Articulating Clamp Assembly for Traffic Control Conductor Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting hardware for traffic control devices struggles to efficiently route larger and multiple conductors, which are stiffer and more difficult to manage, leading to installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
An articulating clamp assembly with a tenon mount style, featuring a first clamp member with a saddle-style plate and a second clamp member with a tenon sleeve, allowing for a straight conductor path and easy adjustment, enabling the secure attachment of traffic control devices to mast arms while accommodating larger conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mounting hardware is used, then the structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to route larger and multiple conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hardware is divided into multiple components: a clamp assembly with separate clamp members, an articulating bracket with multiple segments, and a mast arm mounting portion. This segmentation allows conductors to be routed through dedicated pathways in each component, making it easier to manage larger and multiple conductors while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating bracket acts as an intermediary component between the clamp assembly and the traffic control device. It provides a structured pathway that guides and organizes conductors from the mounting hardware to the device, facilitating easier routing and management of electrical connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting hardware is used, then the installation process is straightforward, but it lacks adaptability for different conductor sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hardware is designed with universal features that accommodate various conductor sizes and configurations. The articulating bracket includes multiple mounting positions and adjustable components that can adapt to different traffic control devices and conductor arrangements, making the system versatile without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating bracket incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements that allow installation personnel to configure the mounting hardware according to specific conductor sizes and device requirements. This adjustability provides adaptability while maintaining ease of installation through intuitive positioning and securing mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If larger conductors are used, then electrical capacity is improved, but they become stiffer and more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating bracket serves as an intermediary that receives larger conductors from the clamp assembly and guides them to the traffic control device through structured pathways. This intermediary structure supports the weight and stiffness of larger conductors, making them easier to position and secure during installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting hardware introduces additional spatial dimensions for conductor routing, with the articulating bracket providing vertical and angular adjustment capabilities. This allows larger conductors to be routed through three-dimensional pathways rather than constrained flat paths, facilitating easier management of stiff, high-capacity conductors.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating clamp assembly for traffic control assemblies that include luminaires. The clamp assembly includes first and second clamp members. The first clamp member includes a male tubular fitting for telescopically engaging a female fitting on the luminaire. The second clamp member is attachable to the end of a luminaire arm by a tenon sleeve, to the side of a pole with saddle plate, or to a simplex fitting with a simplex mounting bracket. The front ends of the first and second clamp members have inter-engaging serrated faces that allow adjustable engagement of the two clamp members to adjust the position of the luminaire. Each clamp member defines a continuous end-to-end conductor path, and the articulating ends are formed to create a continuous concealed conductor path through the joint. The tenon sleeve may include a U-bolt to secure it to the luminaire arm.