Connecting Device for Overhead Conductor Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead conductor rail support systems require a large number of costly and complex attachment points to maintain the horizontal position of overhead conductor rails, leading to high assembly costs and complexity, while also being inefficient in accommodating temperature-related displacements and wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device that allows for movement of the suspension cable in its longitudinal direction, enabling a simpler and cost-effective support arrangement by allowing the suspension cable to be threaded and secured only at the next support element, with features like sliding or rolling guides and swivel joints to compensate for temperature changes and prevent tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large number of attachment points are used to prevent excessive sag and wind downforce, then the stability and horizontal position of the overhead conductor rail is improved, but the cost and complexity of the support arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates a sliding guide that allows the overhead conductor rail to move dynamically in the longitudinal direction, enabling the system to adapt to temperature-induced length changes without requiring multiple fixed attachment points. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains stability while reducing the number of support elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the longitudinal position of the overhead conductor rail relative to the connecting device through the sliding mechanism. This parameter change enables the rail to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining proper tension and position without requiring additional attachment points at different locations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the overhead conductor rail is rigidly fixed at multiple points, then the position stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate temperature-related displacements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guide creates a dynamic connection that allows the overhead conductor rail to move longitudinally in response to temperature changes. This dynamic interface maintains vertical position stability while permitting horizontal displacement accommodation, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and thermal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide acts as an intermediary element between the rigid overhead conductor rail and the support structure. It mediates between the need for stable positioning and the requirement for thermal movement accommodation by providing a controlled sliding interface that allows longitudinal movement while maintaining vertical support.
3Strength
If multiple support elements are used at close intervals, then the sag and wind downforce are reduced, but the assembly cost and work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guide enables each support element to independently accommodate longitudinal movements, allowing support elements to be spaced farther apart while maintaining effective control over sag and wind forces. This dynamic capability reduces the number of support elements needed, lowering assembly cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device segments the support function by providing a self-contained sliding mechanism at each support point. This segmentation allows each support element to operate independently with greater spacing between them, reducing the total number of support elements required while maintaining overall system strength and stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension cable is fixed with a fixed length, then the connection stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guide transforms the fixed-length cable connection into a dynamic system where the cable can move longitudinally within the sliding interface. This maintains connection stability through the constrained sliding motion while enabling temperature compensation through the allowed longitudinal displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide serves as an intermediary between the suspension cable and the overhead conductor rail, allowing the cable to maintain stable connection while accommodating thermal expansion. The sliding interface mediates the thermal displacement, allowing the cable length to remain effectively fixed while the connection point moves to compensate for temperature changes.
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
This solution reduces the number of support cables and attachment points, simplifies assembly, and ensures reliable fastening with minimal wind downforce, allowing for a structurally simpler and more economical overhead conductor rail system that can accommodate length changes and temperature-related displacements.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature-related displacement of the overhead conductor rail can thus be compensated according to the invention by a relative movement between the carrying cable and the connecting device, in particular the carrying cable device
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (5) for connecting an overhead conductor rail (2) to at least one load-bearing cable (4), comprising at least one overhead conductor rail apparatus (8) which is designed to be connected to the overhead conductor rail (2), and comprising at least one load-bearing cable apparatus (9) which is designed to be connected to the at least one load-bearing cable (4). In order to allow a structurally simple load-bearing arrangement for overhead conductor rails, it is provided according to the invention that the load-bearing cable apparatus (9) is designed for movement of the load-bearing cable (4) relative to the load-bearing cable apparatus (9) in a longitudinal direction (34) of the load-bearing cable. The invention further relates to a load-bearing arrangement (1) for an overhead conductor rail (2), and to a method for connection of an overhead conductor rail (2).