Bypass Earthing Device Grip Clamp Parallel Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing short-circuiting and grounding devices are cumbersome, require adapter sockets for different fuse diameters, lack protection against unwanted contacts, and are not suitable for various metallic shapes and dimensions, posing safety risks during installation.
Innovation Solution
An alligator clip with parallel-moving jaws covered by an insulating shell, operated from the rear using an Allen key or screwdriver, allowing secure connection to diverse metallic elements without rotary movements, and featuring a bracket body with an actuating screw and inclined planes for adjustable clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are connected at one end to handle different fuse diameters, then adaptability to different terminal blocks is improved, but handling convenience deteriorates and cable confusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: individual alligator clips for each phase/cable and a separate connecting element. Each alligator clip can be independently attached to its corresponding cable, eliminating the need to handle multiple cables as a single bundled unit and preventing cable confusion while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alligator clips are designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can accommodate cables of different diameters and the connecting element can be adapted to different terminal block types. This universal design allows a single device configuration to handle various fuse diameters and terminal block styles without requiring separate adapter sets for each cable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screw-in contact elements are provided without protection, then connection capability is improved, but safety against unwanted contacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating shell acts as an intermediary barrier between the operator and the conductive contact elements. The shell covers the metal parts including the alligator clips and connecting element, preventing direct skin contact with live parts while still allowing the alligator clips to effectively clamp onto cables and the connecting element to engage with terminal blocks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapter sockets are supplied for different fuse diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alligator clips feature a universal jaw design with adjustable opening width that can accommodate cables of various diameters without requiring separate adapter sockets. The connecting element has a corresponding universal interface that can engage with different terminal block types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters and reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If contact elements have a space-consuming structure, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to manually position and insert bulky contact elements into terminal blocks, the alligator clips are designed to be attached to the cables first, and then the entire assembly is simply plugged into the terminal block. This inverted approach allows the connection operation to be performed from the rear using standard tools through access holes, making it easier to operate in confined spaces while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
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
Enables convenient, safe, and effective short-circuiting and grounding of various metallic elements without adapter sockets, preventing direct contact with live parts and accommodating different shapes and dimensions, while allowing for easy operation and secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
The operating bracket has at the ends two inclined planes which are inclined towards the threaded hole and correspond to the inclined planes which are provided on the two jaws
Implementation Method 2
pushed by a compression spring into the maximum open position
Implementation Method 3
Both the alligator clips and the connecting element are insulated by a shell so that any unwanted contact with metallic, live parts of the device is excluded
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7
AI summary
The device has connecting elements including a clip terminal (3) with a flange (3a). Contact surfaces of the flange are guided parallel to each other during closing and movements, which are caused by actuation of an activation screw. Electrical connecting cables (4) are attached at the clip terminal and include a metallic cable end sleeve at a free end for obtaining a connection with a metallic connecting element of an insulated cable connecting element (5). The sleeve is provided with an insulated tubular cover.