Wire-Type Cable Raceway Directional Bending and Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

G-section wire cable trays face difficulties in changing direction, particularly in making bends in both vertical and horizontal planes, and require specific accessories for fixation, making them less versatile and more challenging to use in domestic applications.

Innovation Solution

The wire cable tray design features longitudinal wires on four longitudinal faces, allowing for easy direction changes by cutting wires between transverse wires at the desired folding plane, while maintaining rigidity, and can be fixed using existing accessories by arranging longitudinal warp wires inside transverse wires for better retention and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If G-shaped cable trays are used, then cable support function is provided, but changing direction becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of changing directionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tray structure is divided into modular sections with standardized wire configurations. Each section can be independently assembled and configured, allowing easy changes in direction by simply reorienting or reconnecting sections rather than modifying the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tray design incorporates universal wire patterns and connection points that serve multiple functions - supporting cables, enabling directional changes, and providing attachment points for various accessories. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized components for each operation.

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

2Strength

If wire configurations are optimized for rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability for direction changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidadaptability for direction changes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wire configuration provides different properties in different locations - stronger wire patterns in sections requiring rigidity support, and more flexible wire arrangements in sections intended for bending or direction changes. This localized optimization allows the structure to be rigid where needed while remaining adaptable where flexibility is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tray employs dynamic wire configurations that can transition between rigid and flexible states. Wires are positioned and tensioned to provide rigidity during normal operation, but can be easily repositioned or relaxed to accommodate direction changes when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If specific accessories are used for fixation, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidaccessory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tray structure incorporates self-service fixation features - integrated attachment points, self-aligning mounting mechanisms, and built-in securing elements that eliminate the need for separate specialized accessories. The structure fixes itself to walls or supports using its own components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If cable tray size is reduced for domestic use, then ease of installation is improved, but structural rigidity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tray uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - lighter materials for the tray body to reduce weight and ease installation, reinforced with higher-strength materials at critical structural points to maintain rigidity despite the reduced overall size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP1964225B1Wire-type cable raceway, especially a cable raceway for home use
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP1964225B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1964225B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1964225B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A cable raceway of this kind consists of lengths of wire-type cable raceway comprising both essentially rectilinear lengthwise or weft wires (2) and polygonal-shaped transverse or warp wires (4), with an opening formed in a corner and an even number of sides. Each length comprises at least four lengthwise weft wires (2) supported by at least four separate sides (6, 8, 10, 12) of the transverse or warp wires. For each lengthwise weft wire (2) there is a lengthwise weft wire (2) on the opposite side. The two corresponding lengthwise or weft wires (2) are located opposite each other, that is to say they are both in the same plane and the plane is approximately parallel to one of the lengthwise faces of the cable raceway.