Split Wedge Connector for Overhead Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of traditional wedge connectors for overhead power lines is complex, costly, and poses safety issues due to the reliance on multiple workers, tools, lift equipment, and explosive cartridges, which may not comply with regulations and increase installation time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A split wedge connector design featuring a wedge body with an upper and lower wall, a passageway, and a clamp assembly that can be vertically and horizontally displaced using a hot stick, allowing for secure coupling of tap lines to overhead power lines without the need for multiple operators or lift equipment, using a wedge driver to compress and clean the power line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wedge connectors are installed using multiple workers, tools, and explosive cartridges, then the connection can be securely established, but the installation complexity and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the power line and a wedge body that secures the tap line. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures involving multiple workers and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive cartridge and hot line clamp are removed from the installation process entirely. The invention achieves secure connection through purely mechanical means using the clamp assembly and wedge body, eliminating hazardous materials and complex installation procedures while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If lift equipment such as cherry pickers is used to install wedge connectors, then workers can reach overhead power lines, but installation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-installing on the overhead power line without requiring external lifting equipment. The split design allows the clamp to be opened, placed around the power line, and closed using simple tools, enabling ground-level installation and eliminating dependency on expensive cherry pickers and specialized equipment.
3Strength
If explosive cartridges are used to wedge the connector in position, then the wedge connector can be securely installed, but regulatory compliance issues and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive wedging mechanism is replaced with a purely mechanical wedge body that is driven into position using simple hand tools. The wedge body utilizes mechanical leverage and friction to achieve secure attachment, eliminating all safety hazards associated with explosive cartridges while maintaining sufficient wedging force for reliable connection.
4Ease of operation
If multiple workers operate separate hot sticks simultaneously, then the wedge connector components can be positioned and installed, but the coordination complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly and wedge body are designed to work together as an integrated system that can be installed by a single worker using one hot stick. The merging of functions into a unified two-piece connector eliminates the need for multiple workers coordinating separate operations, thereby improving installation efficiency while maintaining ease of component positioning.
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 split wedge connector simplifies the installation process, reduces costs and safety risks, and ensures secure and efficient electrical coupling of tap lines to overhead power lines, eliminating the need for explosive cartridges and multiple workers, while maintaining secure engagement over time and during temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge body can be displaced relative to the clamp assembly, through manipulation of a wedge driver via the hot stick, from an initial position to a final position. Such displacing of the wedge body relative to the clamp assembly to the final position can result in the compression of at least a portion of the overhead power line that is located in the orifice of the clamp assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The upper clamp portion can have an inner surface that defines an upper orifice, and at least a portion of the inner surface that defines the upper orifice can comprise an inclined wall.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method relating to a split wedge connector that electrically couples a tap line to an overhead power line. The split wedge connector includes a clamp assembly and a wedge body. The tap line can be secured in a passageway of the wedge body while a worker is at ground level. The split wedge connector can then be lifted via a hot stick such that a portion of an overhead power line is received in the opened clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is then closed by adjusting the relative vertical position(s) of upper and/or lower clamp portions via manipulation of a clamp driver using the hot stick. The hot stick can then engage a wedge driver and be manipulated to facilitate horizontal displacement of the wedge body relative to the clamp assembly, thereby compressing the power line in the split wedge connector.