Motorized Portable Insulating Blanket Clamp Rack with Spindle-Shaped Column

The problem

Electricians and line workers often carry multiple insulating blanket clamps to secure protective blankets on live wires. Storing these clamps loosely leads to tangling, swinging, and difficulty in grabbing just one. Manually separating tightly stacked clamps requires significant hand strength, causing muscle fatigue and pain after repeated use throughout a shift. Additionally, loose clamps inside the insulating blanket pocket can interfere with the blanket’s deployment or fall out during high-altitude work.

The solution

1. A housing (1) forms the main body, featuring two opposing first through slots (11) on its sides.
2. A central fixing column (2) is mounted inside the housing. Its cross-section is spindle-shaped (elliptical), designed to fit snugly against the inner curved surface of the insulating blanket clamp (5).
3. The clamps are stacked on this column. The handheld portion of each clamp extends outward through the first through slots (11), while the clamping part rests against the column.
4. A lifting mechanism is placed inside the column. It consists of a motor, a lead screw (3), and a lifting top block (4).
5. The lead screw rotates to move the lifting top block vertically along the column’s axis.
6. At the top of the housing, a picking portion (12) protrudes. Inside this portion, wedge blocks (22) are positioned to gently spread the jaws of the topmost clamp as it rises, making it easier to grab.
7. Limit switches (14, 24) detect the upper and lower travel limits of the lifting block to stop the motor automatically.

Who it is for

• Utility companies seeking to standardize tool storage for field crews working with insulating blankets.
• Electrical contractors who need efficient, ergonomic ways to manage heavy clamp stacks on job sites.
• Safety equipment manufacturers looking to integrate smart storage solutions into their blanket kits.
• Industrial wholesalers supplying specialized workshop and field gear to power sector buyers.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Loading: Clamps are slid onto the fixing column (2) from the top or bottom, depending on the design configuration, ensuring the handle passes through slot (11).
2. Retrieval: The operator presses the control switch (13). The motor (31) rotates the lead screw (3), raising the lifting block (4).
3. Separation: The rising block pushes the stack upward. When the top clamp enters the picking portion (12), the wedge blocks (22) contact the inner surfaces of the clamp jaws, spreading them slightly.
4. Grabbing: The operator easily grasps the extended handle. The limit switch (14) cuts power if the clamp reaches the highest safe position.
5. Resetting: After use, the clamp is returned. The motor reverses, lowering the stack to make room for new clamps. Switch (24) stops the descent at the bottom.

Applications

High-voltage line maintenance

Line workers hanging insulating blankets on overhead cables need quick access to clamps. This rack mounts externally to the blanket bag, keeping tools organized and reducing fumbling time while wearing gloves.

Substation operations

Technicians moving between equipment in substations carry multiple clamps for different voltage levels. The motorized lift ensures they can retrieve specific clamps without disturbing the rest of the stack, maintaining order in a busy environment.

Training facilities

Electrical training centers simulate live-line work. Using this rack helps students learn proper tool management and reduces physical strain during repetitive practice exercises involving heavy clamps.

Emergency response teams

Rapid deployment teams require reliable, fast-access gear. The self-contained rack minimizes setup time and ensures clamps are ready to use immediately upon arrival at a site.

Where it is less suitable

• Extreme cold environments: Standard lubricants and battery performance in the motor assembly may degrade significantly below freezing temperatures unless specifically rated.
• Explosive atmospheres: The presence of electric motors and switches requires explosion-proof certification for use in hazardous zones, which is not detailed in the base patent.
• Very light loads: For small numbers of lightweight clips, a simple manual holder might be more cost-effective than a motorized system.