Pivotable Clamp for Railway Cable Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fastening solutions for high-voltage lines in rail vehicles are inefficient due to high installation effort, limited space, and the need for extensive EMC shielding, which complicates accessibility and increases material usage.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring a clamp with pivotable shell-shaped sections and strap-shaped fastening sections, allowing for easy installation from one side, reduced space requirements, and integrated EMC compliance, utilizing a hinge and internal thread for secure fastening without additional parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If block clamps are used for fastening high-voltage lines, then the fastening is secure and stable, but the installation effort increases and more space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening stabilityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two separable clamp parts that can be opened and closed around the line. This segmentation allows the clamp to be easily installed by opening it, placing it on the line, and closing it, significantly reducing installation effort while maintaining fastening stability through the snap connection and screw fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp parts are designed to be movable relative to each other through a hinge connection, transitioning from an open state for installation to a closed state for secure fastening. This dynamic capability enables easy installation without requiring excessive force or space, while the closed position provides reliable fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If block clamps are used for fastening high-voltage lines, then the fastening is secure, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening stabilityVSAvoidclamp volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the clamp into two parts that can be opened and closed, the overall volume required for installation is reduced. The clamp can be compactly stored or transported in an open state and only expands to its functional size when installed, saving space in limited installation environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp utilizes the radial dimension by opening and closing around the line rather than requiring linear space. This dimensional approach allows the clamp to achieve secure fastening with minimal space requirements, as it collapses radially when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate laying with protective tubes is used, then EMC shielding and mechanical protection are provided, but the line cross-section increases and more material is used

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC protectionVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp integrates both EMC shielding and mechanical protection functions into a single component structure. The metallic clamp parts provide electromagnetic shielding while the rigid construction offers mechanical protection, eliminating the need for separate protective tubes and reducing overall material usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening, electromagnetic shielding, and structural support. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate components (fastening elements, protective tubes, shielding), reducing the total quantity of materials needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If two fastening screws are used in block clamps, then the fastening is secure, but the number of fastening elements and mounting parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening stabilityVSAvoidnumber of fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two clamp parts are connected through a hinge mechanism that combines the functions of positioning and fastening. The snap connection provides initial secure engagement, and a single screw finalizes the connection, reducing the total number of fastening elements from two separate screws to one screw plus the integrated hinge mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3032154B1Connection assembly with a clamp and a support for fixing a line, in particular a power line, to a railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP3032154B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP3032154B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamp (1) for fastening a cable to a rail vehicle, comprising a first clamp part (2) having a first cup-shaped section (2.1) and a first fastening section (2.2) adjoining thereto, and a second clamp part (3) having a second cup-shaped section (3.1) and a second fastening section (3.2) adjoining thereto, wherein the first and second clamp parts (2, 3) are connected to each other and pivotable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second cup-shaped sections (2.1, 3.1) together enclose a receiving space (6) in the closed position, wherein the first and second fastening sections (2.2, 3.2) extend radially outside the receiving space (6) and are designed to be connectable to each other, and wherein the first fastening section (2.2) comprises a mounting section (2.22) has a mounting surface (2.221) pointing away from the second fastening section (3.2), which forms a support for fixing the clamp (1). To simplify assembly, the invention proposes that, in the closed position, a projection of the mounting surface (2.221) in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (2.221) intersects the receiving space (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection arrangement for fastening a cable, in particular a current-carrying cable, to a rail vehicle.