Utility Locating Clip Assembly for Coated and Hard-to-Reach Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility locating clips are limited in configurability and versatility, struggling to establish reliable direct electrical connections with buried utilities due to variability in size, shape, and conditions such as dirt, paint, or rust, and are often ineffective for utilities out of reach.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction clip device with a base assembly, double-acting jaw assembly, serrated conductive teeth, and magnetic elements that can securely grip and hold onto utilities of various diameters, including those with coatings, and includes an extension pole accessory for reaching difficult locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional alligator clips are used for utility locating, then the device structure remains simple, but the clip cannot securely grip utilities with various diameters, shapes, or coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The clip employs a double-acting jaw assembly where each jaw can be independently opened and closed through spring or tension-loaded closing elements. This dynamic mechanism allows the jaws to adapt to different utility diameters and shapes, providing secure gripping capability across various utility conditions while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is divided into multiple independently actuable jaws rather than a single monolithic clamp. Each jaw can be controlled separately to engage with different portions of the utility, allowing the clip to accommodate various diameters and irregular shapes. This segmentation enables versatile adaptation without requiring completely different clip designs for each utility type
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clip jaw size is increased to accommodate larger utilities, then the clip can grip bigger diameters, but it becomes difficult to reach and secure small or distant utilities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an extension pole accessory that adds a spatial dimension to the clip's reach. The extension pole allows the operator to access utilities that are distant or in difficult-to-reach locations without requiring the operator to physically approach the utility. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction between having large enough jaws for big utilities and being able to reach small or distant utilities
3Reliability
If direct electrical contact is required for signal coupling, then the magnetic field signal strength is improved, but the clip must overcome variability in utility surfaces such as dirt, paint, or rust
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates magnetic elements within the jaws that provide magnetic attraction force to secure the contact elements to the target utility. This magnetic mechanism supplements or replaces purely mechanical gripping, enabling the clip to maintain secure contact even when surface coatings like dirt, paint, or rust are present. The magnetic force can penetrate non-magnetic coatings to establish reliable electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between needing direct contact for signal reliability and dealing with harmful surface factors
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 clip device provides a secure, versatile, and effective means to couple electrical signals directly onto buried utilities, overcoming size and accessibility challenges, and ensuring reliable connections even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic element may further be disposed on the jaw element providing an attraction force in securing or aiding in securing the contact element to a target utility
Implementation Method 2
Each jaw of the double-acting jaw assembly may be independently movably opened and further closed through a spring or other tension loaded closing element to grab and hold onto a target utility
Implementation Method 3
A contact element on the jaw assembly to directly couple electrical signal or signals onto a target utility, which may be serrated conductive teeth in various locations within and on the outside of the jaw assembly
Implementation Method 4
couple output current signals generated by the transmitter to a targeted utility. Another type of device, commonly known as an inductive clamp, couples current signals from a transmitter to a utility or other conductor inductively, without the need for a direct physical contact. In either case, the coupled current signals then radiate corresponding magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical contact clips for use in utility locating operations to couple signals from a transmitter to a hidden or buried utility via direct electrical contact are disclosed.