Twisted Impact-Absorbing Wire Fixture for Utility Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire and cable fixtures for overhead transmission and distribution systems are overly durable and resistant to impact, causing them to break utility support structures instead of absorbing impact forces, leading to costly and time-consuming replacements.
Innovation Solution
An impact-absorbing wire fixture apparatus featuring a substantially rigid bracket with a twisted portion that can bend and absorb impact forces, reducing the risk of damage to utility support structures by distributing force across a wider area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixturing devices are made highly durable and resistant to impact, then they can retain cables during severe conditions, but they transfer impact forces to the utility support structure causing it to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the fixturing device with twisted portion) between the cable and the utility support structure. This intermediary absorbs impact forces through its deformable twisted portion, preventing direct force transfer to the support structure while maintaining cable retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into a beneficial effect by designing the twisted portion to deform under impact. The deformation of the twisted portion absorbs the impact energy, transforming the harmful force into useful work that protects the utility support structure from damage.
2Reliability
If utility support structures are replaced after breaking, then system reliability is restored, but significant time and money are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by designing a fixturing device with a sacrificial twisted portion that can be easily replaced. Instead of replacing the entire utility support structure when impact occurs, only the relatively inexpensive fixturing device needs replacement, significantly reducing time and cost losses.
3Strength
If conventional fixturing devices are made sturdy, then they withstand impact forces, but they break the utility support structure instead of absorbing the impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized deformable region (the twisted portion) within the otherwise strong fixturing device. This localized area is designed to yield under impact, concentrating the energy absorption in a specific region while maintaining overall device strength and protecting the support structure.
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 apparatus effectively absorbs impact forces, preventing damage to utility support structures and facilitating easier and less expensive replacement of the fixture rather than the entire support structure.
Implementation Method 1
A twisted portion is positioned within the second arm, wherein the twisted portion is at least a 90° rotation of the second arm... effectively absorbs impact forces, preventing damage to utility support structures
Implementation Method 2
absorbing impact forces, reducing the risk of damage to utility support structures by distributing force across a wider area
Data Source
AI summary
An impact-absorbing wire and/or cable fixture, system, and related methods are disclosed. The impact-absorbing wire fixture apparatus includes a substantially rigid bracket having at least a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is connectable to a utility support structure. A twisted portion is positioned within the second arm, wherein the twisted portion is at least a 90° rotation of the second arm, wherein the twisted portion of the second arm has a width that exceeds a thickness. A fixturing portion is positioned at a distal end of the second arm.