Clamp Device for Electrical Lines Using Segmented Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for large electrical conductors require significant material to maintain mechanical and electrical contact while absorbing high forces, leading to inefficiencies in material usage and potential instability.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with a support element featuring transversely arranged receptacles and clamping modules that absorb transverse forces via interlocking fastening elements, allowing for reduced material usage while maintaining stability and flexibility, and incorporating a tool for easy assembly and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support element is made robust to absorb transverse forces, then stability is improved, but material expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaterial expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is divided into multiple receptacles that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. Each receptacle can independently accommodate clamping modules, allowing the structure to be segmented and distributed along the longitudinal axis rather than requiring a single robust transverse structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacles are arranged in the longitudinal direction (one behind the other) rather than side by side in the transverse direction. This dimensional reorganization allows transverse forces to be absorbed through the longitudinal arrangement and fastening elements, reducing the need for a robust transverse support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If receptacles are arranged side by side in the transverse direction, then accessibility is improved, but device width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacles are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction rather than side by side in the transverse direction. This reorganization places the receptacles in the longitudinal dimension, reducing the transverse width of the device while maintaining accessibility through the longitudinal arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the support element is made delicate to reduce material costs, then material expenditure decreases, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial expenditureVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is segmented into multiple receptacles arranged longitudinally, with each receptacle independently supporting clamping modules. This segmentation allows the use of thinner, more delicate support walls between receptacles while maintaining overall structural stability through the distributed arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By arranging receptacles one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and providing fastening elements that extend in the transverse direction, the structural strength is shifted from the transverse support element walls to the longitudinal arrangement and fastening mechanisms, allowing the support element to be made more delicate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2503643B1Clamp device for connecting electrical lines and tool for same
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 TYCO ELECTRONICS RAYCHEM GMBH
  • EP2503643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2503643B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2503643B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device (10) has a carrier element (34) with two recesses (12) lying in parallel along transverse direction running transverse along longitudinal direction. A clamping component (18) i.e. clamping bracket, is inserted into the recesses. A clamping element (14) is moved against electrical lines. The recesses and the component are provided with form-fit elements (50, 52) that are in engagement with each other. The form-fit elements receive transverse force (20) acting along the transverse direction over the recesses. The component is arranged in the recesses and led into form-fit elements. The carrier element is made of electrical insulation material. An independent claim is also included for a tool for mounting a clamping component and/or a slide nut in a recess of a clamping device.