Wire Cable Tray Reinforced with Zigzag Bottom Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable trays made of wire material are not dimensionally stable, leading to deflection and sagging under high weights, and are difficult to clean, especially when mounted vertically or at inclines.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced sandwich construction is achieved by adding a zigzag bent wire to the bottom of the cable tray, with wires extending in different directions, and incorporating longitudinal wires on the sides, which increases stability and allows for wider spacing between mounting brackets without sagging, and features a design that prevents dust and debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cable trays are made of wire material with U-bent wires and longitudinal wires, then the cable tray structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cable tray is not dimensionally stable and tends to deform under high weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a zigzag bent wire that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal wires, adding a third dimensional aspect to the wire arrangement. This transverse reinforcement pattern creates a more stable three-dimensional structure that resists deformation while maintaining the simplicity of wire-based construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tray combines multiple wire types (U-bent wires, longitudinal wires, and zigzag bent wires) with different orientations and functions into a composite structure. This multi-layered wire configuration creates a synergistic effect where each wire type contributes to overall structural stability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable tray is made with thicker wires to increase dimensional stability, then deflection and sagging are reduced, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer thicker wires, the patent segments the reinforcement function into multiple thinner wire types with different configurations (longitudinal wires for basic structure, zigzag bent wires for transverse reinforcement). This segmentation allows the structure to achieve comparable stability to thicker wires while using less total material.
Solution Approach 2:
The zigzag bent wire adds transverse reinforcement that efficiently distributes loads across the cable tray width, reducing the need for excessive longitudinal wire thickness. This multi-directional wire arrangement optimizes material usage by leveraging geometric configuration rather than simply increasing wire diameter.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cable tray has a simple wire structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to clean and particles can accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The zigzag bent wire configuration creates a more open, less dense structure in critical areas where particles might accumulate. The transverse orientation and bent pattern of the zigzag wire improve air flow and cleaning access without compromising the overall structural integrity or manufacturing simplicity of the wire-based tray.
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4
Figure 5~6d
AI summary
The present invention concerns a cleaning-fiiendly hose and/or cable tray (1) for carrying cables and hoses and of the type made of wire material with U-bent wires (4) and longitudinal wires (5) fastened thereto at the bottom (2) and the sides (3). The bottom (2) of the hose and/or cable tray is reinforced by addition of at least one zigzag bent wire (6). This provides a dimensionally stable sandwich construction that ensures ample dimensional stability of the cable tray (1) and substantially reduces deformation of the cable tray in the form of deflection and/or sagging under a gravitational load.