Stackable Transmission Line Hanger with Quick-Connect Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanger systems for securing transmission lines and electrical conduits require multiple steps and additional hardware for assembly and stacking, making them inefficient and cumbersome, especially when dealing with multiple cables or conduits of varying sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A stackable transmission line hanger with clamping elements that securely grip multiple lines at once, featuring a 'quick connect' attachment mechanism allowing piggy-backing and accommodating different cable sizes and shapes, manufactured from UV-resistant plastic and stainless steel for ease of assembly and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prior art hanger systems are used to secure multiple transmission lines, then the lines can be secured to supporting structures, but multiple separate attaching steps and additional hardware are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidnumber of steps and hardware
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple attaching operations into a single integrated hanger device that can secure multiple transmission lines simultaneously. The hanger includes multiple clamping elements and attachment means that allow two or more lines to be secured in one operation, eliminating the need for separate attaching steps required by prior art systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger device is designed with universal attachment means that can secure different types and sizes of transmission lines, conduits, and cables through a single device. The clamping elements and attachment means are configured to accommodate various line configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional hanger systems are used for multiple cables, then cables can be secured, but additional hardware and multiple attaching steps are necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple attaching operations into a single simultaneous operation. The hanger device allows multiple transmission lines to be secured to supporting structures in one attaching step, significantly reducing installation time and improving productivity compared to traditional sequential attaching methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger is pre-configured with multiple clamping elements and attachment means in ready-to-use positions. This preliminary arrangement allows installers to quickly secure multiple lines without performing separate preparation steps for each line, thereby reducing overall installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If snap and stack hangers are used to secure single lines, then lines can be secured sequentially, but each new line requires a new attaching step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to secure multiple linesVSAvoidnumber of attaching steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple clamping elements and attachment means into a single hanger device, allowing multiple transmission lines to be secured simultaneously. This eliminates the sequential attaching process required by snap and stack hangers, where each new line requires a separate attaching step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger device is designed with universal clamping elements that can accommodate different types, sizes, and configurations of transmission lines. This multi-functionality allows a single device to secure multiple lines with varying characteristics, enhancing adaptability while reducing the number of attaching steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If hanger systems require additional hardware for stacking, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the system becomes more complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidamount of additional hardware
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the attachment function and stacking capability into a single integrated device. The attachment means are designed to simultaneously provide secure attachment to supporting structures and enable stacking of multiple hangers, eliminating the need for separate stacking hardware while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment means are designed with universal functionality that serves multiple purposes: securing the hanger to supporting structures, enabling stacking of additional hangers, and accommodating various transmission line configurations. This multi-functionality reduces hardware complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7484698B2Stackable transmission line hanger
Publication Date: 2009.02.03 POWER UTILITY PRODUCTS CO
  • US7484698B2 patent drawing
  • US7484698B2 patent drawing
  • US7484698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention comprises a stackable transmission line hanger for attaching multiple lines, coaxial cables, electrical cables, waveguides, pipes or lengths of similar products to a supporting structure. The invention further comprises multiple supporting elements easily attachable to, and detachable from, each other. The clamping elements can grip or clamp multiple transmission lines at once, and comprise mating posts and receptors to facilitate their respective alignment when in use. After alignment, the clamping elements can be pressure-engaged together to form a gripping or clamping structure. The gripping effect allows the line hanger to be moved along the transmission line(s) until it is placed in the desired location and before it is firmly secured. The line hanger also comprises a securing/stacking aperture that extends through it and parallel to the mating posts and receptors, and methods to assemble, disassemble and stack so multiple lines or various shapes and sizes can be supported.