Strain Dead End Clamp With Keeper Engagement Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strain or quadrant dead end clamps for electrical conductors are cumbersome, prone to unintended conductor slip, especially under high tensile pull, and have limited tensile strength, requiring multiple parts and posing challenges in keeper location and placement.

Innovation Solution

A clamp design with improved engagement mechanisms between the body and keeper, including cavity and keeper engagement mechanisms, such as slots and tabs, and U-bolts for secure fastening, allowing for easier installation and increased tensile strength by securing the keeper in place, rated for 60% of the conductor's breaking strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing clamp designs are used with traditional keeper placement, then the clamp structure is simpler, but the clamp is prone to unintended conductor slip and has limited tensile strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidconductor slip prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for structural support, a keeper portion for conductor retention, and engagement mechanisms (slots and tabs) for secure connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability and tensile strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keeper is positioned within a cavity in the body, creating a nested structure where the keeper sits inside the body's retaining portion. This nested arrangement provides better conductor containment and prevents slip while maintaining structural integrity under high tensile loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If existing clamp designs with multiple parts are used, then the clamp can achieve higher tensile strength, but the clamp becomes cumbersome to use and install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The body and keeper are designed as integrated components with the keeper positioned within the body's cavity. The engagement mechanisms (slots and tabs) are built into the structure itself, eliminating the need for separate fastening hardware and simplifying installation while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slots and tabs are designed to automatically engage when the conductor is installed, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The keeper's position within the cavity is maintained by the engagement mechanisms without requiring additional adjustment or complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230420926A1Strain dead end clamp

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A clamp including a body, a retaining portion of the body, the retaining portion including a cavity with at least one cavity engagement mechanism and a plurality of holes, a conductor groove extending through the body to the cavity, a keeper removably positioned within the cavity, the keeper including at least one keeper engagement mechanism configured to engage with the at least one cavity engagement mechanism, and a plurality of fasteners for extending into the plurality of holes and securing the keeper in the cavity.