Pole-Mounted Connector Tool With Hydraulic Ram Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connector installation tools face challenges in accessing difficult locations and efficiently inserting connectors between conductors, particularly due to the limitations of charge cartridges and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A pole-mounted connector installation tool with a battery-powered actuator and hydraulic system, featuring a C-shaped tool head with a ram and stop surface, which uses pressurized fluid to drive the ram and insert a wedge connector between conductors, allowing for controlled and efficient connector installation in hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional charge cartridges are used to drive the installation tool, then the tool can be operated with simple mechanical components, but the tool lacks controlled and efficient connector insertion capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a fluid reservoir, pump, and conduit system to deliver pressurized fluid to the tool head. This hydraulic system enables controlled ram extension and retraction, providing precise connector insertion force and movement that cannot be achieved with simple mechanical charge cartridges alone.
2Productivity
If manual operation is used to insert connectors, then the tool structure can be simplified, but the installation efficiency and force application precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system. The motor-driven pump and hydraulic ram automatically perform the connector insertion task, eliminating the need for manual force application while significantly improving installation efficiency and precision. The system converts electrical energy to mechanical work through the hydraulic actuation mechanism.
3Reliability
If charge cartridges are used for driving the tool, then the device can be compact, but the tool cannot provide controlled force application for secure connector connections
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system provides controlled force application through the pressurized fluid acting on the ram. The fluid pressure can be precisely regulated to deliver the exact force needed for secure connector installation, ensuring reliable connections while maintaining the ability to control the force application process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional installation tools are used, then the device can be simpler in structure, but the tool cannot effectively access difficult locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a handheld tool to a pole-mounted system, adding the vertical dimension to the tool's deployment capability. The pole mount allows the tool head to reach elevated or difficult-to-access locations that would be inaccessible to conventional handheld tools, expanding the operational envelope into three-dimensional space.
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
Enables efficient and controlled installation of electrical connectors between conductors, improving accessibility and reducing manual effort, while ensuring secure connections through precise force application.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-powered actuator and hydraulic system, featuring a C-shaped tool head with a ram and stop surface, which uses pressurized fluid to drive the ram
Implementation Method 2
uses pressurized fluid to drive the ram and insert a wedge connector between conductors
Implementation Method 3
a conduit to provide pressurized fluid to drive the c-shaped tool head, the pressurized fluid configured to flow towards the c-shaped tool head
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector installation tool includes an elongated body, a handle, a battery, and a c-shaped tool head. The elongated body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending therebetween. The handle includes a switch and is positioned proximate the first end. The switch is moveable between a first position and a second position. The battery is supported on the body and is configured to provide power to an actuator when the switch is in the first position. The C-shaped tool head is positioned proximate the second end. The c-shaped tool head includes a stop surface and a ram, and the ram is extendable toward the stop surface.