Flexible Cable Antigalloping Device for Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antigalloping devices for electrical transmission conductors are costly and difficult to install due to their length, weight, and rigidity, which makes them inefficient in preventing galloping caused by ice accumulation during winter storms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising clamps with jaws for securing to cables, a connecting assembly with an elongate insulator attached to a flexible cable that can be bent and maneuvered during installation, allowing for rotational positioning to twist cables and reduce galloping, with the flexible cable being capable of flexible collapse under compression and straightening under tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid insulator rods are used to connect conductors spaced 24-33 feet apart, then the antigalloping device can maintain structural stability, but the device becomes long, heavy and unwieldy to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid insulator rods with a flexible cable system that includes a flexible cable and an insulator. The flexible cable can be bent and maneuvered during installation to reach conductors spaced 24-33 feet apart, while the insulator maintains electrical isolation. This flexible configuration eliminates the unwieldy nature of rigid rods while preserving the necessary structural stability for antigalloping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connecting element from rigid to flexible. By using a flexible cable instead of a rigid rod, the system gains adaptability in installation while maintaining the required mechanical strength and electrical insulation properties through the combination of the flexible cable and insulator components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid insulator rods are used to connect conductors, then the device can provide stable conductor spacing, but the device becomes expensive to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive rigid insulator rods with a more cost-effective flexible cable and insulator assembly. The flexible cable is generally less expensive to manufacture than long rigid insulator rods, and the modular design allows for more efficient production and installation processes, reducing overall system cost while maintaining conductor spacing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connecting assembly into separate components: a flexible cable and an insulator. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to producing a single integrated rigid structure.
3Length of stationary object
If long rigid insulator assemblies are used for 24-33 feet conductor spacing, then the device can span the required distance, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to install from helicopter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable instead of a rigid insulator rod to span the 24-33 feet between conductors. The flexible cable can be coiled or folded for compact storage in helicopter baskets, then easily uncoiled and maneuvered into position during installation. This eliminates the handling difficulties associated with long, heavy rigid assemblies while maintaining the required span distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexibility and dynamic adaptability to the connecting assembly. The flexible cable can be dynamically maneuvered, bent, and positioned during helicopter installation, unlike rigid structures that require precise positioning. This dynamic characteristic dramatically improves installation feasibility from aerial platforms.
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 effectively reduces galloping by twisting cables, preventing damage to conductors and towers, while being less costly and easier to install than traditional devices, with the flexible design accommodating varying conductor spacings and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A connecting assembly can be coupled between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a length of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable is capable of being bent and maneuvered during installation.
Implementation Method 2
The elongate insulator and the flexible cable are capable of being straightened along a longitudinal axis. The at least one of the first and second clamps can be orientatable in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first and second clamps, for twisting at least one of the first and second cables for reducing galloping.
Implementation Method 3
The flexible cable can be flexible steel cable. The length of flexible cable is flexibly collapsible under opposed compression.
Implementation Method 4
The at least one of the first and second clamps can be orientatable in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first and second clamps, for twisting at least one of the first and second cables for reducing galloping.
Implementation Method 5
The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a length of flexible cable. The elongate insulator and the flexible cable are capable of being straightened along a longitudinal axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An antigalloping device can include first and second clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective first and second cables. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a flexible tether. The flexible tether is capable of being bent and maneuvered during installation. At least one of the first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly. The elongate insulator and the flexible tether can straighten along a longitudinal axis. The at least one of the first and second clamps can be orientatable in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first and second clamps, for twisting at least one of the first and second cables for reducing galloping.