Boom-Mountable Robotic Arm for Energized Conductor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for temporarily supporting energized power lines during maintenance are labor-intensive, limited by the need for de-energization, and lack precise positional control, especially when dealing with high-voltage transmission and distribution lines.
Innovation Solution
A boom-mountable robotic arm with selectively alignable elongate conductor retainers and electrically insulated support posts, featuring multiple axes of rotation and adjustable components to independently position and level the support posts, allowing for precise alignment and movement of conductors without requiring the entire boom or crane to be adjusted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulated wire tongs and rope blocks are used to temporarily support energized conductors, then the conductors can be supported during maintenance, but the process becomes labor-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the conductor support function into separate modular components: a boom for positioning, an auxiliary crossarm for support, and conductor hooks for engagement. Each component performs a specific function, allowing independent adjustment and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary crossarm acts as an intermediary device between the boom and the energized conductors. It provides a stable mounting platform that simplifies the connection to conductors through standardized hooks, eliminating the need for complex rope blocks and wire tongs.
2Reliability
If fiberglass insulated tools are used in wet conditions, then insulating properties are maintained, but the job must be stopped and conductors placed in all-weather insulators
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crossarm is constructed from all-weather insulating materials that maintain their insulating properties in both dry and wet conditions. This composite material approach eliminates the need to stop work when moisture accumulates, allowing continuous operation while maintaining reliable insulation.
3Ease of operation
If the boom angle is adjusted to reposition conductors, then conductor positioning changes, but all conductors move together as a unit limiting independent control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the conductor support points into independent locations on the auxiliary crossarm. Each conductor hook can be independently positioned along the crossarm length, allowing individual conductors to be adjusted separately while the boom remains stationary, providing both ease of operation and adaptability.
4Reliability
If the auxiliary crossarm is raised immediately beneath transmission lines to support distribution conductors, then support is provided, but the presence of upper transmission lines creates safety clearance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crossarm is designed to be mounted laterally offset from the vertical plane of the transmission lines, utilizing the horizontal dimension. This allows the crossarm to extend downward to support distribution conductors while maintaining safe horizontal clearance from the upper transmission lines, eliminating the safety hazard.
5Reliability
If conventional boom-mounted auxiliary arms are used, then conductor support is provided, but pivotal movement relative to the boom is limited reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary crossarm is designed with rotational joints that allow pivotal movement relative to the boom in multiple directions. This dynamic capability enables the crossarm to adapt its orientation to match different conductor configurations and positioning requirements while maintaining stable support, combining reliability with versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.