Modular Cable Protection Traverse with Integrated Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling or disassembling overhead line cables across traffic routes require complex scaffolding, lengthy preparation times, extensive coordination, and high costs, making them inefficient and unsafe, especially in emergency situations like winter ice-related issues.

Innovation Solution

A trough-shaped steel cable protection traverse with modular design, featuring rollers for cable pulling, a two-point suspension for hoisting, and safety features like grinding plates and a radio-controlled cable restraint device to prevent jamming and electrical shocks, allowing for quick and safe installation or removal without disrupting traffic or requiring complex scaffolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective scaffolding is erected on site with safety nets, then safety against falling cables is improved, but preparation time and coordination requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against falling cablesVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is divided into modular components (traverse beams, rollers, suspension points) that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows rapid deployment without extensive pre-planning, as each module can be quickly installed and connected on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traverse device is pre-configured with integrated safety features (grinding plates, cable restraints) during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site assembly of safety components. The device arrives ready-to-deploy with all safety mechanisms pre-installed and tested.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If complex scaffolding structures are used, then safety is improved, but costs exceed the actual cable work costs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcosts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The traverse device uses lightweight, easily replaceable components such as plastic grinding plates and simple cable restraint mechanisms rather than expensive, permanent scaffolding structures. These components are designed for single-use or limited-use applications, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate safety for the duration of cable replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The essential safety function is extracted from the complex scaffolding system and concentrated into the traverse device itself through integrated grinding plates and cable restraints. This eliminates the need for separate, expensive scaffolding structures, retaining only the critical safety features needed for cable replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If roller lines are used for cable transfer, then costs are reduced compared to scaffolding, but cable jamming between rollers and swing-out risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostsVSAvoidcable jamming prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Grinding plates are installed at the roller entry points to prevent cable jamming before it occurs. These plates guide the cable smoothly onto the rollers and prevent lateral deviation that could cause jamming, addressing the problem proactively rather than reactively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Radio-controlled cable restraint devices are positioned to apply preliminary restraining force on cables during transfer operations. This prevents cables from swinging out or deviating from the intended path, counteracting the natural tendency of cables to move laterally during tensioned transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Device complexity

If the traverse device is held without lateral bracing, then assembly simplicity is improved, but stability against swaying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstability against swaying
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The traverse device uses its own weight and the tensioned cables themselves to provide stability during operation. The cables under tension act as self-bracing elements, and the device's mass provides inertial stability, eliminating the need for external lateral bracing structures while maintaining adequate stability for cable replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables rapid and reliable cable handling with reduced assembly and disassembly costs, improved safety through prevention of cable jamming and electrical hazards, and adaptable span for various conditions, facilitating quicker operations without traffic disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

grinding plates (16) are attached on the upwardly open side of the cable protection traverse (1), near the upper bearing of the vertical rollers (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a radio-controlled cable restraint device with a pivoting locking device is installed and is located at least on a lateral end of the center section or on the lateral end one of the side parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a cable catch device (23) is attached at the lower end of the cable protection traverse (1), in order to prevent a loose end of an overhead line cable from falling down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2548761B1Protective traverse for a cable winch
Publication Date: 2014.10.01 GA HOCHSPANNUNG LEITUNGSBAU
  • EP2548761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2548761B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2548761B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The crossmember has a bracket section (4) provided in form of a trough-shaped welded structural steelwork, in which horizontal and vertical rollers are integrated. The bracket section is provided with a center part (1) and left and right side parts (2). Two horizontally attachable extension parts are fixed on ends of the side parts. The side parts are provided into an up-swiveled horizontally layer that is in alignment with the center part. Sharpening metal sheets are attached above the vertical rollers held in the bracket section.