Direct Burial Ground Lug Simplified Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current grounding connectors require special tools for installation and are costly due to their complex design with multiple metal components, which increases production costs and material usage.

Innovation Solution

A direct burial metal ground lug made of phosphor bronze with a simplified design featuring two portions with through and threaded holes, connected by a joint portion and secured with threaded screws, allowing for easy installation without special tools and reducing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional grounding connectors with multiple metal components are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate metal components (connector body, grounding elements, fastening mechanisms) into a single integrated ground lug structure. This merging reduces the total quantity of metal materials required while maintaining the structural integrity and electrical conductivity needed for grounding applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground lug is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, electrical conductivity, and grounding functionality. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional grounding connectors with complex designs are used, then durability is ensured, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ground lug incorporates pre-configured segmented elements (threaded holes, attachment points, grounding terminals) that are integrated into a single piece. This segmentation allows for simplified installation where components can be directly assembled without complex alignment procedures, while the integrated design ensures durability through reduced connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional grounding connectors requiring special tools are used, then precise installation is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation precisionVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ground lug is designed with self-aligning features and standard threaded holes that allow installers to use common tools rather than specialized equipment. The integrated design with pre-positioned attachment points enables precise installation through simple fastening operations, eliminating the need for complex tooling while maintaining installation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11258190B2Direct burial ground lug/ connector
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 FISHER FREDERICK SCOTT
  • US11258190B2 patent drawing
  • US11258190B2 patent drawing
  • US11258190B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a direct burial ground lug. The lug is preferably constructed of a phosphor bronze material. The block may have two through holes to install two conductors, rods, cables, and the like. Stainless steel threaded screws are used to hold the rod and ground conductor in a stable condition. The threaded screws insert into threaded holes positioned perpendicular to the through holes. The direct burial ground lug allows the ground rod and ground conductor to be connected for a continuous grounding system.