate different profile types, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different profile sizesVSAvoidnumber of anchoring element variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal anchoring element with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple profile sizes and load-bearing classes. The anchor plate features a standardized mounting pattern and geometry that works with different profile types, while the profile includes standardized connection elements that interface with this universal anchor design, reducing the need for multiple specialized anchoring variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameterized design where the anchoring element's dimensions and properties can be adjusted within a standardized framework. The anchor plate maintains the same basic geometry and mounting interface, but parameters such as thickness, material properties, and connection hole dimensions can be varied to suit different load-bearing requirements, allowing one design family to serve multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fastening holes are formed on side walls and lateral edges for locking members, then the profile can be fixed at desired heights, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming requiring precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing position accuracyVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring element is pre-configured with pre-drilled mounting holes and pre-formed connection features during manufacturing. The guide ribs and alignment grooves are pre-shaped to automatically guide the profile into the correct position, eliminating the need for on-site alignment measurements and adjustments. The standardized hole patterns are predetermined based on common installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces guide ribs as intermediary elements that mediate between the profile and the anchor plate. These ribs fit into corresponding grooves on the anchor plate, serving as mechanical guides that automatically align the components during assembly. This intermediary alignment mechanism simplifies the connection process by providing physical guidance rather than requiring precise manual positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4123853A1Support structure for profiles supporting cable carrier systems in industrial ducts
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 BTICINO
  • EP4123853A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4123853A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP4123853A1 patent drawingFigure 4b~5

AI summary

Described is a supporting structure (10) for profiles (60; 60') for backing cable duct systems in industrial conduits, comprising a body made by U or C bending of a shaped plate (L), which has a bottom wall (20) and a pair of side walls (22) facing each other, orthogonal to the bottom wall (20), which define between them a housing volume (V) of an end of at least one profile (60; 60') by means of which in an assembly or installation condition the profile (60; 60') is constrained in a transverse direction. The side walls (22) have respective edges (24) from which two pairs of respective opposite lateral fins (26, 28) project at different transverse sections of the housing volume (V), said fins being adapted to form first constraint elements of the profile (60; 60') in the longitudinal direction, and the bottom wall (20) has at least one rest tab (30) for the profile (60; 60'), said rest tab being adapted to form a second constraint element of the profile (60; 60') in the longitudinal direction acting in addition or as an alternative to the first constraint elements in an assembly or installation condition of the profile (60; 60'). The side walls (22) have, in a transverse section comprised between the transverse projection sections of said fins (26, 28), a pair of first opposite holes (40) adapted to receive a first mechanical element or member (62) for connecting the profile (60; 60'), and said tab (30) extending from the bottom wall (20) has a hole (42) adapted to receive a second mechanical element or member (64) for connecting the profile (60; 60').