Adjustable Hinge Cable Cleat for Varying Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable cleats for high voltage three phased power distribution are designed for a single cable size and lack tolerance for diameter variations, leading to unsafe cable retention and potential damage during short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A cable retaining apparatus with hingedly connected retaining members featuring a pivot axis variation mechanism, including slotted apertures and limiters, and optional inserts for improved grip and adaptability to various cable diameters, allowing secure clamping and retention of cables of different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable cleat is designed for a single cable size, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different cable diameters is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge axis position is made variable rather than fixed. The first retaining member can pivot at different positions along its length, allowing the cleat to adapt to different cable diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single cleat design to accommodate multiple cable sizes without requiring multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the hinge axis is changed to achieve adaptability. By allowing the hinge axis to be positioned at different locations along the first retaining member, the geometric parameters of the cleat configuration are modified to suit different cable diameters, transforming a fixed-parameter design into a variable-parameter design.
2Reliability
If a cable cleat is designed with fixed hinge axis position, then the manufacturing precision is easier to control, but the reliability of cable retention for varying cable diameters decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge axis position is made adjustable along the first retaining member rather than being fixed at a single precise location. This allows the system to adapt to variations in cable diameter while maintaining reliable retention, as the hinge can be positioned optimally for each specific cable size rather than requiring precise manufacturing tolerance for a fixed position.
3Reliability
If regular spaced strong cleats are used to hold cables together, then the cables are securely retained during short circuits, but the cleats cannot accommodate cable diameter variations along the cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The variable hinge axis position enables the cleat to maintain secure retention while adapting to diameter variations. As cables may have different diameters at different points along their length, the ability to adjust the hinge position allows the cleat to reliably grip the cables at each location without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat design achieves multi-functionality by being able to retain cables of varying diameters with a single device type. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized cleat designs for different cable sizes, while maintaining the security required for short circuit conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retaining apparatus for holding high voltage cables is disclosed. The apparatus has a pair of cable retaining members that are hingedly connected to each other and engage around one or more cables. A clamping device connects the ends of the retaining members that are not hinged together thereby clamping the apparatus around the cables. The hinge that connects the retaining members together is adjustable to vary the position of the hinging axis allowing the apparatus to be used over a variety of sizes of cables.