Single-Bolt Deadend Anchor Clamp for Slip-Resistant Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deadend anchor clamps require multiple components to be handled and assembled on energized lines, posing difficulties for linemen, and are limited in low-tension applications and expensive to manufacture, with potential for cable slippage and increased sag of energized lines.
Innovation Solution
A single bolt deadend anchor clamp with a clevis assembly, retaining groove, pocket, and spring for counterbalancing load, allowing dynamic clamping action with a keeper biased into intimate contact with the cable, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of cable slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple U-bolts, nuts, and washers are used to secure the conductor, then the clamping force can be distributed and secured, but the complexity of assembly increases and safety risks are heightened due to handling multiple small components on energized lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening components (U-bolts, nuts, washers) into a single integrated clamp body with a single fastening mechanism. The clamp body incorporates the clamping arms, fastening elements, and adjustment mechanisms into one unified structure, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate components during installation while maintaining secure clamping force on the conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is segmented into functional zones including clamping arms for gripping the conductor, a single fastening mechanism for securing, and an adjustment mechanism for tension control. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing the overall number of components needed.
2Reliability
If conventional multiple-bolt clamps are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation time increases due to sequential tightening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening operations are merged into a single fastening action. The single fastening mechanism simultaneously secures both clamping arms to the conductor, eliminating the need for sequential tightening of multiple bolts and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is pre-configured with aligned fastening holes and a single fastening mechanism that automatically positions itself during installation. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for precise alignment and sequential tightening operations, allowing for rapid single-step fastening.
3Ease of operation
If side opening deadend anchor clamps are used to simplify assembly, then component handling is reduced, but cable slippage risk increases due to radial opening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the clamp radially from the side to insert the conductor, the invention inverts the opening mechanism to open longitudinally along the conductor axis. This allows the conductor to be inserted from the opening without radial movement, preventing slippage while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is pre-configured with an opening that aligns with the conductor insertion path. The single fastening mechanism is pre-positioned to engage both clamping arms simultaneously, ensuring proper cable retention from the moment of fastening without requiring radial opening movements that could cause slippage.
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 single bolt clamp enables secure cable retention with reduced components and simplified installation, maintaining clamping force across a range of tensions without the need for sequential tightening, enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for counterbalancing a load between the keeper and the retaining groove
Data Source
AI summary
A single bolt deadend anchor clamp for gripping a cable includes a body having a clevis assembly at a first end and a sagging eye at an opposing second end. A middle body extends between the first and second ends, and includes a reinforcing rib. A pocket is adjacent the reinforcing rib for receiving a keeper inserted above the pocket. A biasing member is disposed between the pocket and the keeper for counterbalancing a load between the keeper and the retaining groove. The biasing member is preferably a spring including a cross bar and two sets of coils.