Integrated Grounding Bridge for Electrical Bonding

Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available products for intersystem bonding termination are expensive and complex to install, failing to meet the need for cost-effective and easily employed bonding bars or grounding bridges that can securely connect communication systems to electrical service equipment.

Innovation Solution

A grounding bridge assembly with multiple passageways and locking screws, constructed from conductive material, allows for easy installation and secure mounting to electrical enclosures, accommodating various communication systems and ensuring effective bonding and grounding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commercially available bonding termination products are used, then reliable grounding connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grounding conductors and bonding connections into a single integrated bonding bridge component. The bonding bridge incorporates multiple lugs for different conductors (electrical service equipment grounding conductor, communication grounding conductors) and mounting features in one piece, eliminating the need for separate terminals and complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding bridge is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of grounding conductors and bonding connections simultaneously. It provides mounting capabilities for electrical service equipment grounding conductors, communication grounding conductors, and various conduit types through integrated features, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If commercially available bonding termination products are used, then reliable grounding connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grounding conductors and bonding connections into a single integrated bonding bridge component. The bonding bridge incorporates multiple lugs for different conductors (electrical service equipment grounding conductor, communication grounding conductors) and mounting features in one piece, eliminating the need for separate terminals and complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding bridge utilizes standard electrical materials and conventional manufacturing processes with specified material properties (conductivity, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance). By defining appropriate material parameters and tolerance ranges, the design enables cost-effective manufacturing while ensuring reliable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for bonding connections, then flexibility is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grounding conductors and bonding connections into a single integrated bonding bridge component. The bonding bridge incorporates multiple lugs for different conductors (electrical service equipment grounding conductor, communication grounding conductors) and mounting features in one piece, eliminating the need for separate terminals and complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding bridge is pre-configured with multiple lugs, mounting holes, and attachment features during manufacturing. Conductors can be attached to the pre-prepared lugs and mounting features, eliminating the need for现场 assembly and configuration of multiple separate components, thereby speeding up installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8809680B2Grounding bridge

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 BRIDGEPORT FITTINGS LLC

AI summary

By providing a single housing, component or element incorporating a plurality of passageways or receiving zones formed therein in cooperating association with a mounting ring or clamp constructed for being quickly and easily secured to a clamp, conductor or conduit mounted to an electrical box, junction box, meter box, or similar enclosure, an efficient, easily manufactured and easily assembled bonding bar or grounding bridge is achieved. Preferably, the plurality of passageways/receiving zones are constructed with each passageway or receiving zone cooperatively associated with a locking screw or set screw configured to enable grounding conductors to be inserted through the passageway/receiving zone and securely mounted therein. In this way, grounding conductors from telephones, cable televisions, satellite receivers, radios, television antennas, and the like may be inserted into the passageways/receiving zones and securely mounted in the desired position.