Waterfall Cable Router Stability via Segmented Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterfall- or spillover-type cable routers are prone to being moved out of place or sagging under the weight of cables, compromising their stability and effectiveness in routing cables in and out of cable trays.
Innovation Solution
A waterfall-type cable router design featuring a horizontal floor with downward ramps and curved walls that securely route cables from one direction to a perpendicular direction, incorporating a brace and notches for stability and secure attachment to cable trays without requiring modifications, ensuring cables are not kinked and maintaining the structural integrity of the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art cable router devices are used, then cable routing function is provided, but the devices are easily moved out of place or sag under cable weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cable router is divided into multiple structural components: a support structure with legs, a body portion, and integrated mounting features. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to provide overall stability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable router extends in multiple dimensions with legs providing vertical support, ramps creating inclined surfaces for cable access, and curved walls forming three-dimensional cable management pathways. This multi-dimensional structure distributes cable weights and forces across different spatial planes, preventing sagging and displacement.
2Productivity
If waterfall-type cable router is designed with ramps and curved walls, then cable routing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable routing functions are merged into a single integrated structure. The body portion combines vertical walls, curved walls, and ramps into one cohesive unit that handles cable entry, transition, and exit in a continuous flow, improving routing efficiency without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Curved walls are incorporated to create smooth transitions for cables moving through the router. The curved surfaces eliminate sharp angles and crevices, allowing cables to bend naturally and reducing the risk of damage while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and functional form.
3Ease of operation
If cable router is secured to cable tray without modifications, then installation ease is improved, but mounting reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable router includes self-contained mounting features such as integrated legs and attachment points that enable direct mounting to standard cable trays without requiring modifications to the tray structure. The design allows the router to serve its own mounting needs, simplifying installation while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A waterfall-type cable router for routing cables out of cable trays including a floor having a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein at least a portion of the floor is substantially horizontal. A vertical rear wall extends along the rear side of the floor. The cable router further includes a left ramp extending downward from the left side of the floor, a right ramp extending downward from the right side of the floor, and a front ramp extending downward from the front side of the floor. A vertical left curved wall extends between the left ramp and the front ramp, and a vertical right curved wall extends between the right ramp and the front ramp.