Breakaway Power Line Connector for Controlled Service Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line connectors are prone to damage and cause collateral damage when hit by tree limbs or debris, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards due to the disconnection of electrical service.
Innovation Solution
A disconnecting power line connector that separates from the building and transformer at a predetermined force, incorporating a fuse to prevent power surges and featuring an insulating jacket to ensure safety, allowing for easy repair and reducing damage to equipment and structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid conduit and power meter are securely mounted to building structure, then electrical service reliability is improved, but collateral damage to building and equipment increases when hit by tree limbs or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The power line system is divided into separable segments: the rigid conduit mounted to the building, the connector device, and the power line. The connector acts as a sacrificial element that can disconnect independently, protecting the building-mounted components from damage while maintaining electrical service reliability through replaceable connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily replaced after damage. Instead of repairing expensive building-mounted equipment like conduits and meters, the inexpensive connector is replaced, restoring service quickly without collateral damage to permanent structures.
2Reliability
If power line is securely connected to meter and structure, then power transmission reliability is improved, but repair time and cost increase when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device separates the power line into modular sections that can be independently replaced. When damage occurs, only the connector needs replacement rather than the entire power line or building-mounted equipment, significantly reducing repair time and cost while maintaining power transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be discarded after damage and replaced with a new unit. The building-mounted components (conduit, meter) are preserved and recovered for continued use, eliminating the need for expensive repairs to permanent infrastructure while restoring power transmission quickly.
3Reliability
If downed power line remains connected to building, then electrical service continuity is maintained, but safety hazards increase from exposed live wires
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device extracts the dangerous live wire end from proximity to the building by creating a disconnect point. When the power line is damaged, the connector can be removed or disconnected, taking the hazardous live wire away from the building structure and isolating it for safe handling during repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the power line and the building-mounted equipment. It provides a controlled interface that can be safely disconnected, allowing the live wire to be isolated from the building while maintaining the option to restore service, thus mediating between service continuity and safety concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
A break away electrical connector apparatus comprising a cylindrical fuse member with an electrically conductible blade member extending outwardly from each end of said fuse member, a fixed assembly mounted to one end of said blade member for connection to an electrical meter line, a separable assembly mounted to the other blade member end of said connector apparatus, said separable assembly including a clamp assembly which is mounted to and holds said other fuse blade member until a specific force is placed upon said separable assembly pulling it apart. The clamp assembly comprises a mounting member, adjacent separate clamp members mounted to said mounting member to hold a fuse blade member therebetween and means to connect said mounting member to an outside electrical line.