Distribution Trunking Hooks for Secure Cable Clamp Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distribution trunking systems face difficulties in installer-friendly clamping operations and provide inadequate mechanical resistance against the clamping collar, leading to increased manufacturing and installation costs.

Innovation Solution

A distribution trunking system with a base featuring a pair of hooks projecting from the wall, allowing for easy insertion and secure retention of the clamping collar, which are strategically arranged to facilitate easy installation and provide robust mechanical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a receiving accessory is attached to the base of the chute to receive the clamp, then the clamp can be retained, but the threading operation becomes difficult to implement by an installer on site and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamp retentionVSAvoidthreading operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is merged with the base of the chute by forming it as an integral part during extrusion, eliminating the need for separate accessories and simplifying the installation operation while maintaining reliable clamp retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base of the chute is designed to form its own receiving device through the extrusion process, making the structure self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional components or complex assembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If simple hooks are used to receive the clamping collar, then the structure is simple, but the mechanical resistance against tearing of the collar is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiving device structureVSAvoidmechanical resistance against tearing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is segmented into two separate hooks instead of a single hook, distributing the mechanical load and providing enhanced resistance against tearing while maintaining relative structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hooks are designed with curved profiles that conform to the shape of the clamping collar, increasing surface contact area and improving mechanical resistance against tearing forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If hooks are oriented in a specific direction to prevent collar escape, then the collar is retained securely, but the installer must account for orientation which complicates positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar retentionVSAvoidpositioning operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The two hooks are positioned asymmetrically at different locations on the base, creating a receiving device that accepts the clamping collar from multiple orientations and eliminating the need for precise positioning by the installer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The hooks are positioned at different locations rather than being aligned in a single direction, adding spatial distribution as a new dimension to the receiving device design and enabling multi-orientation acceptance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1744423B1Distribution raceway with reception device for a band clamp
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP1744423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1744423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a distribution trunking comprising at least one receiving device (20) for a cable clamp (1) of conductors or cables running in the base (10) of said trunking. According to the invention, the receiving device comprises, projecting from a wall (11) of said base, a pair of hooks (21, 22) opening in opposite directions, defining a housing for receiving said cable clamp.