Telescoping Cable Trough Cover With Sliding Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable routing systems in the telecommunications industry face challenges in ease of assembly, accessibility, adaptability to changing equipment needs, and adequate space for increasing cable densities, particularly in managing optical fibers and other transmission cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable trough system with a cover that includes a static portion mounted to the side walls of trough members and a sliding portion that provides selective access to the interior, allowing for easy assembly, access, and adaptability, featuring a sliding cover that telescopes for varying lengths and can be mounted using snap or fastener arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is provided over trough members to protect and organize cables, then cable management and protection are improved, but access to interior portions of trough members becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static enclosed structure to a dynamic system with movable portions. The sliding portion can move between a first position that covers the interior portions and a second position that exposes the interior portions, allowing the cover to adapt its state based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is divided into a static portion and a movable sliding portion that can independently move. This segmentation allows the cover to provide protection when closed while enabling easy access when opened, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If trough members are designed with fixed lengths to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying cable routing needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trough system is divided into multiple modular trough members that can be connected end-to-end. Each individual trough member maintains a standardized, easily manufacturable length, while the overall system achieves variable lengths through the combination of multiple segments using coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized trough members serve multiple functions: they can be used individually for short runs or combined in various configurations for longer routes. The universal design of the trough members and coupling members allows the same components to adapt to different cable routing requirements without requiring custom manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to assemble trough systems, then adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves multiple functions: it connects trough members end-to-end, provides structural support, and enables the assembly of varying system lengths using the same component design. This universal coupling mechanism reduces the variety of different parts needed while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member integrates multiple connection functions into a single component that can join trough members in various orientations and configurations. By combining these functions into one versatile part rather than using separate specialized connectors, the system reduces overall part complexity while maintaining ease of assembly and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A cover system can include a static portion coupled to a side wall of the trough member and defining a pocket. A sliding portion is selectively received in the pocket and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Opposite side walls of the trough member each include a static portion, and a sliding portion which telescopes to provide access to an interior of the trough member.