Multi-Connection Bracket With Integrated Grounding for Coated Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems require a separate grounding connection, which can be problematic if the electrical washer degrades, especially after dismantling, and existing connection brackets do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A multi-connection bracket (MCB) with integrated grounding pads that deform to remove the coating on rail sections, providing a reliable grounding connection by aligning pad recesses with bracket recesses and using teeth to secure fasteners, ensuring electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate grounding connection using an electrical washer is used, then grounding is provided, but reliability deteriorates when the electrical washer degrades after dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical connection function and grounding function into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket directly provides both structural support and electrical grounding through its conductive body, eliminating the need for separate electrical washers and grounding components. This integration ensures that grounding reliability is maintained regardless of the mechanical connection state, as the bracket's conductive path remains intact through its unified structure.
2Reliability
If a coating is applied to rail sections for corrosion resistance, then corrosion resistance is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates due to coating interference
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with pre-configured contact surfaces and geometric features that enable it to mechanically engage with and electrically contact the rail section before the coating can fully form or before corrosion occurs. The bracket's structure includes features that can penetrate or bypass the coating layer, ensuring electrical contact is established in advance of any conductivity-degrading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket employs localized contact points or surfaces with specific material properties or geometric configurations that enable electrical conductivity through or past the coating. These localized areas are designed to concentrate electrical contact at specific points where the coating's insulating effect is overcome, while the rest of the coating remains intact to provide corrosion protection.
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
The MCB provides a durable and efficient grounding connection that maintains electrical integrity by removing coatings on rail sections, allowing secure attachment and detachment while ensuring conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the grounding pad is configured to deform when operably attached to the first rail section or the second rail section such that the plurality of teeth remove a coating of the first rail section or the second rail section
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of teeth remove a coating of the first rail section or the second rail section such that the grounding pad provides a grounding connection
Implementation Method 3
the grounding pad provides a grounding connection to the first rail section or the second rail section
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, brackets, and/or the like are provided. In some embodiments, a multi-connection bracket (MCB) includes a bracket configured to connect a first rail section and a second rail section, wherein the bracket has one or more bracket recesses configured to receive one or more fasteners; and a grounding pad having a pad recess and a plurality of teeth, wherein the pad recess is aligned with at least one of the one or more bracket recesses, wherein the grounding pad is configured to receive the one or more fasteners such that the grounding pad is operably attached to the first rail section or the section rail section, and wherein the grounding pad is configured to deform when operably attached to the first rail section or the second rail section such that the plurality of teeth remove a coating of the first rail section or the second rail section.