Crossarm Internal Conduit for Power Line Wire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power line support systems face challenges in protecting conductive wires from electrical interference, corrosion, contamination, and accidental contact, which can lead to deterioration and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a self-contained internal conduit made of insulative material within power line support members, such as crossarms, to shield and secure bonding and grounding wires, preventing exposure to external interference and damage while maintaining electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bonding or grounding wires are attached to the outside surface of support members, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the wires are exposed to corrosive environmental elements and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the bonding or grounding wires inside an internal conduit that is embedded within the support member. This nested configuration protects the wires from external corrosive elements and physical damage while maintaining their electrical connectivity function. The conduit acts as a protective container nested within the larger support member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal conduit serves as an intermediary element between the bonding/grounding wires and the external environment. It mediates the protection of wires from harmful external factors (corrosion, physical damage) while still allowing the wires to perform their electrical function. The conduit material acts as a barrier that separates the vulnerable wires from the harsh external conditions.
2Ease of operation
If wires are exposed on the exterior of support members, then installation is simpler, but workers and animals may inadvertently contact active power lines causing electrical shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the conductive wires inside the internal conduit within the support member, creating a hidden protective layer. This nesting approach maintains relative installation simplicity while effectively shielding workers and animals from inadvertent contact with active power lines. The wires remain accessible for connection but are protected during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If wires are attached to exterior surfaces, then attachment is straightforward, but the wires deteriorate from environmental exposure and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by integrating an internal conduit within the support member structure and placing the bonding or grounding wires inside this conduit. This approach protects wire integrity from environmental deterioration and handling damage while maintaining straightforward attachment processes. The conduit provides a protected pathway that simplifies wire installation and protection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal conduit is pre-formed and integrated into the support member before wire installation. This preliminary preparation creates a ready-made protective pathway that simplifies the subsequent wire attachment process. The conduit is already in place to receive and protect the wires, eliminating the need for complex protective measures during and after installation.
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 internal conduit effectively shields wires from electrical interference, prevents corrosion, reduces maintenance time, and enhances safety by encapsulating conductive paths, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shocks and electrocution.
Implementation Method 1
The internal conduit is made from insulative material
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for supporting power distribution or transmission lines includes a support pole having a first end and a second and a crossarm attached to the support pole, proximate the first end of the support pole. The crossarm has a first end, a second end and one or more side walls extending between the first and second ends of the crossarm. The side walls of the crossarm define an elongated interior space. The support system further includes an internal conduit formed in the interior space of the crossarm. The internal conduit extends along an axial direction of the crossarm. The internal conduit is made from insulative material.