Vertical Cable Support Blocks with Offset Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for supporting high power cables in vertical orientations often lead to fraying, pinching, and damage to insulation due to weight distribution issues, and expose cables to environmental risks and contact hazards.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a vertical support structure with alternating groups of support blocks having horizontally offset cable openings, which distribute the weight of cables through friction and reduce stress concentrations, thereby minimizing damage and exposure risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the entire weight of cables is supported at the top of the vertical section, then the cable support structure is simple, but the cable insulation suffers from fraying, pinching and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable support structureVSAvoidcable insulation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable support system is segmented into multiple support blocks distributed along the vertical run, with each block containing multiple cable openings. This segmentation distributes the cable weight along the vertical path rather than concentrating it at the top, preventing insulation damage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support blocks serve as intermediary elements between the cable weight and the top support structure. These blocks provide intermediate support points that bear the cable weight, preventing direct transmission of full load to the top attachment point and eliminating the need for complex protective sleeves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mesh-like sleeves are installed on each individual cable to reduce weight carry, then cable insulation is protected, but installation time increases and risk of pinching or scoring insulation remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable insulation protectionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing protective elements on each cable (as in the prior art), the invention inverts the approach by placing support blocks around the cables. The blocks are positioned with cable openings that accommodate multiple cables simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual cable processing and reducing installation time while maintaining protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cables are merged into a single support system using support blocks that accommodate multiple cables through their openings. This combining approach allows one support block to serve multiple cables simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate protective sleeves on each cable and significantly reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If cables are exposed or in contact with one another, then the installation is simpler, but there is danger of contact by individuals and risk of damage from environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation complexityVSAvoidenvironmental damage and contact hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support blocks provide a protective enclosure structure around the cables through their openings. This flexible protective structure allows cables to be supported and separated without requiring rigid enclosures, maintaining simplicity while protecting against environmental damage and contact hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If support blocks with aligned cable openings are used, then cable installation is straightforward, but cables cannot be properly separated and weight distribution is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidcable separation and weight distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support blocks are designed with asymmetric positioning of cable openings within each block, and alternating blocks are offset from each other. This asymmetric arrangement allows cables to be properly separated and distributed while maintaining straightforward installation through the aligned openings pattern

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system effectively reduces the load on cable connections and insulation, minimizing damage and exposure risks while maintaining cable separation and distribution of weight, leading to longer cable life and safer installations.

Implementation Method 1

distribute the weight of cables through friction and reduce stress concentrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8695929B2Vertical cable support structures and methods

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 COX MARTIN

AI summary

Apparatus for supporting one or more cables in a generally vertical orientation comprises a support structure extending along a generally vertical direction and a plurality of support blocks positioned along the vertical support structure. Each of the support blocks has one or more cable openings defined therethrough. The support blocks comprise a plurality of first group support blocks and a plurality of second group support blocks. The cable openings of the first group support blocks are aligned with each other, and the cable openings of the second group support blocks are aligned with each other and horizontally offset from the cable openings of the first group support blocks.