Overhead Grounding Clamp with Dynamic Latching Hook
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead power line grounding tools require multiple rotations and repetitive motions for secure installation and removal, leading to increased fatigue, risk of injury, and operational inefficiency for linemen working with high voltage lines.
Innovation Solution
A grounding clamp with a dynamic latching hook and a unique mechanical relationship between the clamp and hotstick, featuring a partially threaded pawl and torsion spring, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement with minimal rotations, reducing the need for extensive forearm and shoulder movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grounding clamps are used, then secure grounding connection is achieved, but multiple rotations and repetitive motions are required increasing fatigue and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a dynamic latching hook that automatically engages and locks when the clamp is applied to the conductor. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for multiple manual rotations to secure the connection, as the latching hook automatically secures the clamp in place once applied, thereby maintaining connection security while dramatically reducing operator fatigue and repetitive motions
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding clamp is designed to self-latch and self-secure through the dynamic latching hook mechanism. When the clamp is applied to the conductor, the latching hook automatically engages with the conductor or another clamp, creating a secure connection without requiring additional manual operations. This self-service feature reduces the number of repetitive motions needed while ensuring reliable grounding connection
2Strength
If multiple rotations are performed to secure the clamp, then connection strength is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic latching hook provides automatic mechanical engagement that creates a secure, strong connection upon initial application. The latching mechanism ensures proper clamping force and electrical contact without requiring multiple rotations, thereby achieving both strong connections and improved installation efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hook is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock when the clamp is applied to the conductor. This preliminary action of automatic latching occurs immediately upon application, ensuring proper connection strength is achieved from the start without requiring additional rotational operations, thus improving installation efficiency while maintaining connection integrity
3Reliability
If conventional clamp design is used, then grounding function is provided, but extensive forearm and shoulder movements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic latching hook automatically performs the latching function when the clamp is applied, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation. This reduces the operational motion complexity from multiple forearm supinations and shoulder circumductions to a single application motion, while the grounding function remains fully effective through the automatic engagement mechanism
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
Significantly reduces repetitive motions, decreases fatigue and injury risk, enhances connection strength, and lowers operational costs by enabling secure grounding with a single full rotation and minimal reverse turning.
Implementation Method 1
A spring, also mounted on the axle, urges the threads on the partially threaded pawl portion of the activator into engagement with the eyebolt threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
A grounding clamp having a conductive clamp body with an upper jaw and a lower portion with a through hole. A lower portion chamber includes an activator pivotally mounted on an axle. The activator includes a partially threaded upper pawl portion and a lower bar. An eyebolt with a threaded rod is slidingly disposed in the throughhole. A spring also mounted on the axle, urges the threads on the activator into engagement with the eyebolt rod. A conductive head is disposed on the upper end of the eyebolt, while a latching element is on the lower end. Pushing the activator lower bar pivots the activator and disengages the pawl from the threaded rod so that the threaded rod slides in the through hole freely until the conductive head engages a conductor. The clamp is easily tightened by turning the eyebolt and easily disengaged with only minimal reverse turning.