Hinged Bushing Suspension Clamp for Aerial Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clamps for aerial power transmission lines are difficult to install, especially on energized lines, due to complex bolt-tightening sequences and potential bending moments, which can lead to cable damage from mechanical stress at clamping points.
Innovation Solution
A hinged bushing suspension clamp design with a closing insert and fastener system that allows for easy installation by placing the clamp over the cable, closing it, and tightening with fasteners, while bushings reduce bending amplitude, and attaching devices like hot sticks facilitate installation on energized lines without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional bolted clamp design is used to secure the cable, then the cable can be firmly clamped, but the installation process becomes complex requiring sequential tightening of multiple bolts to prevent bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned around the cable. Each half has its own fastening mechanism, allowing them to be installed and secured independently rather than requiring complex sequential bolt tightening of a single closed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge device acts as an intermediary between the two clamp halves, connecting them at the top portion while allowing independent movement and positioning. This hinge enables the clamp halves to be installed separately and then connected, simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure clamping.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bolts are tightened to equal torque to avoid bending moments, then even load distribution is achieved, but the installation time and complexity increase due to required tightening sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into separate fasteners for each clamp half, allowing them to be tightened independently without requiring a specific sequential pattern. This eliminates the time-consuming sequential tightening process while still achieving even load distribution through the hinge connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp halves are pre-configured with integrated fastening mechanisms and hinge connections that automatically align when brought together. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex tightening sequences during installation, as the geometry of the hinge and fastener openings guides proper alignment and load distribution.
3Strength
If a closed clamp structure is used to secure the cable, then the cable is firmly held, but installation on energized lines becomes difficult requiring hot-line tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into two open halves that can be independently manipulated and positioned around the cable. This segmentation allows installers to work with one clamp half at a time using standard insulated tools, making installation on energized lines feasible without requiring specialized hot-line tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge device provides dynamic connectivity between the two clamp halves, allowing them to move independently during installation and then lock into position when closed. This dynamic capability enables flexible installation approaches suitable for energized lines, where rigid closed structures would be difficult to install.
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 clamp design simplifies the installation process, reduces mechanical stress on cables, and minimizes damage from wind-induced vibrations by evenly distributing tension, ensuring secure attachment without causing additional bending moments during installation.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge device (58) connecting the two hinge portions (3, 12 and 23, 32). The hinge device (58) includes a hinge pin (58) received in the hinge portion openings (4, 11, 24, 31)
Implementation Method 2
a fastener (41) inserted in the fastening openings (6, 8 and 26, 28). The fastener (41) tightens the clamp
Implementation Method 3
bushings at its exit... bushings reduce bending amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp with a first clamp halve with a hinge portion and a first opening for a fastener; a second clamp halve, with a hinge portion and a first opening for a fastener; a cable opening; and a hinge device for connecting the two hinge portions. The clamp may also include a first clamp halve with a second opening for a closing insert.