Ballast-Driven Grounding Device for Overhead Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for positioning and grounding electrical conductors on overhead lines require continuous traction to maintain the positioning device, making it difficult to handle at heights and prone to misalignment, leading to incomplete grounding systems.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device with a distal part, middle part, and proximal part, featuring a ballast retention system that automatically releases under the conductor's weight, allowing the device to be positioned without manual traction, utilizing a control mechanism that automatically deactivates holding means and activates return mechanisms to ensure the ballast is released, facilitating grounding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous manual traction is applied to maintain the positioning device, then the device can be kept taut and positioned, but the operation becomes difficult at heights and increases the risk of misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device uses its own weight (ballast) to automatically maintain positioning without requiring continuous manual traction. The ballast activates the retention mechanism through gravitational force, allowing the device to self-position and remain stable during operation, eliminating the need for operators to constantly apply traction at heights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a ballast system that uses gravitational force counteracting the positioning requirements. The ballast acts as a counterweight that, when released, provides the necessary force to activate the retention mechanism and maintain the device in the correct position without requiring additional manual effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the positioning device is handled at considerable height, then grounding can be performed on overhead lines, but visual observation of implementation phases becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding capabilityVSAvoidvisual observation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces manual mechanical operation with an automatic ballast-driven mechanism. The gravitational activation of the retention system eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate components at height, reducing the need for visual observation and manual intervention during critical positioning phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the retaining means is held in active position continuously, then the ballast is retained securely, but the device cannot automatically position itself on the conductor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballast retentionVSAvoidautomatic positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static held position to a dynamic automatic activation system. The ballast is initially retained securely, but the system is designed to automatically activate when the ballast's weight creates sufficient gravitational force, enabling automatic positioning while maintaining secure retention during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device preliminarily retains the ballast in an inactive state to prevent premature activation. The holding means is designed to maintain the retention means in an active (retaining) position until the proper moment, at which point the ballast's weight automatically overcomes the retention force, enabling controlled automatic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 device automatically positions the grounding system on the conductor without manual traction, ensuring secure attachment and reducing the risk of misalignment, enhancing safety and efficiency during overhead line interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a ballast (6), which comprises the distal part (D) of the positioning device (1), and which is associated with the positioning means (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3807963B1Device for positioning, on an electrical conductor, a means for implementing a system for grounding said electrical conductor
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 FAMECA
  • EP3807963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3807963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3807963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for positioning, over an electrical conductor (C), a means for implementing (5) a system for grounding said electrical conductor (C). Said positioning device (1) comprises: a distal part (D), a proximal part (P), and a median part (M); a means (5) for implementing the grounding system on the electrical conductor (C); a ballast (6) associated with the implementing means (5); a means for retaining (7) said ballast (6) in the positioning device (1); a means for restoring the means (7) for retaining the ballast (6); a means for holding (9) the retaining means (7) against the action of the restoring means; and a means (10) for controlling the movement of the holding means (9), under cooperation with the electrical conductor (C).