Grounding Attachment for Radius Block Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding devices for aerial power conductors do not adequately address the safety concerns for line workers when installing new conductors, as they are prone to contact with energized parts, leading to potential injuries and hazards during the stringing process, especially when using modern stringing blocks like the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,763,648.
Innovation Solution
A grounding attachment for stringing blocks with a body and pivotally connected arms that exert downward force on conductors, featuring electrically conductive rollers and grounding lugs for secure attachment to a ground source, ensuring safe energy dissipation and reducing the risk of conductor sagging or jumping into energized lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aluminum rollers are used for stringing conductors, then the stringing operation can proceed, but line workers are exposed to electrical hazards from contact with energized parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulated grounding attachment as an intermediary device between the conductor and the ground. This attachment includes insulated arms that contact the conductor and grounding lugs that connect to ground, creating a safe path for energy dissipation while isolating workers from electrical hazards. The insulated materials act as mediators that allow electrical control without direct worker contact with energized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electrical energy that could injure workers into a beneficial controlled dissipation path. By providing grounding lugs and insulated grounding paths, the system allows excess energy on the conductor to be safely directed to ground through the attachment, transforming the potential hazard into a protective mechanism that safeguards workers while maintaining stringing operations.
2Reliability
If grounding attachments are added to stringing blocks, then worker safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding attachment is segmented into distinct functional components: insulated arms for contacting the conductor, grounding lugs for ground connection, and mounting mechanisms for attachment to the stringing block. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding attachment is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be attached to various stringing block configurations. The attachment serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing grounding, maintaining conductor position, and offering a structured platform for energy dissipation, thereby reducing the need for separate devices.
3Reliability
If multiple grounding lugs are provided on the grounding attachment, then reliable grounding is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding lugs are provided as separate, discrete components rather than integrated into a single complex structure. This segmentation allows each lug to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, simplifying production while ensuring reliable grounding connections through multiple attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides multiple grounding lugs with varying configurations and positions to accommodate different grounding scenarios and conductor types. By offering parameter variations in lug placement and configuration rather than a single complex design, the system achieves reliable grounding across multiple applications while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
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 grounding attachment effectively transfers energy from the conductor to the rollers and grounding lugs, providing a safe and reliable grounding solution that mitigates the risk of electrical hazards for line workers during the installation of new conductors, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
featuring electrically conductive rollers and grounding lugs for secure attachment to a ground source, ensuring safe energy dissipation
Implementation Method 2
with pivotally connected arms that exert downward force on conductors
Implementation Method 3
providing a safe and reliable grounding solution that mitigates the risk of electrical hazards for line workers during the installation of new conductors
Data Source
AI summary
A grounding attachment for use with a CRS Roller. The grounding attachment has a body having two arms. Each arm is pivotally attached to the body. The arms are configured to be biased downward onto a conductor positioned on the CRS Roller. Preferably a torsion spring biases the arms downward such that a roller attached to each arm rests on a conductor positioned within the radius block. Energy is conducted from the conductor, through the roller and arm to a grounding lug that is configured for a lineworker to attach a ground to the grounding device to allow the energy to reach the earth.