Adjustable Pole Gin Mounting for Composite Pole Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gin tools are not designed for composite utility poles and may damage the surface or fail to provide sufficient clearance for cross arm sections, especially those with fire-resistant coatings.
Innovation Solution
A pole gin tool with adjustable first and second strap attachments and a pin for securing the tool in place, allowing for adjustable distance between attachment points, and featuring a rubber layer for protection and increased friction on the utility pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current gin tools are used on composite poles, then the tool can be mounted to the pole, but the surface of the composite pole (especially fire-resistant coating) may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber layer is introduced as an intermediary material between the metal plates and the composite pole surface. The rubber layer contacts the pole surface while the metal plates provide structural support, preventing direct contact between metal and the fire-resistant coating, thus eliminating surface damage while maintaining tool security
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly uses a composite structure combining metal plates with a rubber layer. The metal provides strength and rigidity for secure mounting, while the rubber provides surface protection and friction enhancement, creating a multi-material solution that addresses both security and protection requirements
2Reliability
If the gin tool is designed for wood or steel poles, then it can securely mount to those poles, but it fails to provide sufficient clearance for cross arm sections on composite poles
Solution Approach 1:
The gin tool is divided into two separate mounting portions that can be independently positioned at different locations on the pole. This segmentation allows each portion to be placed strategically to clear cross arm sections while maintaining secure mounting, enabling adaptation to composite pole configurations with cross arms
3Device complexity
If the distance between attachment points is fixed, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different pole configurations and cross arm positions
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the two mounting portions is made adjustable rather than fixed. The portions can be repositioned along the pole at different spacings and secured at various positions, allowing the tool to adapt to different pole diameters, cross arm locations, and mounting configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 pole gin tool effectively secures to composite, wood, and steel poles without damaging the surface, providing necessary clearance for cross arm sections and supporting the hoisting of loads with increased efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The pole gin tool can include a rubber or similar material layer interposed between the at least one plate and the utility pole
Data Source
AI summary
A pole gin including a first portion having a first strap attachment configured to secure the pole gin to a utility pole at a first location and a second portion having a second strap attachment configured to secure the pole gin to the utility pole at a second location spaced from the first location. The first portion and the second portion can be adjustable relative to one another to vary a distance between the first location and the second location.