Conductor Spacer Assembly with Automatic Wedge Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductor spacing devices are difficult and time-consuming to install between parallel electrical conductors suspended between supports due to swaying conductors caused by wind and environmental conditions, requiring a safer and quicker attachment method.
Innovation Solution
A conductor spacer assembly with an upper and lower spacer body and an automatically actuated fastener assembly, featuring clamp halves and bushing halves that form conductor clamps and a fastener with a biasing member and wedge pin for easy and rapid clamping and securing of conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spacing devices with opposing spacer bars and manual bolting are used, then the conductors can be secured between supports, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to conductor swaying caused by wind and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer bars are pre-assembled with the conductor clamps and bushings in the desired configuration before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply position the complete assembly between the conductors without needing to manually assemble components during installation, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the pre-assembled spacer bar assembly with integrated clamps and bushings) that mediates between the installer and the conductors. This intermediary structure provides a ready-to-install unit that can be quickly positioned and secured, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly during installation and reducing the impact of conductor swaying.
2Strength
If traditional spacing devices require manual pulling and bolting of spacer bars, then the conductors can be clamped securely, but the installation process becomes complex and requires multiple manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (spacer bars, conductor clamps, bushings, and fastening mechanisms) into a single pre-assembled unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual operations of pulling and bolting individual components, as the entire assembly is prepared in advance and can be installed as one unit, thereby simplifying the installation operation while maintaining strong clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping components and fastening mechanisms are pre-positioned and pre-tensioned during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the clamping force is already established in the assembly, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment and tightening operations during installation, thus improving ease of operation while preserving the required clamping strength.
3Reliability
If technician must hold spacing device together while attaching and tightening bolt, then secure connection is achieved, but the installation process requires continuous manual effort and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is pre-configured in the assembly with the bolt and washer positioned and pre-threaded. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the technician to simultaneously hold the spacer bars together while manually attaching and tightening the bolt. The pre-assembled state ensures connection security is built into the structure, reducing installation procedure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled spacer bar unit acts as an intermediary that incorporates the fastening mechanism in a ready-to-install configuration. This intermediary structure transfers the complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, where precise assembly can be performed under controlled conditions, thereby simplifying field installation while maintaining connection security.
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
Enables quick and safe installation of conductor spacers between parallel electrical conductors, reducing installation time and ensuring secure spacing without manual bolt tightening, even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener assembly includes a fastener, a biasing member and a wedge pin. The biasing member causes the wedge pin to automatically move into the tapered bore.
Data Source
AI summary
Conductor spacer assemblies are disclosed that can be easily and rapidly clamped to parallel electrical conductors suspended between supports, and that can be easily and rapidly secured together with an automatically actuated fastener assembly. The conductor spacer assembly includes an upper spacer body that is coupled to a lower spacer body and an automatically actuated fastener assembly that facilitates quick and safe installation of the conductor spacer assemblies.