Deployable Net System for Catching Falling Pylon Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

During maintenance or assembly of overhead power lines, insulators and fixing elements on pylons can detach and fall, posing safety risks and resulting in the loss of expensive parts, with existing protection methods like scaffolding requiring activity interruptions and not addressing the recovery of falling parts.

Innovation Solution

A mobile crane equipped with a jib and boom extension, featuring a framework with transverse rods and deployable nets of varying mesh sizes to protect the ground and recover falling parts, allowing for quick installation and operation without interrupting activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If scaffolding is used to protect structures during maintenance work, then safety protection is provided, but activity on the site must be halted for a lengthy period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidinterruption of activity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system uses a mobile crane with an articulated boom that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted during maintenance operations, allowing the protection zone to be moved and reconfigured without halting work. The boom can pivot and extend to provide protection while workers continue their tasks on the pylon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile crane serves multiple functions: it provides safety protection through the boom and net structure, enables recovery of fallen parts through the collection means, and allows continuous operation by being positioned strategically. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate scaffolding structures that would require assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If scaffolding is used to protect structures, then safety is ensured, but the structure of the device becomes complex and installation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the protection function and the recovery function into a single integrated system mounted on the mobile crane boom. The net structure serves both to protect workers on the ground and to collect fallen parts, while the mobile crane itself provides both positioning and support functions, eliminating the need for separate complex scaffolding structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system uses a deployable net structure that can be easily attached to the boom, providing effective protection while adding minimal structural complexity. The net is a flexible, lightweight element that can be quickly deployed and removed compared to rigid scaffolding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional protection methods are used, then ground protection is provided, but recovery of falling parts is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground protectionVSAvoidloss of expensive parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines ground protection and part recovery functions into a single net structure attached to the boom. The net serves dual purposes: protecting workers on the ground from falling objects and collecting expensive insulators and fixing elements for recovery and reuse, thereby preventing both safety hazards and material loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is specifically designed to recover expensive insulators and fixing elements that may fall during maintenance operations. The collection means on the boom intercept these parts before they reach the ground, allowing them to be retrieved and reused, thus preventing the loss of valuable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Productivity

If a mobile crane with deployable nets is used, then continuous operation is enabled and parts recovery is achieved, but wind resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidwind resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system uses a deployable net structure rather than solid barriers. The net is permeable to wind, allowing wind to pass through while still effectively catching falling parts and providing protection. This minimizes wind resistance compared to solid screens or walls that would block wind flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3056465B1Optimised system for protecting a piece of work
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 VAYSSADE FABRICE
  • EP3056465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056465B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3056465B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The optimized ground protection device (10) comprises: - a mobile crane (11) equipped with a boom (12); - a boom extension (13) articulated to the head (121) of the boom (12), the boom extension (13) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (Ox); - a transverse rod (14) fixed on the boom extension (13), the rod (14) and boom extension (13) assembly forming a frame (18); - a first net (15) attached to the frame (18), and configured to deploy so as to protect the ground (T) by interposing itself between the ground (T) and elements that may fall from a position located above the protection device (10).