Spring Loaded Clamp Connector Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power line clamp connectors require precise and labor-intensive movement of a utility lineman's hot stick for installation, increasing operating costs and potential for undesirable arcing during maintenance and installation operations.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded clamp connector design featuring an upper and lower member with grooves, a fastening member, and a spring that biases the upper member to clamp conductors securely without requiring simultaneous pulling and tightening, allowing for easier and safer installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hot line clamp connectors are used, then the connection is mechanically and electrically secure, but the installation requires precise and labor-intensive movement of a utility lineman's hot stick
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring mechanism that provides dynamic movement during installation. The spring allows the clamp to flex and adjust as the hot stick applies force, enabling easier engagement while maintaining secure connection. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by allowing precise force application without requiring precise manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded design enables the clamp to self-adjust and self-secure during installation. As the hot stick applies force to tighten the clamp, the spring automatically provides the necessary mechanical advantage and maintains consistent pressure, reducing the need for labor-intensive manual adjustment while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If conventional clamp installation methods are used, then the connection is secure, but the added time required for operations increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded within the clamp mechanism before installation. This preliminary action stores mechanical energy that is automatically released during installation, providing the force needed to secure the connection quickly. The pre-positioned spring eliminates the need for time-consuming manual tightening operations while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism replaces the need for complex manual manipulation of the hot stick. By substituting mechanical advantage provided by the spring for manual labor, the system achieves both secure connection and faster installation, directly addressing the productivity concern.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional clamp designs are used, then the connection is stable, but simultaneous pulling and tightening increases potential for undesirable arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides controlled dynamic movement that separates the pulling and tightening actions in time. As the clamp engages the conductor, the spring gradually compresses, allowing the conductor to be pulled into position before full tightening force is applied. This temporal separation eliminates arcing by preventing simultaneous high-stress contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress during installation. By providing gradual force application rather than sudden impact, the spring prevents electrical arcing that would occur with abrupt simultaneous pulling and tightening, while still achieving stable connection.
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 spring-loaded clamp connector simplifies the installation process by securely clamping conductors without arcing, reducing labor costs and improving safety by allowing separate control of tightening and pulling actions during installation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring between the second end of the fastening member and the upper member
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member between the second opening and the second end of the fastening member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower member, a fastening member, and a spring. The upper member includes a first end, a second end, and an upper groove portion. The upper groove portion is between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first opening. The lower member includes a lower groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole. A portion of the upper member extends into the receiving area. An end of the hole is at the receiving area. The fastening member extends through the hole and the opening. The first end of the fastening member includes an operable portion. The spring is between the second end of the fastening member and the upper member. A portion of the spring is in the opening. The first end of the upper member is between opposite ends of the spring.