Magnesium alloy-based suspension clamps

Abstract

Cable clamps disclosed herein can help to effectively secure a conductor operating at high temperatures. The cable clamps advantageously use a magnesium alloy to improve durability and performance. An example cable clamp includes an open-top base, a securing member coupled to the open-top base, and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, where at least one of the open-top base, the securing member, and the keeper include a magnesium alloy.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001MAGNESIUM ALLOY-BASED SUSPENSION CLAMPSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 722,834 filed on November 20, 2024, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to clamps for suspending conductors.INTRODUCTION

[0003] The introduction of composite core conductors allowed the rapid increase of overhead transmission and distribution conductors to support the electrical power grid. At the same time, the new conductors operate at higher temperatures compared to older conductors, which can present a challenge for line hardware.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, described herein are cable clamps including: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base, the securing member, the keeper, or a combination thereof include a magnesium (Mg) alloy.

[0005] In another aspect, described herein are cable clamps including: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base includes a magnesium (Mg) alloy, the magnesium (Mg) alloy including no less than 90 wt% magnesium (Mg), about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% aluminum (Al), about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% zinc (Zn), and about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt% manganese (Mn).Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0006] In another aspect, described herein are methods of making a cable clamp, the method including thixomolding a magnesium (Mg) alloy as disclosed herein to form a cable clamp as disclosed herein.

[0007] In another aspect, described herein are methods of securing a conductor, the method including providing a cable clamp as disclosed herein; positioning the conductor in the longitudinal cable groove of the cable clamp, the conductor capable of operating at a temperature of greater than or equal to 150 °C; bringing the keeper into contact with the conductor such that the conductor is secured in the cable clamp.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cable clamp.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an example method of making disclosed cable clamps and components thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Traditional suspension clamps are cast of aluminum alloy 356-T6, and can have some concerns related to cumulative annealing and degradation of mechanical properties that can occur when subjected to temperatures exceeding ~93° C. Such hardware, being in direct contact or semi-direct contact with the conductor, may reach critical thermal limits, compromising the structural integrity to the point of failure.

[0011] Designated CFSHT (Corona-Free Suspension, High-Temperature) clamps were designed with Al-Mag 535 Aluminum alloy which can retain its strength at temperatures above 93° C. CFSHT clamps can be used to support ACSS (aluminum conductor-steel supported) and similar high-capacity conductors with continuous operating temperatures up to about 250° C. However, the Al-Mag 535 alloys cannot reach higher temperature and are relatively expensive to manufacture (e.g., typically through a casting process).

[0012] The next generation of conductors are expected to reach temperatures exceeding 150° C. New suspension clamps (e.g., cable clamps) are needed to support these high temperature operating conductors. Disclosed herein are cable clamps that include a magnesium alloy that can provide improved durability and performance when contacting these high temperature operating conductors. The magnesium alloys and clamps thereof can be easilyAttorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001 produced, relatively inexpensive, and recyclable. Thus, the disclosed cable clamps not only offer improved performance, but can also minimize its environmental footprint.Definitions

[0013] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The singular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Also, electronic communications and notifications may be performed using any known means including direct connections, wireless connections, etc.

[0014] The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity). The modifier “about” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from 0.9-1.1. Other meanings of “about” may be apparent from the context, such as rounding off, so, for example “about 1” may also mean from 0.5 to 1.4.

[0015] For the recitation of numeric ranges herein, each intervening number there between with the same degree of precision is explicitly contemplated. For example, for the range of 6-9, the numbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, the number 6.0, 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are contemplated, and for the range 1.5-2, the numbers 1.5, 1.6, 1 .7, 1 .8, 1 .9, and 2 are contemplated.Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0016] Definitions of specific functional groups and chemical terms are described in more detail below. For purposes of this disclosure, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 104thEd., inside cover, and specific functional groups are defined as described therein.I. Example Cable Clamps

[0017] FIG.1 illustrates a first example cable clamp 10 for securing a cable (e.g., conductor) in accordance with an example embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable clamp 10 is a cable suspension clamp, and the cable clamp 10 includes an open-top base 20, a securing member 30, and a keeper 40. The conductor can be any type of conductor for electrical power transmission and distribution systems, and the disclosed cable clamp 10 is particularly useful for conductors that operate at high temperatures (e.g., greater than 150° C, greater than 200° C, greater than 250° C, etc.).

[0018] The open-top base 20 can be adapted for interacting and securing the conductor. For example, the open-top base 20 can have a first side 21 , a second side 22, and a longitudinal cable groove 23 in between the first side 21 and the second side 22. The longitudinal cable groove 23 can be adapted to receive the conductor. The longitudinal cable groove 23 can have a generally U-shaped central cross section defined by the first side 21 and the second side 22. The longitudinal cable groove 23 can be a concave recess having upwardly extending sides and can be unobstructed by other elements of the open-top base 20. The longitudinal cable groove 23 can be sized to receive the conductor therein, with the sides of the groove impeding lateral movement of the conductor. The open-top base 20 can also have a first end 27 and a second end 28, where the longitudinal cable groove 23 extends from the first end 27 to the second end 28.

[0019] The open-top base 20 can also include features that facilitate securing the cable clamp 10 to a support structure, e.g., via the securing member 30. For example, the open-top base 20 can include a first suspension arm 25 and a second suspension arm 26, where the first suspension arm 25 extends from the first side 21 and the second extension arm 26 extends from the second side 22. The first suspension arm 25 and the second suspension arm 26 can each individually be coupled to the securing member 30.

[0020] The securing member 30 can anchor the cable clamp 10 to a support structure. For example, the securing member 30 can be coupled to the open-top base 20 and can be adapted to secure the cable clamp 10 to a support structure. Example support structure include, but are not limited to, a pole, a tower, a cable, and any other support structures for electrical powerAttorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001 transmission and distribution systems. The open-top base 20 and the securing member 30way be separate components which are coupled to one another, integrally formed as one unitary structure, or any combination thereof.

[0021] An example securing member 30 includes, but is not limited to, a clevis (see FIG. 1). For example, the securing member 30 can be coupled to the open-top base 20 though the first suspension arm 25 and the second suspension arm 26, where an eyelet is present where the first suspension arm 25 and the second suspension arm 26 meet the securing member 30. The eyelets can be suitable for a bolt, such as a clevis bolt or pin.

[0022] The keeper 40 can be used to securely position the conductor within the cable clamp 10. The keeper 40 can be coupled to the open-top base 20 and can have a surface adapted to engage the conductor received in the longitudinal cable groove 23. The keeper 40 can be coupled to the open-top base 20 in a manner that effectively secures the conductor between and / or against the keeper 40 and the open-top base 20. An example manner of coupling the keeper 40 to the open-top base 20 includes, but is not limited to, coupling the keeper 40 to the open-top base 20 using a fastener 42. The keeper 40 can be adjustable, e.g., by adjusting the fastener 42, to afford different size conductors. The fastener can extend through the keeper 40 and the open top-base 20. In some embodiments the cable clamp 10 includes more than one fastener 42 (e.g., 2 to 4 fasteners) to couple the keeper 40 to the open-top base 20.

[0023] The cable clamp 10 can advantageously include a magnesium (Mg) alloy (e.g., an alloy that includes a majority of magnesium (Mg)). Magnesium (Mg) alloys can provide higher service temperature with adequate mechanical properties that can address the technical requirements of composite core conductors. Due to their useful combination of properties (e.g., light weight, good mechanical performance, manufacturability, and environmentally friendly) magnesium (Mg) and its alloys can be advantageously used in the disclosed cable clamps.

[0024] The open-top base 20, the securing member 30, and the keeper 40 can all individually include the magnesium (Mg) alloy. In some embodiments, each of the open-top base 20, the securing member 30, and the keeper 40 include the magnesium (Mg) alloy. In some embodiments, only the open-top base 20 and the securing member 30 include the magnesium (Mg) alloy. In some embodiments, only the open-top base 20 and the keeper 40 include the magnesium (Mg) alloy. In some embodiments, only the open-top base 20 includes the magnesium (Mg) alloy. In some embodiments, the cable clamp 10 does not include an aluminum (Al) alloy. In some embodiments, the open-top base 20 does not include an aluminum (Al) alloy.Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0025] The magnesium (Mg) alloy can include varying amounts of magnesium (Mg). For example, the magnesium alloy can include about 85 weight percent (wt%) to about 99.9 wt% magnesium (Mg) (e.g., based on the weight of the magnesium (Mg) alloy), such as about 86 wt% to about 98 wt%, about 87 wt% to about 97 wt%, about 88 wt% to about 96 wt%, about 90 wt% to about 98 wt%, or about 85 wt% to about 94 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes magnesium (Mg) at no less than 90 wt%, no less than 91 wt%, no less than 92 wt%, no less than 93 wt%, no less than 94 wt%, or no less than 95 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes magnesium (Mg) at no more than 100 wt%, no more than 99.9 wt%, no more than 99 wt%, no more than 98 wt%, no more than 97 wt%, no more than 96 wt%, or no more than 95 wt%.

[0026] The magnesium (Mg) alloy can include other elements that can aid in processing and / or provide useful properties to the cable clamp 10. For example, the magnesium (Mg) alloy can include aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes aluminum (Al) at about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, such as about 5 wt% to about 12 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 12 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 11 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 7 wt% to about 15 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes aluminum (Al) at no less than 5 wt%, no less than 6 wt%, no less than 7 wt%, no less than 8 wt%, or no less than 9 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes aluminum (Al) at no more than 15 wt%, no more than 14 wt%, no more than 13 wt%, no more than 12 wt%, no more than 11 wt%, or no more than 10 wt%.

[0027] Zinc (Zn) can be added to improve corrosion and improve mechanical properties of the magnesium (Mg) alloy. The magnesium (Mg) alloy can include zinc (Zn) at about 0.2 wt% to about 5 wt%, such as about 0.2 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 0.8 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 1 .5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes zinc (Zn) at no less than 0.2 wt%, no less than 0.3 wt%, no less than 0.4 wt%, no less than 0.5 wt%, no less than 0.6 wt%, no less than 0.7 wt%, no less than 0.8 wt%, no less than 0.9 wt%, or no less than 1 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes zinc (Zn) at no more than 5 wt%, no more than 4.5 wt%, no more than 4 wt%, no more than 3.5 wt%, no more than 3 wt%, no more than 2.5 wt%, no more than 2 wt%, or no more than 1.5 wt%.

[0028] Manganese can be added to improve corrosion resistance of the magnesium (Mg) alloy. The magnesium (Mg) alloy can include manganese (Mn) at about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%,Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001 such as about 0.12 wt% to about 0.9 wt%, about 0.13 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, or about 0.12 wt% to about 0.2 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes manganese (Mn) at no less than 0.1 wt%, no less than 0.12 wt%, no less than 0.13 wt%, no less than 0.15 wt%, no less than 0.2 wt%, or no less than 0.5 wt%. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy includes manganese (Mn) at no more than 1 wt%, no more than 0.9 wt%, no more than 0.8 wt%, no more than 0.7 wt%, no more than 0.6 wt%, or no more than 0.5 wt%.

[0029] The magnesium (Mg) alloy can also include one or more incidental elements and / or impurities. Incidental elements and impurities may include, but are not limited to, silicon (Si), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and combinations thereof. Incidental elements and impurities may be individually present in amounts totaling no more than 0.1 %, no more than 0.09%, no more than 0.08%, no more than 0.05%, no more than 0.01%, or no more than 0.001% by weight of the magnesium (Mg) alloy.

[0030] An example magnesium (Mg) alloy includes, but is not limited to, AZ91 D (including about 8 wt% to about 10 wt% aluminum (Al), about 0.35 wt% to about 1 wt% zinc (Zn), greater than or equal to 0.13 wt% manganese (Mn), less than or equal to 0.03 wt% copper (Cu), less than or equal to 0.005 wt% iron (Fe), less than or equal to 0.002 wt% nickel (Ni), less than or equal to 0.1 wt% silicon (Si), and the balance magnesium (Mg)). In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy consists essentially of AZ91D. In some embodiments, the magnesium (Mg) alloy is AZ91 D.

[0031] The cable clamp 10 can be made via an injection molding process (e.g., thixomolding) or via casting techniques. Thixomolding can provide the opportunity to produce new cable clamps with lower cost and at faster rates compared to current methods. Thixomolding is a semi-solid process where a metal alloy is partially melted and injected inside a closed mold under high pressure. A schematic of an example thixomolding process can be seen in FIG. 2. As disclosed herein, the magnesium (Mg) alloy can be thixomolded to form a cable clamp 10. The process can ensure good quality products at a fast production rate which can reduce the cost of production significantly. Thixomolding can also instill advantageous mechanical properties, such as increased strength, to the formed cable clamp 10.

[0032] Magnesium (Mg) cable clamps produced via casting or thixomolding is an appealing alternative to the current aluminum (Al) castings because they are lighter, cheaper, and faster to produce. In addition, magnesium (Mg) cable clamps can provide the opportunity to reach higher service temperature without the need for additional protective devices around the conductors (e.g., armor rods). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the cable clamp 10 does not include an armor rod.Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0033] To improve the tribological, thermal, and corrosion resistance behavior of the cable clamp 10, different coatings can be applied after the molding process. A coating is particularly useful when interacting with aluminum (Al) electrical conductors, which can have complications with galvanic corrosion. The coating can be applied to the cable clamp 10 as a whole or to specific components thereof. The coating can be on a surface of the open-top base 20, a surface of the securing member 30, a surface of the keeper 40, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coating is on a surface of the open-top base 20 and a surface of the keeper 40. In some embodiments, the coating is on the entirety of the cable clamp 10. The coating can include a metal (e.g., metallic coating), a ceramic (e.g., a ceramic coating), or a combination thereof. Different methods can be used to apply the coating like thermal spraying, plasma spraying, laser cladding, and / or plasma electrolytic oxidation. Benefits of the coating can include, but are not limited to, thermal barrier protection, improvement of tribological properties (wear and friction coefficients) and enhancement of mechanical properties (creep and fatigue limits).

[0034] The disclosed cable clamps including a magnesium (Mg) alloy can have beneficial mechanical properties. For example, the cable clamp (or a portion thereof, e.g., open-top base) can have a yield tensile strength of about 130 MPa to about 200 MPa, such as 150 MPa to about 200 MPa, about 140 MPa to about 190 MPa, about 155 MPa to about 185 MPa, or about 130 MPa to about 175 MPa. In some embodiments, the cable clamp (or portion thereof) has a yield tensile strength of no less than 130 MPa, no less than 140 MPa, no less than 150 MPa, no less than 160 MPa, or no less than 170 MPa. In some embodiments, the cable clamp (or portion thereof) has a yield tensile strength of no more than 200 MPa, no more than 190 MPa, no more than 180 MPa, no more than 170 MPa, or no more than 160 MPa. Yield tensile strength can be measured by ASTM E8.

[0035] The cable clamp (or a portion thereof) can have an ultimate tensile strength of about 225 MPa to about 275 MPa, such as about 230 MPa to about 270 MPa, about 235 MPa to about 260 MPa, or about 240 MPa to about 250 MPa. In some embodiments, the cable clamp (or a portion thereof) has an ultimate tensile strength of no less than 225 MPa, no less than 230 MPa, no less than 235 MPa, no less than 240 MPa, no less than 245 MPa, or no less than 250 MPa. In some embodiments, the cable clamp (or a portion thereof) has an ultimate tensile strength of no more than 275 MPa, no more than 270 MPa, no more than 260 MPa, no more than 250 MPa, no more than 240 MPa, or no more than 230 MPa. Ultimate tensile strength can be measured by ASTM E8-16a - Method C (Extension Rate).Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001II. Example Operations

[0036] Also disclosed herein are methods of securing a conductor in the cable clamp 10. If not already assembled, the cable clamp 10 can be assembled via instructions provided therewith, e.g., by a customer. Otherwise, the cable clamp 10 can be provided fully assembled. Prior to securing the cable, the cable clamp 10 can be cleaned by, e.g., a wire brush. The method can include ensuring that the longitudinal cable groove 23 of the open-top base 20 corresponds to the size of the conductor to be secured. The method can include attaching the cable clamp 10 to a support structure via the securing member 30. The method can then include loosening the coupling mechanism of the keeper 40 to provide entry for the conductor into the longitudinal cable groove 23 of the open-top base 20. The conductor can then be positioned into the longitudinal cable groove 23 of the open-top base 20. The conductor can be a high temperature operating conductor, such as a conductor that operates at a temperature greater than or equal to 150° C, greater than or equal to 200° C, or greater than or equal to 250° C. However, the cable clamp 10 can generally be used to secure any type of conductor. Next, the keeper 40 can be brought into contact with the conductor such that the conductor is secured in the cable clamp 10. In some embodiments, bringing the keeper 40 into contact with the conductor includes tightening of fasteners.

[0037] The disclosed technology has multiple aspects, illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.Example 1 Thixomoldinq Magnesium Alloys for Suspension Clamps

[0038] Example test bars of AZ91 D were thixomolded to show potential for use in suspension clamps. The mechanical properties of the test bars were compared to control test bars made of an aluminum alloy, rather than magnesium. Tensile strength of the magnesium alloy-based test bars and control aluminum alloy-based test bars are shown in Table 1. Tensile strength was measured by ASTM E8-16a - Method C (Extension Rate) - Standard test method for tension testing of metallic materials.Table 1. Comparison of Mg Alloy-Based Test Bars v. Al Alloy-Based Test BarsAttorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0039] It is understood that the foregoing detailed description and accompanying examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the disclosure. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications, including without limitation those relating to the chemical structures, substituents, derivatives, intermediates, components, compositions, formulations, or methods of use of the technology, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0040] For reasons of completeness, the following Embodiments are provided.

[0041] Clause 1. A cable clamp comprising: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base, the securing member, the keeper, or a combination thereof comprise a magnesium (Mg) alloy.

[0042] Clause 2. The cable clamp of clause 1 , wherein only the open-top base includes the magnesium (Mg) alloy.

[0043] Clause 3. The cable clamp of clause 1 or 2, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises about 85 weight percent (wt%) to about 99.9 wt% magnesium (Mg).

[0044] Clause 4. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises magnesium (Mg) at no less than 90 wt%.

[0045] Clause 5. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), or a combination thereof.

[0046] Clause 6. The cable clamp of clause 5, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises aluminum at no more than 15 wt%.

[0047] Clause 7. The cable clamp of clause 5 or 6, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises: no less than 90 wt% magnesium (Mg); about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% aluminum (Al); about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% zinc (Zn); and about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt% manganese (Mn).Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0048] Clause 8. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-7, further comprising a coating on a surface of the open-top base, on a surface of the securing member, on a surface of the keeper, or a combination thereof.

[0049] Clause 9. The cable clamp of clause 8, wherein the coating comprises a metal, a ceramic, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Clause 10. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the keeper is coupled to the open-top base through a fastener.

[0051] Clause 11. The cable clamp of clause 10, wherein the fastener extends through the keeper and the open-top base.

[0052] Clause 12. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-11 , wherein the open-top base comprises a first end and a second end, the longitudinal cable groove extending from the first end to the second end.

[0053] Clause 13. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein the open-top base and the securing member are integrally formed.

[0054] Clause 14. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-13, wherein the open-top base comprises a first suspension arm extending from the first side and a second suspension arm extending from the second side, each of the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm coupled to the securing member.

[0055] Clause 15. A cable clamp comprising: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base comprises a magnesium (Mg) alloy, the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprising no less than 90 wt% magnesium (Mg), about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% aluminum (Al), about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% zinc (Zn), and about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt% manganese (Mn).

[0056] Clause 16. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises AZ91 D.

[0057] Clause 17. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-16, having a yield tensile strength of no less than 130 MPa as measured by ASTM E8.

[0058] Clause 18. The cable clamp of any one of clauses 1-17, having an ultimate tensile strength of no less than 225 MPa as measured by ASTM E8-16a - Method C (Extension Rate).

[0059] Clause 19. A method of making a cable clamp, the method comprising: thixomolding a magnesium (Mg) alloy to form a cable clamp according to any one of clauses 1-18.Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001

[0060] Clause 20. A method of securing a conductor, the method comprising: providing a cable clamp according to any one of clauses 1-18; positioning the conductor in the longitudinal cable groove of the cable clamp, the conductor capable of operating at a temperature of greater than or equal to 150 °C; bringing the keeper into contact with the conductor such that the conductor is secured in the cable clamp.

[0061] Clause 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the cable clamp is attached to a support structure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cable clamp comprising: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base, the securing member, the keeper, or a combination thereof comprise a magnesium (Mg) alloy.

2. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein only the open-top base includes the magnesium (Mg) alloy.

3. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises about 85 weight percent (wt%) to about 99.9 wt% magnesium (Mg).

4. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises magnesium (Mg) at no less than 90 wt%.

5. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), or a combination thereof.

6. The cable clamp of claim 5, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises aluminum (Al) at no more than 15 wt%.

7. The cable clamp of claim 5, wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises:Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001 no less than 90 wt% magnesium (Mg); about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% aluminum (Al); about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% zinc (Zn); and about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt% manganese (Mn).

8. The cable clamp of claim 1 , further comprising a coating on a surface of the open-top base, on a surface of the securing member, on a surface of the keeper, or a combination thereof.

9. The cable clamp of claim 8, wherein the coating comprises a metal, a ceramic, or a combination thereof.

10. The cable clamp of claim 1, wherein the keeper is coupled to the open-top base through a fastener.

11. The cable clamp of claim 10, wherein the fastener extends through the keeper and the open-top base.

12. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the open-top base comprises a first end and a second end, the longitudinal cable groove extending from the first end to the second end.

13. The cable clamp of claim 1, wherein the open-top base and the securing member are integrally formed.

14. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the open-top base comprises a first suspension arm extending from the first side and a second suspension arm extending from the second side, each of the first suspension arm and the second suspension arm coupled to the securing member.Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W00115. A cable clamp comprising: an open-top base having a first side, a second side, and a longitudinal cable groove in between the first side and the second side; a securing member coupled to the open-top base, the securing member adapted to secure the cable clamp to a support structure; and a keeper coupled to the open-top base, wherein the open-top base comprises a magnesium (Mg) alloy, the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprising no less than 90 wt% magnesium (Mg), about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% aluminum (Al), about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% zinc (Zn), and about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt% manganese (Mn).

16. The cable clamp of claim 1 , wherein the magnesium (Mg) alloy comprises AZ91 D.

17. The cable clamp of claim 1 , having a yield tensile strength of no less than 130 MPa as measured by ASTM E8.

18. The cable clamp of claim 1 , having an ultimate tensile strength of no less than 225 MPa as measured by ASTM E8-16a - Method C (Extension Rate).

19. A method of making a cable clamp, the method comprising: thixomolding a magnesium (Mg) alloy to form a cable clamp according to claim 1.

20. A method of securing a conductor, the method comprising: providing a cable clamp according to claim 1 ;Attorney Docket No. 208275-0014-W001 positioning the conductor in the longitudinal cable groove of the cable clamp, the conductor capable of operating at a temperature of greater than or equal to 150 °C; bringing the keeper into contact with the conductor such that the conductor is secured in the cable clamp.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the cable clamp is attached to a support structure.

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