Wedge Compression Unit Electrostatic Grounding via Conductive Clips

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrostatic charges can build up in conductive materials within compression units of cable, pipe, or wire transitions, leading to potential hazardous discharges when contacting different potentials, posing a risk of ignition.

Innovation Solution

The integration of clips within the compression unit connects the screws to the frame, ensuring they are earthed, thereby preventing unwanted electrostatic discharges without requiring additional handling measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the screws of the compression unit are connected to an external conductor, then electrostatic discharge risk is reduced, but device complexity and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic discharge protectionVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the compression unit itself by integrating a conductive element into the wedge structure. The screw connects directly to the conductive wedge element, which in turn connects to the frame, merging the compression and grounding functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate external grounding connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression unit performs its own grounding function through the integrated conductive element. When the wedge is installed and activated, it automatically establishes the grounding path through its conductive material and connection to the frame, without requiring additional grounding components or separate installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the screws are connected to external conductors, then electrostatic discharge risk is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as special handling measures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic discharge protectionVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression unit performs its own grounding function through the integrated conductive element. When the wedge is installed and activated, it automatically establishes the grounding path through its conductive material and connection to the frame, without requiring additional grounding components or separate installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the grounding function with the compression unit itself by integrating a conductive element into the wedge structure. The screw connects directly to the conductive wedge element, which in turn connects to the frame, merging the compression and grounding functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate external grounding connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If conductive material is used in the compression unit, then compression function is achieved, but electrostatic charge buildup risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression capabilityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful electrostatic charge buildup into a beneficial grounding path. The same conductive material that enables compression functionality is used to create a controlled path for dissipating electrostatic charges safely to earth through the frame connection, turning the hazard into a protective feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive wedge element acts as an intermediary between the compression screws and the frame. It provides a controlled path for electrostatic discharge while maintaining the mechanical compression function, mediating between the electrical and mechanical requirements of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution automatically grounds the screws during installation, effectively preventing electrostatic discharges and ensuring safe operation without additional handling steps.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more screws of the compression unit is connected to the frame of the transition, by means of one or more clips. Thus, by means of said clips, being part of the compression unit, the one or more screws are connected to earth.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3153753B1Wedge of a transition for cables etc

Publication Date: 2018.08.01 ROXTEC AB

Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~9

AI summary

The present invention concerns a compression unit, in the form of wedge (2, 7, 20), of a transition for cables, pipes or wires. The wedge (2, 7, 20) is to be placed inside a frame (1) together with a number of compressible modules (3), which modules (3) are to receive cables etc. The wedge (7, 20) comprises a number of wedge elements (8-11, 21-24). The wedge (7, 20) is moved between non activated and activated positions by means of a screw (13, 26), received in a through opening of a first wedge element (8, 21), and a sleeve (14, 27), recived in an opening of a second wedge element (9, 22). The wedge (2, 7) further comprises at least one clip (16, 29), of an electrically conductive material, placed inside the wedge (7, 20). The at least one clip (16, 29) is placed to connect the screw (13, 26) with the frame (1) to connect the screw (13, 26) to earth.