Insulating Cover Locking Member for Remote High-Voltage Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage electrical connectors require insulating covers that can be easily locked in place without requiring operators to be close to the high voltage components, especially during inclement weather, and existing solutions fail to provide a secure and tamper-proof locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The development of a locking member with a high pitch threading and a spiral shaped flange that securely locks insulating covers onto high voltage electrical connectors, featuring a tip portion, grip portion, and holding portion, allowing for easy installation and secure closure using an extendable reach tool, preventing unwanted opening or closing without significant force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member with high pitch threading and spiral flange is used, then the locking security and tamper-proof capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into distinct functional segments: a tip portion for initial engagement, a gripping portion with spiral flange for securing, and a holding portion for maintaining position. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral flange on the gripping portion uses a curved, helical geometry that naturally progresses around the shaft. This curved structure provides continuous engagement with the cover, creating a tamper-proof locking mechanism that resists forced opening while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an extendable reach tool is used to operate the locking member, then the operator safety is improved by maintaining distance from high voltage components, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member incorporates a tool mounting member that serves as an intermediary interface. This allows an extendable reach tool to engage with the locking mechanism from a distance, enabling the operator to secure the cover without approaching the high voltage electrical connector, thus maintaining safety while achieving secure locking.
3Reliability
If the spiral flange has a continuous helix structure, then the locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous helix spiral flange can be manufactured as a single integrated feature of the locking member shaft, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This integration reduces the number of precision interfaces required while maintaining the continuous locking action that provides high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking member particularly adapted to lock a cover onto an electrical connector which connects an electrical transmission conductor to a distribution conductor is provided. The locking member includes a tip portion, a gripping portion, a holding portion, and a head portion, where the tip portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the gripping portion and where the head portion is a widest portion of the locking member. The present disclosure is also directed insulating cover assemblies that include an insulating cover and a locking member contemplated by the present disclosure.