Saver Clamp Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Conductor Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dead end clamps used to secure overhead power lines are prone to failure due to excessive vibration, environmental conditions, and poor workmanship, leading to conductor snapping, which poses risks to human life, assets, and disrupts power supply.
Innovation Solution
A saver assembly comprising triangular flat plates, a yoke plate, turn buckles, and a bypass clamp with U-shaped grooves, designed to secure and swivel under pressure, ensuring electrical continuity and preventing conductor snapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dead end clamps are used to secure conductors, then mechanical reliability is improved, but the clamps are prone to failure due to excessive vibration and environmental conditions leading to conductor snapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a saver clamp assembly that acts as a backup safety mechanism installed beforehand on the conductor. This assembly includes a saver clamp with a gripping mechanism that remains inactive during normal operation but automatically engages to prevent conductor snapping when the primary dead end clamp fails due to vibration or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The saver clamp assembly changes the mechanical parameters of the conductor support system by adding a secondary gripping mechanism with different engagement characteristics. The saver clamp uses a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism that allows free movement during normal operation but locks when excessive force is applied, fundamentally changing the failure mode from catastrophic snapping to controlled engagement.
2Reliability
If conventional dead end clamps are used, then electrical continuity is maintained, but failure results in conductor snapping affecting power supply and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The saver clamp assembly serves as a pre-installed safety device that prevents the harmful effect of conductor snapping. The assembly includes insulating components and a mechanical gripping system that can engage to stop conductor failure before it propagates, thereby protecting power supply continuity and preventing safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The saver clamp assembly acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the primary dead end clamp and the conductor. It includes insulating materials and mechanical components that mediate the force transmission, preventing direct conductor snapping while maintaining electrical isolation and protecting the overall system.
3Reliability
If a saver assembly with multiple components is implemented, then conductor snapping is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saver clamp assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the saver clamp body, gripping mechanism, insulating components, and adjustment features are combined into one assembly that attaches to the conductor. This reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The saver clamp assembly is designed as a universal device that can be applied to different conductor types and tension levels. It includes adjustable components and standardized mounting features that allow the same basic assembly to serve multiple functions and accommodate various installation scenarios, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A saver clamp assembly is provided herein. The assembly includes a plurality of triangular flat plates 1 with rounded edges 10, 11, 12, a yoke plate 2 having two rounded edges 13, 14 respectively and a triangular shaped third edge 18, a plurality of turn buckle 3 connected to both the edges of the triangular plate 1 at one end, a bypass clamp 5 having multiple U shaped grooves 16 on top and an arc groove 17 centered on opposite side of the grooves to accommodate the power line, wherein the bypass clamp secures other end of plurality of turn buckle 3 through metal plates 6 which is sitting on the grooves and tightened to the clamp 5 using plurality of nuts and bolts, thus forming the saver assembly.