Pivoting Conductor Support Wheel to Prevent Line Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical conductor support assemblies are large, bulky, and allow excess slack, which can lead to dangerous situations as the conductor can slide along the support, posing risks to workers.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight electrical power conductor support assembly featuring a central wheel with opposing arms that guide the conductor onto the wheel, preventing slippage, and a support assembly that can be easily attached to a utility truck for efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical conductor support assemblies are used, then the conductor can be supported, but the assembly becomes large, bulky, and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple components: a base assembly with wheel, a separate support arm assembly, and connection ears for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier handling and assembly compared to a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is pivotally attached to the base assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of the support arm angle and position. This dynamic configuration enables the assembly to adapt to different conductor positions and reduces the overall bulk while maintaining support stability.
2Reliability
If traditional electrical conductor support assemblies are used, then the conductor can be supported, but excess slack allows the conductor to slide along the support
Solution Approach 1:
A wheel component is incorporated in the base assembly to receive and guide the conductor. The curved surface of the wheel naturally guides the conductor onto it and prevents lateral sliding, while allowing the conductor to be pulled along as the wheel rotates, thus eliminating excess slack issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel acts as an intermediary between the conductor and the support structure. It provides a controlled interface that prevents direct sliding contact between the conductor and the support arm, thereby stabilizing conductor position while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traditional electrical conductor support assemblies are used, then the conductor can be supported, but the assembly is difficult to assemble and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple components: a base assembly with wheel, a separate support arm assembly, and connection ears for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier handling and assembly compared to a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection ears are designed with multiple configuration options to accommodate different utility truck extension arms. This universal design allows the same support assembly to be attached to various truck types, reducing the need for multiple specialized assemblies and simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
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 solution provides a safer and more manageable support system for electrical power conductors, reducing the risk of accidents by preventing conductor slippage and allowing for easy assembly and transport.
Implementation Method 1
a central wheel configured to receive an electrical power conductor and allow the electrical power conductor to be pulled along the wheel, such that the wheel rotates as the electrical power conductor is pulled
Implementation Method 2
A support assembly extends below the wheel and includes a support arm pivotally attached to a connection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power conductor support includes an upper support assembly comprising having a base and a pair of arms extending upwardly from the base. A lower support assembly is configured for releasable attachment to a utility truck and includes an upper face plate sized to match the base, an upper support arm extending downwardly from the base, and a bolt rotatingly attaching the upper face plate to the base. The bolt extends upwardly from the base, through the upper face plate and into the upper support arm. A nut is screwed onto the bolt and locked into the upper support arm via locking plates that prevent the bolt from rotating inside the upper support arm.