Collapsible Bundle Spacer for Electrical Conductor Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid spacers used in electrical transmission conductor lines fail to maintain proper spacing during rare short circuit events, leading to magnetic attraction and potential birdcaging, where aluminum strands stretch and lose their original shape, compromising the integrity of the conductor core.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bundle spacer with movable arms and a bias device that maintains proper spacing between electrical lines under normal conditions but allows them to move closer together during high magnetic forces, preventing undesired stretching and damage by adjusting the distance between the lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid spacers are used to maintain fixed spacing between electrical lines, then proper spacing is maintained under normal conditions, but the electrical lines cannot move closer together during high magnetic forces, causing birdcaging and conductor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bundle spacer transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The body includes a collapsible section with guide surfaces that allow controlled movement and collapse of the spacer arms, enabling the device to adapt its spacing dynamically in response to magnetic forces while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer's physical state changes from extended to collapsed configuration under magnetic force. The guide surfaces control this parameter change by directing the movement path, allowing the spacer to transition smoothly between spacing states to prevent conductor damage while maintaining proper spacing under normal conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid spacers maintain fixed spacing, then electrical line separation is ensured, but magnetic attraction forces during short circuits cause birdcaging where aluminum strands stretch and lose shape
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design provides a pre-planned failure mode that cushions the conductor against extreme magnetic forces. When forces exceed the threshold, the spacer collapses in a controlled manner along guide surfaces, allowing the conductors to move closer without the sudden, damaging forces that cause birdcaging
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer converts the harmful effect of strong magnetic attraction into a beneficial controlled collapse. Instead of rigidly resisting the magnetic force and causing conductor damage, the spacer allows controlled movement that dissipates the force harmlessly, protecting the conductor core integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The collapsible bundle spacer effectively prevents birdcaging by allowing electrical lines to touch and move closer together during high magnetic forces, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining the integrity of the conductor core.
Implementation Method 1
rare short circuit events, leading to magnetic attraction and potential birdcaging
Implementation Method 2
during high magnetic forces, preventing undesired stretching and damage by adjusting the distance between the lines
Data Source
AI summary
A bundle spacer that includes a first line connector to be connected to a first electrical line, a second line connector to be connected to a second electrical line, and a body interposed between the first line connector and the second line connector. The body is actuatable to provide a variable distance between the first line connector and the second line connector and the first electrical line and the second electrical line connected thereto. It is to be appreciated that the bundle spacer may be constructed/configured with more than two line connectors for association with more than two electrical lines.