Reconfigurable Aerial Boom Tool Assembly for Precision Trimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree trimming technologies around power lines are inefficient, lack precision, and pose safety risks to workers due to manual methods and limited reconfiguration capabilities of aerial tool assemblies, leading to slow operations and potential hazards from falling debris and herbicide exposure.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable extendable boom mounted aerial apparatus with quick connect/disconnect sealable couplings for various tool configurations, allowing for semi-precise and precision tree trimming, debris handling, and chemical spraying, featuring a grapple mechanism with clamping arms and independent power sources, enabling operation at heights up to 125 feet and adaptable for different applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tree trimming methods are used with bucket trucks, then workers can perform tree trimming operations, but the operation speed is slow and worker safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidworker safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial tool assembly performs tree trimming operations autonomously without requiring workers to manually climb into the bucket. The grapple mechanism automatically grasps tree limbs, the saw automatically cuts them, and the limb processor automatically processes the cut limbs, eliminating worker exposure to hazards while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations performed by workers in the bucket are replaced by an automated aerial tool assembly with mechanical grapple, saw, and limb processing mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for workers to be positioned in the bucket, thereby improving safety while increasing operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated aerial tool assembly is used for tree trimming, then precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrimming precisionVSAvoidaerial tool assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial tool assembly is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: grapple mechanism for grasping limbs, saw for cutting, limb processor for processing cut limbs, and herbicide application. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, managing complexity while providing precise automated trimming operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial tool assembly is divided into separate functional modules (grapple mechanism, saw, limb processor, herbicide application system) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed configuration aerial tools are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different trimming tasks is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerial tool assembly incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow it to adapt to different trimming tasks. The system can be adjusted and reconfigured for various operational requirements, transitioning from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic adaptable system that responds to different task demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If manual limb handling is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for debris handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grapple mechanism, saw, and limb processor are merged into a single integrated aerial tool assembly. This combination allows for continuous automated operation where cutting and limb processing occur in sequence without manual intervention, eliminating the time losses associated with manual limb handling while managing equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11382279B2Apparatus for aerial tool configurations

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 TERRELL STEVEN J

AI summary

A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.