One-Piece Catenary Support Arm with U-Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supporting catenary cables in railway electrification are complex, time-consuming to assemble, and can weaken the cables due to improper tightening, leading to potential breakage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified catenary support device featuring a one-piece connecting arm with a fixing end and a support channel, allowing for easy adjustment and secure clamping of the cable without shearing, using a U-shaped clamp and reinforcement ribs to distribute tension evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stirrup and multiple-screw fixing systems are used to secure the carrying cable, then the cable can be firmly fixed to the support device, but the assembly process becomes long and tedious, and the cable may be weakened due to improper tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into a U-shaped clamp that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing rapid installation without complex multi-screw assemblies. The clamp divides the fixation function into simple clamping action combined with a single securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential fixation function from the complex traditional stirrup system, retaining only the necessary U-shaped clamping structure while eliminating redundant components and complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional stirrup systems with multiple screws are used to fix the carrying cable, then the cable can be securely held, but the number of constituents increases, leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped clamp integrates multiple functions into a single component: cable positioning, cable securing, and structural support. This merging eliminates the need for separate stirrups, multiple screws, and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped clamp serves multiple purposes: it acts as both the securing element and the positioning element for the carrying cable, while also providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support device is permanently fixed to the console arm, then the structure is stable, but the height of the contact wire cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a permanently fixed static configuration to a dynamically adjustable system. The U-shaped clamp can be positioned at different locations along the console arm and secured at each position, enabling height adjustment while maintaining stability at each setting.
4Reliability
If traditional fixing methods are used on the console arm, then the support device can be firmly attached, but the assembly process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped clamp is pre-formed and ready for immediate installation, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple components. The clamp can be quickly positioned and secured in a single action, significantly improving assembly speed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~9
AI summary
The device (10) has a post arranged vertically along a railway, where the device is mounted on a console of a maintenance system of an overhead line. A connecting arm (20) is formed as a single-piece with an attachment end (21) and mounted on the console. The connecting arm comprises reinforcement units and a fixing platform (30). A free end (22) of the connecting arm is designed in the form of a chute support (15) of a cable holder (2). A fastening member comprises a U-shaped clamp (26) and retaining nuts (27), and provided for fastening the connecting arm to the console. An independent claim is also included for a maintenance system.