Sequential Conductor Clamp With Vibration-Damping Inserts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps used for supporting conductors in electric transmission are prone to loosening due to temperature fluctuations, leading to vibration and potential service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The clamp design features a keeper clamp portion that maintains constant contact with the conductor, independent of temperature changes, combined with pivotally connected clamp portions and inserts for vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamps are used to hold conductors, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamp loosens due to temperature fluctuations causing vibration and potential service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body is divided into multiple clamp portions (first clamp portion, second clamp portion, keeper clamp portion) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to respond differently to thermal expansion and contraction, preventing the clamp from loosening while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portions are connected through hinges that allow relative movement between them. This dynamic structure enables the clamp to adapt to temperature changes by allowing the portions to pivot and adjust their positions, maintaining constant contact with the conductor without requiring a completely rigid fixed structure.
2Reliability
If the clamp is designed to maintain constant contact with the conductor, then the clamp provides secure holding, but the clamp structure becomes more complex with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portions are designed to automatically adjust their positions relative to each other in response to thermal expansion and contraction of the conductor. The hinges enable the clamp to self-regulate and maintain constant contact without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative positions of the clamp portions are allowed to change in response to temperature variations. The hinges facilitate parameter changes in the clamp structure, allowing the distance and orientation between clamp portions to adapt dynamically while maintaining secure contact with the conductor.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the clamp uses multiple clamp portions with inserts for vibration damping, then the vibration resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserts are positioned within the clamp portions, with damper inserts specifically placed in the first and second clamp portions. This nested arrangement allows the vibration-damping components to be integrated within the existing clamp structure rather than adding separate external components, simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates inserts made of materials with different properties than the clamp body, including damper inserts specifically designed for vibration damping. These composite structures combine the structural integrity of the metal clamp portions with the vibration-absorbing properties of the inserts, achieving improved vibration resistance through material composition rather than complex mechanical arrangements.
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
This design ensures a secure hold on the conductor across varying temperatures, reducing the risk of loosening and enhancing the clamp's durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second clamp portions have a damper insert to grip and contact the conductor
Implementation Method 2
The second clamp portion is pivotally connected to the first clamp. The second clamp portion pivots between an open clamp position and a closed clamp position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for a cable is provided. The clamp has a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion that is moveable relative to the first clamp portion clamp a cable a cable. A pair of inserts is positioned between the first and second clamp portions for cushioning the cable and dampening vibrations. A keeper clamp portion is moveable relative to the first clamp portion and the second to provide sequential clamping of the cable. The keeper clamp portion is moved from an installation position to a first clamp position to clamp the cable between the keeper clamp portion and the first clamp portion. The second clamp portion is moved to a second clamp position to clamp the cable between the inserts positioned between the first and second clamp portions.