Actuated Bipod Pole Positioning for Wind-Stable Line Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually maneuvering elongated poles, such as extendo sticks, for tasks like replacing blown fuses on power lines is strenuous and time-consuming, especially in windy conditions, leading to muscle strain and reduced efficiency for line workers.
Innovation Solution
A bipod system with independently controllable legs equipped with actuators, controlled by user inputs, forms a tripod with the pole to stabilize and maneuver its position, reducing manual effort and strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the extendo pole is extended to up to forty feet to reach power lines, then the operator can access distant fuse barrels, but maneuvering the extended pole becomes difficult to control precisely and strenuous for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently controlled by separate actuators. This segmentation allows the pole to be extended to forty feet while maintaining controllability, as each section can be adjusted independently to achieve precise positioning and maneuvering.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually maneuvers the extended pole, then direct control is maintained, but muscle strain increases and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical maneuvering of the pole is replaced with an automated control system that uses actuators to extend, retract, and position the pole sections. This substitution eliminates muscle strain while maintaining precise control, and the automated system can operate more quickly than manual manipulation.
3Length of moving object
If the pole is extended to full length to reach high power lines, then access to distant fuse barrels is achieved, but the pole becomes unstable in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pole system transitions from a static extended structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The telescopic sections can be independently positioned and adjusted during operation, allowing the system to adapt to windy conditions by modifying its configuration mid-task, thereby maintaining stability even when extended to full length.
Data Source
AI summary
Bipod systems for maneuvering elongated poles and methods of using such systems are discussed. One example is a bipod system, comprising a first leg comprising a first actuator configured to change the length of the first leg in response to a first control signal, wherein changing the length of the first leg moves the elongated pole in a first direction; a second leg comprising a second actuator configured to change the length of the second leg in response to a second control signal, wherein changing the length of the second leg moves the elongated pole in a second direction that is different from the first direction; a connector configured to secure an elongated pole to the bipod system; and a controller configured to generate the first control signal and the second control signal in response to a user input.