Integrated Cable Extension Member for Solar Plant Cable Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-scale solar power plants face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively supporting and managing above-ground cables due to high labor costs and the need for rapid installation, while conventional cable hangers can cause abrasion and electrical hazards from contact with moving components.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a singular component extension member that combines an extension member and a bolting member, featuring a cable clamp and fastener body, which securely attaches to support structures, allowing for efficient and secure cable support without separate components, reducing material use and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cable hangers are used to support cables, then cables can be supported above ground, but cables may come in contact with moving components causing abrasion and electrical hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable safetyVSAvoidcable abrasion and electrical hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extension member extends the cable support position away from the support structure in a dimensional direction, creating spatial separation between the cable and moving components. This dimensional displacement prevents contact hazards while maintaining cable support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension member acts as an intermediary element between the support structure and the cable. It provides a dedicated cable support position that isolates the cable from direct contact with moving components, thereby preventing abrasion and electrical hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used for cable support installation, then installation can be performed with standard hardware, but installation time and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extension member merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it combines the support arm function with the cable support function. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and cable supports, reducing both installation time and the number of materials required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural extension, cable positioning, and cable support capabilities. This universal design reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250219378A1Extension members and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 AFFORDABLE WIRE MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

The extension member described herein includes a cost-effective and labor-efficient design for large-scale deployment in energy generation and transmission infrastructures. An extension member is provided, and includes a body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A cable clamp can be positioned on the distal end of the body, where the cable clamp can include a channel configured to selectively receive a cable. A fastener body can be positioned at the proximal end of the body and can be configured to couple the body to a support structure.