Spring Assist Cable Clamp for Ground Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clamps are not suitable for self-supporting fiber optic cables, as they require a galvanized steel support wire and cannot be installed from the ground without a bucket truck or ladder, limiting their application in aerial cabling installations.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp design featuring a body with a stem and spring mechanism that allows for clamping of drop cables to main span cables, enabling installation from the ground using an extendable reach tool, with a spring-biased mechanism to secure the cables in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bolted cable clamp with hook is used for lashed aerial cable, then the cable clamp can be securely attached to the galvanized steel support wire, but it cannot be used with self-supporting fiber optic cable that does not have a galvanized steel support wire
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp is designed with a universal body structure that can accommodate both lashed aerial cable with galvanized steel support wire and self-supporting fiber optic cable without requiring different clamp types. The clamp body includes cable receiving channels and attachment mechanisms that work with both cable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the positioning of cable guides, the configuration of attachment points, and the tensioning mechanism settings to adapt to different cable types. This allows the same clamp structure to reliably secure both lashed and self-supporting cables by changing its operational parameters rather than its fundamental structure.
2Ease of operation
If a bucket truck is used to install the cable clamp, then the technician can reach the utility pole to bolt the cable clamp to the galvanized steel support wire, but specialized equipment is required which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp incorporates an intermediary attachment mechanism that connects to the utility pole infrastructure (such as existing pole-mounted devices or pole structures) rather than requiring direct access to the support wire. This intermediary connection point allows ground-based installation tools to secure the clamp without needing a bucket truck or ladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical installation method requiring elevated access and manual bolting is replaced with a system that can be installed from the ground using simplified tools. The clamp design enables attachment through mechanisms that can be operated from ground level, substituting the need for complex elevated positioning equipment.
3Ease of operation
If a ladder is leaned against the galvanized steel support wire for installation, then the technician can access the cable clamp installation point, but the support wire cannot bear the weight and the installation becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the technician lean a ladder against the support wire, the clamp design provides an intermediary attachment point on the utility pole structure itself. This allows the installation equipment to be supported by the pole rather than the delicate support wire, eliminating the risk of wire damage while maintaining installation accessibility.
4Device complexity
If extendable reach tools are used to install the clamp from the ground, then specialized equipment like bucket trucks are not needed, but typical bolted type cable clamps are not suitable for such ground based installations
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp is designed with universal compatibility to work with both traditional elevated installation methods and modern ground-based extendable reach tool installation. The clamp's attachment mechanism and body structure are configured to accept installation from either approach, making it versatile across different installation scenarios and equipment types.
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
Enables secure and efficient installation of drop cables to main span cables from the ground, accommodating self-supporting fiber optic cables and reducing the need for specialized equipment, thus expanding the applicability of cable clamps in aerial cabling scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is positioned on the stem between the collar and the lower body half of the main body section to normally bias the lower body half toward the upper body half
Data Source
AI summary
A cable clamp for clamping drop cables to main span cables. The cable clamp has a body that includes an elongated drop cable guide, an elongated main span cable guide, and main body section between the drop cable guide and the main span cable guide. The body has a lower body half and an upper body half. The lower body half is movable relative to the upper body half between at least one open position and a clamping position. When the body is in a clamping position the lower body half and upper body half of the drop cable guide form a drop cable opening, and the lower body half and upper body half of the main span cable guide form a main span cable opening. A stem extends through the lower body half of the main body section and is releasably secured to the upper body half of the main body section such that rotational movement of the stem is translated to movement of the lower body half relative to the upper body half. The stem has a collar and a spring is positioned on the stem between the collar and the lower body half of the main body section to normally bias the body to the clamping position.