Hinged Cable Cleat with Segmented Bolt for Short Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable cleats for three-phase power distribution are inadequate in accommodating variations in cable diameter and are prone to deformation during short circuits, leading to potential damage to cables and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cable retaining apparatus with hingedly connected members and a bolt system that includes a non-threaded portion and a spacer, allowing for secure engagement of cables across a range of diameters while minimizing the risk of bolt deformation and damage to the cable sheath, with clamping members fixedly connected to the retaining members for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a longer bolt is used to accommodate larger cable diameters, then the cleat can work with a range of cable sizes, but the flanged ends and bolt become an area of weakness that may bend and create additional space allowing cables to move and damage the outermost sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is segmented into two distinct portions: a threaded portion for securing the cleat to the surface, and a non-threaded portion that extends through the cable. This segmentation prevents the threaded portion from contacting and damaging the cable sheath while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-threaded portion of the bolt acts as an intermediary element between the threaded securing mechanism and the cable. It provides a smooth surface that prevents damage to the cable sheath while still allowing the bolt to apply clamping force through the threaded portion.
2Strength
If the flanged ends are bent at 90° and folded back for extra strength, then the cleat structure is strengthened, but the flanges attempt to straighten out creating additional space within the cleat that allows cable movement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portion is extracted from the portion of the bolt that contacts the cable, placing it in a separate location (the flanged end). This removes the potentially damaging threaded elements from proximity to the cable while maintaining the structural strength benefits of threading in the securing portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the threaded portion closest to the cable (conventional design), the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the threaded portion at the flanged end away from the cable, with the smooth non-threaded portion positioned between the threads and the cable.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard threaded bolts are used throughout, then the cleat can be easily assembled, but the threaded portion may contact and damage the cable sheath during short circuit forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is divided into functional segments: a threaded portion for easy assembly and securing, and a smooth non-threaded portion for safe cable contact. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while eliminating the harmful interaction between threads and cable sheath.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the bolt have different surface qualities: the threaded portion provides gripping strength for assembly, while the non-threaded portion provides a smooth, non-damaging surface where it contacts the cable. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.
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 solution effectively secures cables of varying diameters and reduces the likelihood of bolt bending and cable damage during short circuits, ensuring reliable and safe cable retention without compromising the integrity of the cable sheath.
Implementation Method 1
at least one bolt having a respective second threaded portion and adapted to extend at least partially through said first and second apertures such that said second threaded portion engages said first threaded portion so as to pull said retaining members into engagement with the or each cable
Implementation Method 2
said first and second retaining members are hingedly connected to each other at respective first ends thereof by at least one pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retaining apparatus, or trefoil cleat, for retaining three power cables is disclosed. Two halves of the cleat are hinged together and between them engage the three cables. There is also a clamping portion for pulling the two halves together which includes a clamping member at the non-hinged end of each half. Both clamping members have holes through them and one hole has an internal thread. There is also a bolt that extends through the non-threaded hole and into the threaded hole. The bolt has a non-threaded portion that extends at least between the clamping members when the cleat is in use.