Multifunction Utility Locating Clips for Coated Buried Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility locating clips are limited in configurability and versatility, struggling to establish reliable electrical connections with buried utilities due to variability in conditions, sizes, and shapes, as well as being restricted to specific use cases.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction clip device with a base assembly, double-acting jaw assembly, serrated conductive teeth, and magnetic elements, allowing for secure attachment to various utility diameters and shapes, including those with coatings, and featuring an illumination element and accessory ports for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional alligator clips are used for utility locating, then the device structure remains simple, but the clip cannot reliably attach to utilities with various diameters, shapes, or coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is divided into multiple contoured regions with different geometries (first region for small diameters, second region for large diameters, third region for irregular shapes). Each region can independently engage with different utility configurations, allowing the single clip structure to reliably attach to various utility types without requiring multiple specialized clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly incorporates movable jaws with spring bias that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement force. The jaws can independently move to accommodate different utility diameters and shapes while maintaining reliable electrical contact, adapting to the specific utility being tested rather than requiring a fixed geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clip is designed for a specific utility size, then the manufacturing is simple, but the clip lacks versatility for different utility diameters and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed as a universal interface that can engage with multiple utility types (small diameter pipes, large diameter pipes, irregularly shaped utilities) through its multiple contoured regions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized clips, allowing a single device to adapt to various utility configurations while maintaining electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the jaw assembly have locally optimized geometries tailored to specific utility types. The first contoured region has geometry optimized for small diameter utilities, the second region for large diameter utilities, and the third region for irregular shapes. Each local region provides the appropriate contact geometry while the overall assembly maintains versatility.
3Reliability
If the clip uses only mechanical gripping, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot effectively attach to utilities covered with dirt, paint, or rust
Solution Approach 1:
The serrated contact elements act as intermediaries between the jaw assembly and the utility surface. The serrations can mechanically penetrate or bite through coatings such as paint, rust, or dirt to establish direct electrical contact with the underlying conductive utility material, overcoming the insulating effect of surface contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: conductive materials for electrical contact, serrated surfaces for mechanical penetration, and spring materials for maintaining contact force. This composite structure enables both reliable electrical connection through coatings and mechanical attachment to various utility surfaces.
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 clip device provides a secure, versatile, and adaptable means to couple electrical signals with buried utilities, overcoming size and condition limitations, and enabling connections to a range of targets through magnetic attraction and serrated teeth, enhancing utility locating operations.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic element may further be disposed on the jaw element providing an attraction force in securing or aiding in securing the contact element to a target utility
Implementation Method 2
A contact element on the jaw assembly to directly couple electrical signal or signals onto a target utility, which may be serrated conductive teeth
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical contact clips for use in utility locating operations to couple signals from a transmitter to a hidden or buried utility via direct electrical contact are disclosed.