Wedge Connector Interface Gripping Tool for Stable Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hot sticks do not tightly grip the interface of wedge type electrical connectors, leading to difficulties in placing the interface between main and tap conductors during installation, as the position of the interface may easily change unintentionally.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a body, a carriage adapter, and a gripping carriage that includes a tapered surface, allowing the carriage to move between a loading and gripping position to securely hold the interface, enabling precise placement between conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If current hot sticks are used to grip the interface, then the tool structure remains simple, but the gripping force is insufficient and the interface position cannot be stabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for structural support, a carriage adjuster for positioning control, and a gripping carriage for force application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall tool manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping carriage is designed to be movable relative to the body through the carriage adjuster mechanism, allowing the tool to transition between different gripping positions and forces. This dynamic capability enables the operator to adjust the gripping force as needed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the interface is held loosely during installation, then the tool design remains simple, but the interface position changes unintentionally making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool provides preliminary positioning of the interface through the gripping carriage before the actual installation action occurs. The carriage can be adjusted to hold the interface in the correct position, ensuring stability throughout the installation process without requiring complex additional positioning mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a secure grip on the interface is achieved, then installation precision improves, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping carriage acts as an intermediary between the operator's control (via the carriage adjuster) and the interface being installed. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotational adjustment into precise linear positioning and secure gripping, achieving high installation precision without requiring the entire tool structure to be complex.
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 tool effectively stabilizes the interface of wedge type electrical connectors, facilitating easier and more accurate installation between main and tap conductors by providing a secure grip, reducing the likelihood of unintentional position changes.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping carriage has a tapered surface having substantially the same taper as the tapered surface of the free end of the second arm
Implementation Method 2
a clamping action of the connector can be tightened or loosened as desired
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a tool that grips a conductor interface of a wedge type electrical connector so that the conductor interface can be installed between a main conductor and a tap conductor being electrically and mechanically connected by the wedge type electrical connector. The tool includes a body, a carriage adjuster and a gripping carriage. The body has a first arm, a second arm and a back pad between the first arm and the second arm. The carriage adjuster is operatively coupled to the body, and the gripping carriage is coupled to the carriage adjuster. The second arm and the gripping carriage are used to grip the conductor interface in response to the operation of the carriage adjuster.