Cable Clamp with Semi-Permanent Soft Sleeves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clamps for high-voltage cables are difficult to install in confined spaces due to ill-considered backplane mounting designs and often lose free-floating pads, leading to complicated installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamping unit with semi-permanently attached soft sleeves and stackable design, featuring identical mating units that can be easily assembled and secured to a busbar using a U-shaped profiled head bolt, minimizing the risk of corona discharge by concealing metal securing nuts within cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable clamps use free-floating pads and complex spring arrangements, then the clamping function is achieved, but the installation process becomes complicated and pads are easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The soft sleeve is semi-permanently attached to the mating units, merging the previously separate pad and clamp components into a single integrated assembly. This eliminates the free-floating pads that were easily lost and simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate parts to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex spring arrangement is removed from the design. The patent achieves the clamping function through the semi-permanent attachment of soft sleeves to mating units, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms while maintaining the necessary clamping capability.
2Ease of operation
If cable clamps are designed with traditional backplane mounting struts, then mounting capability is provided, but installation in confined spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate mating units that can be assembled in confined spaces. This segmentation allows the components to be installed separately and then joined together, making the installation process much more manageable in tight spaces compared to traditional rigid backplane mounting struts.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates dynamic assembly capabilities where the mating units can be independently positioned and then joined. This dynamic approach allows installers to work with smaller, more maneuverable components in confined spaces rather than dealing with large rigid mounting structures.
3Reliability
If metal securing nuts are exposed, then secure fastening is achieved, but corona discharge occurs around high-voltage cables
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conducting material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal securing nuts and the high-voltage cable. This intermediate layer prevents corona discharge by isolating the conductive nut from the electric field, while still allowing the nut to perform its fastening function securely.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conducting cover or shell is placed over the metal securing nuts to prevent corona discharge. This thin protective layer maintains the electrical isolation while preserving the mechanical fastening capability, solving the problem of exposed conductive surfaces in high-voltage environments.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A cable clamping unit for clamping an electrical cable including: a first and second mating units for clamping around the cable, each of the mating units further including a soft sleeve for engaging the cable, the sleeves being at least semi permanently attached to a corresponding mating unit. Also, a cable clamp comprising: a busbar securing portion for securing the cable clamp to a busbar; a first mating unit comprising a first cable locating formation; at least two securing nuts comprising a threaded portion for engaging said attachment bolts and also engaging at least two respective securing bolts; and a second mating unit comprising a second cable locating formation and adapted to engage with said first mating unit thereby to securely clamp an electrical cable located between respective first and second locating formations of the first and second mating units.