Inductive Clamp with Segmented Jaws for Eddy Current Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp devices for utility location operations are ineffective in reducing eddy current losses and lack configurability, as well as the ability to detect and communicate utility data to other system devices, often requiring a connected transmitter device to function.
Innovation Solution
An inductive clamp device with a pair of jaws and handles, featuring a ferromagnetic core and coil, that can induce signals onto utility lines, equipped with sensors and communication modules to detect and transmit utility data, and capable of operating independently or with a separate transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing clamp devices are used to induce signals onto utility lines, then signal induction is achieved, but eddy current losses are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is divided into two separate jaws (first jaw and second jaw) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows each jaw to be optimized for specific functions - one jaw for signal induction and the other for minimizing eddy current losses, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal induction effectiveness and energy loss reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the clamp device are given different properties - the first jaw is designed with characteristics optimized for signal induction while the second jaw is designed with characteristics optimized for reducing eddy current losses. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively without compromising the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing clamp devices are used for utility location operations, then basic signal induction is achieved, but configurability to specific use is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow the operator to modify the clamp's configuration based on specific utility location requirements. The jaws can be positioned at different orientations and angles, and the clamp can be adapted to work with various transmitter frequencies and utility types, providing dynamic adaptability without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device is designed to perform multiple functions - it can induce signals onto different types of utilities (electrical, communication, water, gas), work with various transmitter configurations, and adapt to different burial depths and utility orientations. This multi-functionality achieves high configurability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Loss of information
If existing clamp devices are used, then signal induction capability is provided, but the ability to detect and communicate utility data to other system devices is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is merged with a locator device to form an integrated system. The locator device detects utility data from the signal induced by the clamp and communicates this information to other system devices. This combination eliminates the need for separate detection and communication equipment, reducing information loss while managing system complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated clamp-locator device performs self-detection and self-communication functions. The locator component automatically detects utility data from the induced signal and can communicate this information wirelessly or through direct connection to other system devices, eliminating the need for additional external equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If existing clamp devices are used, then basic operation is achieved, but requirement for connected transmitter device increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter functionality is extracted from a separate required device and integrated directly into the clamp device itself. This allows the clamp to generate and induce signals independently without requiring connection to an external transmitter, thereby improving ease of operation. The integrated transmitter reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for additional connected equipment and simplifying the operational setup.
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 inductive clamp device effectively reduces eddy current losses, enhances configurability, and enables the detection and communication of utility data, allowing for efficient utility location operations without the need for a separate transmitter in some configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A ferromagnetic core is mounted in each jaw and a coil surrounds at least one of the cores. The coil is configured to generate a magnetic field by application of an alternating current signal thereacross, thereby inducing an electromagnetic signal onto the conductor.
Implementation Method 2
A ferromagnetic core is mounted in each jaw
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Inductive clamps for use in utility locate operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inductive clamp includes a head assembly (220) including a base element (222) and a plurality of arm elements (225) coupled to the base element, a handle assembly (230) including a utility selector element coupled to the head assembly, and a magnetic core subassembly for generating a magnetic field for coupling to a targeted utility, the magnetic core subassembly including a plurality of ferrite elements and wire winding wrapped about one or more of the ferrite elements.