Side-loading Quadrant Deadend Clamp Assembly with Captive Fastener
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deadend clamps are difficult to assemble, especially with energized conductors, and suffer from loose connections due to non-captive fasteners and external springs that can become dislodged during tightening.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a biasing member, such as a helical tapered spring, is integrated between the keeper and body member, using a captive fastener system that prevents the biasing member from dislodging and ensures secure clamping pressure without requiring specific tightening sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional deadend clamps use non-captive fasteners to secure the keeper to the main body, then the assembly process is simpler, but the connection becomes less secure and prone to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is nested within a recess in the main body, creating a captive fastener system. The recess has walls that surround the fastener, preventing it from becoming dislodged while allowing straightforward assembly. This nested structure maintains connection security without complicating the assembly process.
2Force
If external springs are used between the keeper and main body, then biasing force is provided, but the springs can become dislodged during tightening and require specific tightening sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) is nested within the recess in the main body, surrounded by recess walls that prevent dislodgment during tightening. This eliminates the need for specific tightening sequences and allows the lineman to tighten the keeper-to-body connection without risk of spring displacement.
3Reliability
If multiple nuts and washers are used to assemble the clamp, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult, especially with energized conductors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening elements (nuts and washers) are merged into a single integrated captive fastener. This fastener combines the functions of multiple components into one unit that secures the keeper to the body, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The captive fastener is nested within the recess, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces the number of separate components the lineman must handle. This nested configuration allows quick installation without the time-consuming process of assembling multiple separate fastening elements.
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 solution simplifies assembly, enhances the security of the connection by preventing biasing member dislodgment and maintaining clamping pressure, and reduces the complexity and time required for linemen to secure conductors.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed on the fastener between said keeper and said body member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly includes a body member and a keeper. A cable groove is formed in the body member to receive a cable. The keeper has a lower surface to engage the cable received in the cable groove. A threaded fastener connects the keeper to the body member. A recess is formed in the body member to receive a washer on the fastener.