Cross-Arm Phase-Lifter for Live-Line Utility Pole Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for maintaining utility poles require the removal of energized power lines to facilitate cross-arm replacement, which increases safety risks due to the handling of high-voltage lines.
Innovation Solution
A cross-arm phase-lifter that allows for the manipulation of cross-arms without removing the energized power lines, using clamping members and a lifting plate with pegs to suspend the cross-arm, enabling maintenance without the need for temporary phase-holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energized power lines are removed and placed on temporary phase-holders for cross-arm maintenance, then maintenance can be performed, but safety risks increase due to handling high-voltage lines and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cross-arm from the power line system by suspending it beneath the aerial device using a phase-lifter mechanism, separating the maintenance object from the energized lines. This allows the cross-arm to be worked on independently without requiring linemen to handle the power lines themselves, thereby improving safety while simplifying equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-lifter acts as an intermediary device between the aerial device and the cross-arm, providing a safe mechanical connection that allows the cross-arm to be suspended and manipulated without direct human contact with energized components. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for temporary phase-holders and reduces equipment complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional temporary phase-holder systems are used, then cross-arm maintenance can be performed, but the number of equipment items increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the aerial device, phase-lifter, and cross-arm suspension system into a single integrated operation. The phase-lifter is deployed from the aerial device to suspend the cross-arm, eliminating the need for separate temporary phase-holder equipment and reducing the total number of equipment items while simplifying operational procedures.
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 cross-arm phase-lifter reduces the number of interactions with energized power lines, enhancing safety for linemen by allowing maintenance to be performed with less equipment and fewer hazardous operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair and a second pair of clamping members disposed on a respective first end and second ends of the crossbar. Each clamping member may comprise a clamp for engaging with the cross-arm
Implementation Method 2
The cross-arm phase-lifter may comprise a lifting plate that comprises one or more pegs. The one or more pegs may engage with one or more brackets mounted onto the cross-arm to couple the phase-lifter thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments provide a cross-arm phase-lifter for lifting and maneuvering a utility pole cross-arm without the need to remove the energized power lines from the cross-arm. A first embodiment of the cross-arm phase-lifter may comprise a set of clamps, clamping members, and actuators. When the actuators are driven, the clamping members may secure the clamps onto the cross-arm. Once the clamps are secured, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air. A second embodiment may comprise a lifting plate comprising a plurality of pegs configured to interface with brackets on the cross-arm. When the pegs are engaged with the brackets, the cross-arm may be lifted and suspended in air.