Pivoting Wire Clamp Support for Hands-Free Terminal Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linemen face difficulties in safely and efficiently supporting heavy gauge wires during installation and maintenance at terminal boxes, switchgear, and transformers, as they often need to use one hand to hold the wire, limiting their ability to perform tasks with both hands and accommodating various terminal styles and locations.
Innovation Solution
A wire support tool featuring a C-clamp with an adjustable wire clamp that can be secured to a terminal structure, allowing for flexible positioning and secure holding of wires, enabling workers to perform tasks with both hands without manual wire support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a worker uses one hand to support heavy gauge wires during installation and maintenance, then the wire can be held securely, but the worker cannot perform tasks with both hands freely
Solution Approach 1:
The tool divides the wire support function from the worker's hands by introducing a separate mechanical device (C-clamp with wire clamp) that independently handles wire support, allowing the worker's hands to be freed for other tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The C-clamp tool acts as an intermediary device between the terminal structure and the wire, providing mechanical support that transfers the load from the worker's hands to the terminal structure through the clamp mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed wire support method is used, then the wire position is stable, but the tool cannot accommodate various terminal styles and approach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The wire clamp is designed with pivotable and adjustable components that allow dynamic repositioning. The clamp can be rotated and angled to match different terminal configurations while maintaining secure wire support, transforming a static support problem into a dynamically adaptable solution
Solution Approach 2:
The C-clamp tool is designed with universal adaptability to work with various terminal styles and wire approach locations. The combination of pivotable clamp, adjustable angles, and flexible positioning enables a single tool to serve multiple terminal configurations rather than requiring specialized tools for each scenario
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 tool allows for safer and quicker wire handling by securely supporting wires in various configurations, freeing up both hands for work and accommodating different terminal setups, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The C-clamp includes a flange. A wire clamp is pivotally mounted to the flange
Implementation Method 2
The C-clamp is attached to the terminal wall in a convenient location
Implementation Method 3
The support block with a threaded opening that receives a threaded member that is attached to the movable wire clamp jaw to move the wire clamp jaw towards and away from the fixed wire clamp jaw
Implementation Method 4
The C-clamp flange may include an arc-shaped slot engaged by an adjustable friction member to selectively fix the wire clamp plate relative to the C-clamp plate to thereby adjust an angle between the wire clamp and the c-clamp
Data Source
AI summary
A wire retaining tool includes a C-clamp adapted to be secured to a terminal structure and a wire clamp pivotally connected to the C-clamp such that when the C-clamp is secured to a terminal structure the wire clamp can be adjusted to a desired orientation to hold a wire in a convenient position to be worked on.