Splice Tap Clamp With Linear Actuator for High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electrical conductors lack efficient and secure methods for establishing reliable electrical communication between energized conductors, particularly in high-voltage applications, where quick and secure connections are necessary for installation or repair.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a housing with a jaw assembly and a linear actuator that securely engages and clamps conductors using a combination of resilient members and a lockout mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment to accommodate various conductor sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system is designed to securely engage and clamp conductors with resilient members and lockout mechanisms, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into distinct functional modules: a housing containing resilient members for jaw engagement, a separate clamp member with its own resilient members, and a linear actuator for coordinated movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated connector assembly that simultaneously provides conductor engagement, clamping, and electrical connection. The housing and clamp member work together as a unified system, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a linear actuator is used to couple the housing and clamp member for movable jaw engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator is designed to automatically coordinate the movement of the jaw assembly and clamp member through its extension and retraction cycles. The resilient members within the actuator mechanism provide self-biasing forces that ensure proper engagement sequences without requiring complex control systems or manual adjustment, making the system easy to operate while containing mechanical complexity within the actuator component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to accommodate various conductor sizes with adjustable clamping, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the linear actuator can position the clamp member at various locations along the housing, and the resilient members provide flexible engagement forces. This dynamic adaptability allows the same connector to accommodate different conductor sizes through operational adjustment rather than requiring multiple precisely manufactured fixed-size connectors, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
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 system provides a reliable and efficient method for establishing electrical contact between conductors, ensuring secure connections and accommodating different conductor sizes, thereby facilitating quick installation and repair in high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed within the housing chamber and biased towards the end of the housing. The resilient member biases the jaw towards the end of the housing so as to secure the first conductor between the jaw and the end
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator coupled to the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis, the linear actuator coupling the housing and the clamp member
Implementation Method 3
actuating a threaded member to decrease a distance between the clamp member and the wall to secure the second conductor between the surface of the housing and the surface of the clamp member
Data Source
AI summary
A wire connection system for providing electrical communication between a first conductor and a second conductor includes a housing having a sidewall, a housing surface, and a housing channel. The sidewall extends between a first end and a second end and at least partially encloses a housing chamber. The connection system further includes at least one jaw supported for movement within the housing chamber and configured to engage the first conductor. The connection system further includes a clamp member at least partially disposed within the housing channel, the clamp member including a clamp surface proximate the housing surface in a facing relationship. The connection system further includes a linear actuator coupled to the housing and movable along a longitudinal axis, the linear actuator coupling the housing and the clamp member and movably coupled to the at least one jaw.