Breakaway Cable Clamp With Shear-Bolt Release for Utility Poles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable attachment systems to utility poles are prone to damage when objects fall on the cables, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway cable attachment system comprising a rail, bracket, and clamp that detaches from the utility pole when a predetermined load is applied, using shear bolts or a spring-loaded washer to prevent damage by releasing the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid clamp system is used to securely attach the cable to the utility pole, then the cable support strength is improved, but the damage risk to the utility pole and cable when objects fall on the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static rigid clamp to a dynamic breakaway system with shear bolts that can fracture at a predetermined load. The shear bolts are designed with a specific shear strength that is lower than the strength of the utility pole and cable, allowing them to break away when subjected to excessive force from falling objects, thus protecting the main structures while maintaining secure attachment under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear bolts are designed as sacrificial components that are intended to break away under excessive load. These relatively inexpensive shear bolts serve as a protective mechanism, sacrificing themselves to prevent damage to the much more expensive utility pole and cable infrastructure. The shear bolts are replaced after activation, functioning as disposable protective elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a breakaway mechanism with shear bolts is used, then the protection against falling objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct functional segments: the rail mounted on the utility pole, the bracket holding the cable, and the shear bolts connecting these components. This segmentation allows the shear bolts to be the specific component that breaks away under excessive load, while the rail and bracket remain intact. The modular design simplifies the overall system by assigning specific functions to each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear bolts serve as intermediary components between the rail and bracket, mediating the force transmission. Under normal conditions, they provide secure attachment. When excessive force is applied, they act as a protective intermediary that fails in a controlled manner, absorbing the impact energy and preventing it from reaching the utility pole and cable. This intermediary function simplifies the protection mechanism compared to designing the entire system to be complex and resilient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces the likelihood of damage to the utility pole and cable by detaching the cable before significant force is applied, thereby minimizing repair and replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
The rail can be attached to the utility pole by a shear bolt configured to break when the predetermined load is applied to the cable
Implementation Method 2
The clamp can include a spring that can be configured to deform when the predetermined load is applied to the cable such that the clamp can be opened to release the cable
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a breakaway cable attachment system for attaching a cable to a utility pole. The breakaway cable attachment system can include a rail, a bracket, and a clamp. The rail can be attachable to a utility pole and have a base and two sidewalls extending outwardly from the base and forming a slot. The bracket can have an attachment portion and a mounting portion that extends at an angle away from the attachment portion. The mounting portion can be configured to extend at least partially into the slot of the rail for attachment to the rail. The clamp can be attachable to the attachment portion and receive and support a cable. The breakaway cable attachment system can be configured to prevent damage to the utility pole and/or the cable when a predetermined load is applied to the cable by detaching the cable from the utility pole.