Adjustable Pad Mount Adapter Plate Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility companies face challenges in making electrical and mechanical connections in substation design layouts due to limitations in standard connector capabilities, which often require non-standard connectors, leading to inventory issues and delays.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pad mount adapter plate with arc-shaped slots and mirror image connectors that allow for angular adjustment to accommodate various conductor orientations, enabling secure mechanical and electrical connections between conductors with a common bolt pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard connectors are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but adaptability to various conductor orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate is designed with multiple arc-shaped slot configurations that can accommodate various conductor orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) using the same basic connector design. This multi-functional capability allows a single adapter plate design to replace multiple orientation-specific connectors, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate incorporates adjustable connectors with arc-shaped slots that allow dynamic repositioning along curved paths. This enables the connectors to adapt to different angular orientations while maintaining secure electrical and mechanical connections, providing versatility without requiring completely different connector designs for each orientation
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard connectors are manufactured to meet special orientation requirements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing time and inventory management are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter plate provides multiple orientation capabilities (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) through a single standardized design with adjustable connectors. This eliminates the need for utilities to wait for custom-manufactured connectors for each orientation, as the same adapter plate can be configured for any of these standard angles, significantly reducing lead time and simplifying inventory management
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate is pre-designed with multiple arc-shaped slot configurations that anticipate various conductor orientation requirements. By preparing these adjustment capabilities in advance during manufacturing, the adapter plate can be quickly deployed in the field without requiring custom fabrication or lengthy configuration processes, reducing wait time while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connectors with arc-shaped slots are used, then adaptability to various orientations is improved, but connector complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into discrete adjustment elements (arc-shaped slots with specific angular increments) rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual slot configurations while providing adequate adaptability for standard conductor orientations, balancing complexity and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped slots are positioned asymmetrically on the adapter plate to accommodate different conductor orientations. This asymmetric arrangement allows the same connector design to handle multiple angles by strategically placing slots at specific locations, providing adaptability without requiring symmetric complexity in all directions
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter plate is provided for connecting a first conductor pad with a first axis and a second conductor pad with a second axis where the pads have a common bolt pattern. The adapter plate includes a top and bottom surfaces, a first and second ends, a longitudinal axis defined between the ends, and first and second adjustable connectors. The first adjustable connector has arc-shaped slots extending through the top and bottom surfaces at the first end. Similarly, the second adjustable connector has arc-shaped slots extending through the top and bottom surfaces at the second end. The first adjustable connector is connectable to the common bolt pattern so that the top or bottom surface contacts the first conductor pad, while the second adjustable connector is connectable to the common bolt pattern so that the top or bottom surface contacts the second conductor pad.