Spring Loaded Parallel Pad Clamp for Power Line Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power line clamp connectors require complex maneuvering of a utility lineman's hot stick for installation, increasing operating costs and difficulty in maintenance and installation operations.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded parallel pad clamp comprising an upper and lower pad with grooves and holes, a fastener, and a spring that biases the pads towards each other, allowing for easier installation and clamping of conductors using a utility lineman's hot stick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional threaded eyebolt clamp is used, then the clamp can be installed on power lines, but complex maneuvering of a utility lineman's hot stick is required and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment and automatic clamping force application. The spring-loaded design allows the clamp to adapt to different conductor sizes and maintains optimal clamping pressure without requiring complex manual adjustment operations, thereby reducing installation time and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adjustment mechanism from the traditional threaded eyebolt design and replaces it with a spring-loaded parallel pad system. This extraction eliminates the need for complex hot stick maneuvering required for threaded adjustment, while maintaining the essential clamping function through the spring mechanism
2Reliability
If a conventional threaded eyebolt clamp is used, then the clamp can secure conductors, but the complexity of manipulation increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp is designed to self-adjust and self-regulate clamping force through the spring mechanism. Once installed, the spring automatically maintains the required clamping pressure on the conductors without requiring ongoing manual adjustment or complex manipulation, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from manual threaded adjustment to spring-based automatic force application. This parameter change simplifies the manipulation required during installation and maintenance while ensuring reliable clamping through the spring's mechanical properties, reducing both complexity and operating costs
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
Facilitates faster and easier installation of power line connectors, reducing operating costs and improving operational efficiency by allowing for simplified manipulation with a utility lineman's hot stick.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to bias the upper pad and the lower pad towards each other
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper pad, a lower pad, a fastener, and a spring. The upper pad includes a first upper groove, a second upper groove, and an upper hole. The upper hole extends through the upper pad between the first upper groove and the second upper groove. The lower pad includes a first lower groove, a second lower groove, and an elongated hole. The elongated hole extends through the lower pad between the first lower groove and the second lower grove. The fastener extends through the upper hole and the elongated hole. The spring is between the fastener and the lower pad. The spring is configured to bias the upper pad and the lower pad towards each other. The lower pad is configured to be pivotable around the fastener, and relative to the upper pad, at the elongated hole.