Foldable Line Lifter With Worm Gear Hoist for Energized Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current line lifters are inefficient and unsafe for power line workers, as they require time-consuming rope systems, lack mechanical advantage, and are not easily portable to all power poles, often necessitating de-energization of conductors, which can be harmful or fatal due to arc flashes.
Innovation Solution
A line lifter system with non-conductive fiberglass arms and a worm gear hoist mechanism, attachable to a utility pole using a ratchet system or chain binder, providing up to 6 feet of lift and ergonomic design for safe and efficient lifting of energized conductors, allowing for adjustable center conductor support and easy breakdown into sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If truck mounted line lifters with motorized equipment are used, then lifting capability is improved, but portability and accessibility to all power poles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The line lifter is divided into modular components including a head assembly, vertical shaft sections, and horizontal arms that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the device to be transported to remote poles and adapted to different pole configurations while maintaining lifting capability through the modular assembly of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The line lifter incorporates adjustable vertical shaft sections and reconfigurable horizontal arms that can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate different pole heights, conductor configurations, and working positions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device to be used across various pole types and locations without requiring motorized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If rope blocks and rigging systems are used, then lifting mechanism is provided, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The line lifter incorporates a self-contained worm gear hoist mechanism integrated into the head assembly that provides mechanical advantage without requiring external rope blocks or rigging systems. The device is self-sufficient, with the hoist mechanism directly mounted on the pole and capable of lifting conductors independently, eliminating the need for complex rigging setups and significantly reducing setup time.
3Reliability
If all energized conductors are lifted simultaneously, then worker safety is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The line lifter is designed with multiple horizontal arms and adjustable vertical shaft sections that can simultaneously support and lift multiple energized conductors. The universal design allows the same device to handle single-phase or multi-phase conductors, enabling workers to lift all energized conductors at once without requiring multiple separate devices or complex coordinated systems.
4Reliability
If de-energization of conductors is performed, then worker safety is improved, but service interruption to customers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The line lifter serves as an intermediary tool that enables workers to safely work near or on energized conductors without requiring de-energization. The device provides physical separation and support for conductors, creating a safe working environment that allows maintenance activities to proceed while electricity continues to flow to customers, thus eliminating the need to choose between safety and service continuity.
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 line lifter system enhances worker safety by providing a mechanical advantage and ergonomic design, allowing for safe lifting of energized conductors without de-energizing them, reducing the risk of arc flashes and improving efficiency by minimizing the need for rope systems and motorized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting mechanism causes the line support body to move vertically
Implementation Method 2
providing up to 6 feet of lift and ergonomic design for safe and efficient lifting
Implementation Method 3
Two shafts extend horizontally outward from a center shaft or pole. These shafts, or line holders, are nonconductive hot arms preferably of fiberglass construction
Implementation Method 4
attachable to a utility pole using a ratchet system or chain binder
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cross arm support device for temporarily supporting electrical conductors of a power transmission or distribution system. The portable cross arm support is configured for vertical lifting of the conductors. The portable cross arm is configured to fold for facilitating transportation. The portable cross arm has a main support pole mounted in a lifting bracket. Embodiments of the portable cross arm utilize a worm gear lifting system for vertical lifting of the conductors. The cross arm has two opposing horizontal line arms configured to support the electrical conductors. The opposing horizontal line arms extend from a T-connector. The T connector allows the horizontal line arms to pivot to a vertical orientation to provide for folding of the portable cross arm.