Clamp Assembly for Round and Flat Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamp assemblies for wires or cables lack an efficient mechanism to securely attach both round and flat conducting members with varying cross-sections, often resulting in loose connections and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A clamp assembly design featuring a body with parallel channels and projections that accommodate both round and flat wires, utilizing fasteners to secure the clamp members, allowing for secure coupling and alignment of wires with different cross-sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single clamp assembly design is used for both round and flat wires, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to varying wire cross-sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different wire typesVSAvoidclamp fit accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is divided into multiple clamp members (first clamp member and second clamp member) that can independently adjust to fit different wire cross-sections. Each clamp member has a specific geometry designed to contact different portions of the wire, allowing precise fitting for both round and flat wires through segmented contact points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the clamp members have different geometries and contact surfaces optimized for specific wire types. The first clamp member has a geometry suited for round wires while the second clamp member has a geometry suited for flat wires, allowing each local region of the clamp assembly to provide optimal contact for its intended wire type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If clamp members are securely fastened to projections, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fastening components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnumber of fastening components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp members are integrated with the body such that the first clamp member is coupled to the first projection and the second clamp member is coupled to the second projection as unified components. This merging reduces the need for separate fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment through the geometric interlocking of clamp members with projections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11536304B2Clamp assembly

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A clamp assembly includes a body having a first side and a second side. The body includes a first channel configured to receive a flat wire, a second channel configured to receive a round wire, a first projection extending from the first side of the body, and a second projection extending from the second side of the body. The clamp assembly further includes a first clamp member coupled to the first projection and a second clamp member coupled to the second projection.