Helicopter-Lifted Work Platform for Live Top-Line Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing grounding cables on high-voltage towers require power to be turned off, posing significant risks and costs, and lack a safe and efficient platform for operators to perform assembly tasks.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter-lifted work platform with a mounting box, walkway, and cable hook system that allows safe attachment and detachment to high-voltage masts, enabling operations on live high-voltage lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to replace grounding cables, then the work can be completed with simple equipment, but the power must be turned off causing enormous costs and societal disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a helicopter-lifted work platform as an intermediary system that enables operators to work safely on live high-voltage lines. The platform includes a mounting box with fastening means to attach to the traverse, a walkway for operator access, and cable hooks for securing the grounding cable, creating a safe intermediate workspace between the helicopter and the live electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The work platform is designed to be dynamically deployable and removable via helicopter lift, allowing the system to be quickly deployed when needed and removed when not in use. This dynamic capability enables work on live lines without requiring permanent infrastructure or prolonged power outages
2Ease of operation
If a fixed work platform is installed on the traverse, then operators have a stable working surface, but the platform cannot be easily deployed or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The platform transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic deployable system. The mounting box can be quickly attached or detached from the traverse, and the walkway can be folded or extended as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent installation
Solution Approach 2:
The walkway is designed to fold or nest when not in use, allowing the entire platform to be compacted for helicopter transport. The mounting box serves as the base structure that can be quickly deployed, and the walkway components can be stored within or alongside it when not required
3Ease of manufacture
If operators perform manual assembly operations outside the topline, then the work can be completed with simple tools, but the work becomes very stressful and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed mounting box serves as a protective intermediary between operators and the hazardous live electrical environment. Operators work from within or adjacent to the protected space rather than directly exposed to the live lines, significantly reducing risk while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The platform design incorporates safety features in advance, including the enclosed mounting box structure, fastening mechanisms to secure the platform, and cable hooks to securely hold the grounding cable. These protective measures are built into the system before operators begin work, cushioning them from potential hazards
4Ease of operation
If the walkway is always extended for operator access, then operators can easily reach the topline, but the platform cannot be efficiently transported by helicopter
Solution Approach 1:
The walkway is designed as a dynamic component that can change configuration. When extended, it provides operator access to the topline; when folded or retracted, it reduces the platform's overall size and weight for efficient helicopter transport. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between accessibility and transport efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A helicopter-lifted work platform (1) for replacing a top line (2) in a live high-voltage mast (3) with a horizontal traverse (16) is described. The work platform (1) comprises a mounting box (5) comprising fastening means (6) for fastening the mounting box (5) to the traverse (16) of a high-voltage mast (3) and a walkway (7) which is attached to the mounting box and which in its collapsed state lies above the mounting box (5) and which in its unfolded state extends perpendicularly outwards from a centerline ML of the mounting box (5) in opposite horizontal directions. The work platform further comprises a cable hook (8) attached to the respective outer ends of the walkway (7) for hooking onto the top line so that the walkway (7) is supported at its outer ends and at least three lifting units (15) attached to the mounting box (5) which are accessible for helicopter lifting when the walkway (7) is in its folded states.