Hinged Power Pedestal Base for Fast Storm Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power pedestals are difficult to quickly and easily disassemble for protection during storm conditions, as they often require complex electrical and mechanical connections that can lead to hot spots and electrical faults, and previous designs have not adequately addressed the need to minimize damage from environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A base assembly for power pedestals featuring a hinge mechanism that allows the elongated housing to be removably coupled without separate fasteners, along with an electrical bus mount that remains intact during removal, facilitating quick disassembly and reassembly while maintaining electrical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are hard-wired between base and upper pedestal portions, then electrical connections are secure and reliable, but the pedestal cannot be quickly separated for storm protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power pedestal into separable base and upper pedestal portions with a hinge mechanism that allows the upper portion to be detached from the base. This segmentation enables the upper pedestal containing electrical components to be quickly removed for storm protection while the base remains installed, resolving the contradiction between secure electrical connections and ease of separation.
2Ease of operation
If a modular design with isolated electrical components is used, then some components can be quickly removed, but the majority of the power pedestal remains exposed and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables separation of the upper pedestal (containing most electrical components) from the base, allowing the majority of the power pedestal to be removed for protection during storms, thereby reducing exposure to harmful environmental factors while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical stabs and jaws are used for connection, then electrical connections can be made, but the number of electrical and mechanical connections increases, creating potential for hot spots and electrical faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical connections into a single integrated hinge mechanism that provides both mechanical attachment and electrical connectivity. This consolidation reduces the number of separate electrical stabs and jaws, thereby minimizing potential sources of hot spots and electrical faults while maintaining full electrical connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary component that simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical connection between the base and upper pedestal. This single intermediary element replaces multiple separate electrical and mechanical connectors, reducing complexity and potential failure points.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pedestal is repetitively removed and installed, then flexibility for storm protection is achieved, but the mechanical connection strength between stabs and jaws decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed as a dynamic connection that maintains full mechanical and electrical functionality through repeated attachment and detachment cycles. Unlike rigid press-fit connections that degrade with use, the hinge's articulated design allows for smooth, controlled movement that preserves connection strength and reliability over multiple storm protection cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A base assembly is provided for a power pedestal including an elongated housing and a plurality of electrical conductors enclosable by the elongated housing. The elongated housing has a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. The base assembly includes a power pedestal base member having a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. The second end of the base member is structured to be coupled to a platform. A connecting mechanism, such as a hinge assembly, is disposed at or about the first end of the base member and removably couples the first end of the elongated housing to the base member without a number of separate fasteners, thereby facilitating removal of the elongated housing from the base member. An electrical bus mount may be removably coupled to a mounting surface of the base member.