Hot Stick Adapter with Movable Hook for Dielectric Cover Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric hot sticks are limited in their ability to remotely manipulate and install dielectric covers used in electrical power transmission systems, as the hook on the hot stick may struggle to grip holes in the covers due to size and spacing, making it difficult to perform tasks like fastening or positioning protectors for electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A hot stick adapter with a movable hook and a lever assembly that allows the hook to extend beyond the work end of the hot stick, featuring a frame with a collar and latch system for secure mounting, and a tool mounting part that enables the use of various tools for gripping and fastening, allowing for remote operation within safe limits of approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard hot stick hook is used to manipulate dielectric covers, then the structure remains simple, but the hook cannot effectively grip holes in the covers due to size and spacing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hook movable relative to the hot stick body. The hook can extend beyond the work end of the hot stick and retract into it, allowing dynamic adjustment of the hook's position and reach. This enables the hook to access holes in dielectric covers that are positioned at various distances from the hot stick, improving gripping capability without requiring multiple fixed-length hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hot stick system into distinct functional components: the hot stick body, the movable hook, and the actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hook for gripping, the body for structural support, and the actuation mechanism for controlling hook movement. It also enables the hook to be replaced or adjusted without replacing the entire hot stick.
2Length of moving object
If the hook is extended to reach distant holes in dielectric covers, then the reach is improved, but the hook cannot be retracted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed to be dynamically movable between an extended position (for reaching distant holes) and a retracted position (for storage and safety). The actuation mechanism allows the operator to control the hook's position, extending it when needed to access holes at various distances and retracting it when not in use. This dynamic positioning capability provides both extended reach and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism (such as a cable, rod, or linkage system) that transmits the operator's input from the handle end of the hot stick to the hook at the work end. This intermediary allows the operator to control the hook's extension and retraction from a safe distance, enabling position adjustment without direct contact with the hook itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tool mounting is used on the hot stick, then the mounting structure is simple, but only single-purpose tools can be attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tool mounting interface on the hot stick that can accommodate various types of tools for different functions. The mounting structure includes standardized features (such as slots, holes, or attachment points) that allow single-purpose tools like hole saws, fasteners, or positioning devices to be attached and removed as needed. This enables one hot stick to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool mounting system is segmented into the hot stick body and interchangeable tool components. This segmentation allows tools to be independently selected and attached based on the specific task at hand, while the hot stick body remains a constant platform. The modular design simplifies the mounting structure by using standardized interfaces rather than custom-integrated tools.
4Ease of operation
If the operator positions themselves close to the work area for precise manipulation, then the manipulation precision is improved, but the operator enters the safe limit of approach
Solution Approach 1:
The hot stick itself serves as an intermediary tool that allows the operator to manipulate dielectric covers from a safe distance. The long insulated shaft transmits the operator's movements and forces to the hook and attached tools at the work end, enabling precise manipulation without the operator needing to be close to the electrical equipment. This maintains both safety and operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the operational dimension by using a long insulated shaft, allowing the operator to work from a different spatial position (further away from the electrical equipment) while still achieving the necessary manipulation precision. The lever assembly and mechanical linkages transmit movements efficiently over the length of the shaft, maintaining control precision despite the increased distance.
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
Enables the remote installation and manipulation of dielectric covers by converting the hook's movement into various forces, such as translation or rotational, to effectively grip and fasten components, enhancing the usability of dielectric hot sticks in electrical power transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lever assembly pivotally connected to the frame, the lever assembly having a first end with a connector for the hook and being at least partially within the lever passage, and the lever assembly having a second end defining or connected to a tool part to move the tool part relative to the frame to carry out a function when the hook moves along the axis of travel
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a dielectric hot stick, the hot stick having a hook, the hook being movable along an axis of travel that includes a retracted position where the hook is within an axial passage in the hot stick, and an extended position where the hook is extended past a work end of the hot stick, the adapter comprising: a frame with a hot stick seat shaped to be mounted on the work end of the hot stick, the frame defining a lever passage positioned to at least partially align with the axial passage in use; and a lever assembly pivotally connected to the frame, the lever assembly having a first end with a connector for the hook and being at least partially within the lever passage, and the lever assembly having a second end defining or connected to a tool part to move the tool part relative to the frame to carry out a function when the hook moves along the axis of travel.


