Extendable Insulator Cleaning Device with Telescoping Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage power transmission and distribution systems face insulator failure due to dirt or dust accumulation, which forms conductive paths and leads to premature mechanical failure, and existing cleaning methods struggle to efficiently access and clean the inter-disc regions of insulator stacks.
Innovation Solution
A handheld cleaning device with multiple prongs, using solvent and spongiform and rubber bladed attachments, designed to operate safely at high voltages, effectively cleans multiple insulator discs at once, including inter-disc regions, with extendable and retractable support prongs to cover all surfaces without physical clearance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used for insulator discs, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning efficiency is low and inter-disc regions cannot be completely cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple prongs (typically 3-5), each equipped with cleaning attachments, allowing simultaneous cleaning of multiple insulator discs and inter-disc regions. This segmentation enables the device to handle complex cleaning tasks efficiently while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The support prongs are designed with telescoping capability, allowing them to extend and retract like nested dolls. This enables the prongs to be compact during transport and storage, yet extend to sufficient length during operation to reach and clean inter-disc regions effectively
2Area of stationary object
If cleaning attachments extend far to cover inter-disc void regions, then complete coverage is achieved, but physical clearance issues occur during cleaning movements
Solution Approach 1:
The support prongs are designed as telescoping structures that can dynamically adjust their length. During cleaning operations, the prongs extend to provide sufficient coverage of inter-disc regions, then retract to avoid physical clearance issues when maneuvering around insulator stacks, enabling complete coverage without operational constraints
3Ease of operation
If maintenance personnel work close to insulator discs for cleaning, then direct access is improved, but safety from high voltage and protection of fragile discs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning attachments utilize soft, deformable materials such as spongiform structures and rubber blades. These flexible elements provide effective cleaning contact with insulator surfaces while being gentle enough to prevent damage to fragile glass discs, and the device structure maintains electrical insulation to protect personnel from high voltage
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device acts as an intermediary between the maintenance personnel and the insulator discs. It provides the necessary physical contact for cleaning while maintaining electrical insulation barriers, thereby protecting both the personnel from high voltage exposure and the fragile discs from direct human contact that could cause damage
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 device significantly improves cleaning efficiency and safety by ensuring complete coverage of insulator surfaces, reducing mechanical stress and preventing damage, while maintaining electrical insulation and protecting users from high voltage sources.
Implementation Method 1
scrubs the insulator disc surface, with the spongiform side of its head
Implementation Method 2
wipes and squeegees the surface with the rubber bladed side
Implementation Method 3
introduces solvent and scrubs the insulator disc surface
Implementation Method 4
The support prongs (5) are telescoping to be extendable and retractable, based on the nested and segmented shell structure of (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for high voltage transmission and distribution insulators, featuring orthogonally oriented scrubbing and wiping attachments for the simultaneous cleaning of perpendicular surfaces, which extend to an insulator surface from telescoping support prongs, which are supported by a handle which provides a gripping location for manual operation of the present invention.