Cross-Arm Lifting Structure for Energized Line Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining utility poles require careful removal and reattachment of energized power lines, which is dangerous and inefficient, as it necessitates the use of temporary phase-holders and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cross-arm phase-lifter that allows for the manipulation and suspension of utility pole cross-arms without removing the energized power lines, using clamping members and a lifting plate with pegs that engage with brackets on the cross-arm, enabling safe and efficient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to maintain utility poles, then power lines must be carefully removed and placed onto temporary phase-holders, but this increases the risk of electrical hazards and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cross-arm from the pole structure while keeping the power lines attached to insulators. The phase-lifter device removes only the cross-arm portion that needs maintenance, leaving the energized power lines and insulators in place, thereby eliminating the need for temporary phase-holders and reducing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-lifter acts as an intermediary device between the cross-arm and the pole. It provides a controlled lifting mechanism that suspends the cross-arm with power lines attached, serving as a temporary support structure that eliminates the need for separate phase-holder equipment
2Productivity
If power lines are removed onto temporary phase-holders for maintenance, then maintenance can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-lifter is positioned and the cross-arm is lifted to the maintenance position before any power line disconnection occurs. This preliminary positioning allows maintenance workers to access the pole and perform maintenance on the cross-arm or insulators while the power lines remain attached and supported, eliminating time-consuming transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The power lines remain continuously supported and attached to the insulators throughout the entire maintenance process. The cross-arm is lifted and held in suspension without requiring the power lines to be disconnected or transferred, maintaining continuous support and eliminating idle time during line transfer operations
3Ease of operation
If multiple equipment pieces are used for phase holding and cross-arm manipulation, then maintenance can be performed, but the system becomes more complex and requires more setup
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-lifter combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: it lifts the cross-arm, holds it in suspension, and maintains support for the attached power lines. This merging of functions into one device eliminates the need for separate phase-holders, support structures, and manipulation equipment, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-lifter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform cross-arm removal, suspension, and maintenance support operations. It serves multiple purposes including acting as both a lifting mechanism and a temporary support structure for energized lines, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each function
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 risk of electrical hazards for linemen by minimizing interactions with energized power lines and eliminates the need for temporary phase-holders, thereby streamlining the maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
a first clamping member including a first clamp; a second clamping member including a second clamp... a first actuator for actuating the first clamp and the second clamp to couple the first clamp and the second clamp to the cross-arm
Implementation Method 2
a first actuator for actuating the first clamp and the second clamp to couple the first clamp and the second clamp to the cross-arm
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.