Angled In-Line Disconnect Assembly for Single-Person Live-Line Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-line connection assemblies for electrical conductors in power distribution and transmission systems face challenges in achieving reliable electrical and mechanical stability, ease of installation, especially under live-line conditions, and require multiple personnel for installation, often using unreliable and maintenance-intensive tools.
Innovation Solution
An in-line disconnect switch assembly with angled clamps and brackets that allow single-person installation from below the conductor, using standard tools, and includes insulators for electrical isolation, eliminating the need for specialized and unreliable tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional in-line connection assemblies are used, then electrical connection can be achieved, but installation requires multiple personnel and specialized tools which are unreliable and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into separate functional components: end portions with clamps, intermediate insulator sections, and connector elements. This segmentation allows the assembly to be installed in modular fashion, reducing the complexity of installation while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is designed to be actuated from below the conductor rather than from above or the side. This inverted approach allows a single installer to operate the assembly from a safe position below the live conductor, eliminating the need for multiple personnel and specialized positioning equipment.
2Ease of operation
If clamps are positioned vertically, then structural simplicity is maintained, but single-person installation from below is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamps are positioned at asymmetric angles (30-60 degrees from vertical) rather than symmetrically vertical orientations. This asymmetric positioning creates clearance and access pathways that enable a single installer to reach and operate the clamp actuators from below the conductor, while the angular design maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp actuators and fasteners are positioned in a third dimension (below the conductor plane) rather than in the same plane as the conductor. This dimensional relocation allows the installer to access and operate the clamps from below, enabling single-person installation without adding horizontal complexity.
3Ease of operation
If angled clamps are used, then single-person installation is enabled, but mechanical stability must be maintained at offset angles
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp angle parameter is optimized within a specific range (30-60 degrees from vertical) to balance two competing requirements: providing sufficient clearance for single-person operation from below, while maintaining adequate mechanical stability and clamping force. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between operability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is designed with counterbalancing structural elements that compensate for the mechanical disadvantage introduced by the angled clamp orientation. The brackets provide additional support and force distribution that maintains overall assembly stability despite the clamps being positioned at offset angles for accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If fasteners are positioned above the conductor, then clamping force is applied directly, but access for tightening is difficult under live-line conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are inverted to a position below the conductor rather than above it. This allows the installer to access and tighten the fasteners from below the live conductor using standard tools, greatly improving accessibility under live-line conditions. The fastener design maintains full clamping force capability despite the inverted positioning through lever-arm mechanical advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line electrical assembly is provided and has a first clamp positioned at a first end portion and offset at a first angle. A second clamp is positioned at a second end portion and offset at a second angle. At least one insulator is positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. A switch assembly is positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. A clamp actuator extends below a conductor.