Modular Hot Line Jib Assembly With Nested MAD Barrier Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular hot line jib assemblies face challenges in efficiently supporting and safely isolating high-voltage power lines during maintenance, particularly in terms of minimizing the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) and ensuring electrical safety.
Innovation Solution
The modular hot line jib assembly is composed of six sub-assemblies, including a primary articulating jib, a secondary pin-on jib, a MAD Barrier sub-assembly, two boom clamping sleeve conductor holder sub-assemblies, and a MAD conductor holder sub-assembly. These components work together to provide a safe and efficient means of supporting power lines by maintaining the MAD clearance and preventing electrical paths to ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MAD Barrier sub-assembly is deployed to maintain clearance distance, then electrical safety is improved, but the overall height and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MAD Barrier sub-assembly is designed to nest within the jib assembly structure when not in use. The crossbeam sections and telescopic support posts can be collapsed and stored within the booms, eliminating the need for separate storage space while maintaining electrical safety when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The MAD Barrier sub-assembly incorporates telescopic support posts that can dynamically extend to provide the required MAD clearance distance during operation, then retract to minimize height for storage. This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to serve both safety and storage efficiency requirements
2Ease of operation
If the modular design with multiple sub-assemblies is used, then ease of deployment and storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jib assembly is divided into modular sub-assemblies (primary articulating jib, secondary pin-on jib, MAD Barrier sub-assembly, conductor holder sub-assemblies) that can be independently deployed and stowed. Each module is designed with standardized connection interfaces, simplifying the deployment process despite the increased number of components
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting holes in the primary boom base socket serve multiple functions: they can function as coaxial hinges for pivoting the secondary jib or as coaxial locking pins for securing it in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the complexity introduced by modular design
3Reliability
If the MAD Barrier sub-assembly is used to prevent electrical paths to ground, then electrical safety is improved, but the overall height of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MAD Barrier sub-assembly uses telescopic support posts that can extend vertically to provide the required MAD clearance distance when the jib is positioned near power lines, then retract to minimize the overall height for storage and transport, dynamically adapting to operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular hot line jib assembly with two opposite facing coaxial booms removably mountable to a boom lift and operated by a radio transmitter. The present invention allows temporary handling of energised powerline conductors of multiple configurations for installation, maintenance, and storm and disaster repair procedures. The present invention also provides modular sub-assemblies which can be installed at the vehicle home base allowing the vehicle to travel with job-related sub-assemblies pre-installed.The present invention provides multiple safety and functionality improvements for enhanced electrical safety of line crew workers including electrical insulation and structural capacity monitoring. Considering that energized work is fraught with fatal accidents, there is also a requirement for electrically insulated equipment which provides a Minimum Approach Distance Barrier to physically restrict energised electrical circuits from creating phase to ground electrical circuits and to reduce possibility of electrical contacts and save lives.