Insulated Bucket Truck Layout for Cross Arm Installation Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated elevated work platforms (EWPs) face space and payload constraints due to bulky hydraulic components, complicating cross arm installations on utility poles.
Innovation Solution
An electrically insulated bucket truck system without in-bucket hydraulics, utilizing photonic power and fiber optics for remote control and power distribution, allowing for space-efficient and weight-reduced operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic controls, hydraulic motor/generators and hydraulic hoses are installed in the bucket, then power and control functions are provided, but the space consumed in the bucket increases and available payload decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hydraulic components (controls, motor/generators, hoses) from the bucket interior and relocates them to external mounting positions on the aerial device structure. This extraction eliminates the space consumption problem while maintaining all necessary power and control functions, allowing the bucket interior to be dedicated entirely to payload and work activities.
2Power
If hydraulic components are installed in the bucket, then power and control functions are provided, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting heavy hydraulic components from the bucket and mounting them externally on the aerial device structure, the patent reduces the weight burden on the bucket and its support structure. The external mounting allows for more efficient weight distribution and eliminates unnecessary weight in the payload-carrying bucket.
3Power
If in-the-bucket hydraulic components are installed, then power and control are provided, but payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all hydraulic components from the bucket interior, completely freeing up the bucket volume for payload and work activities. The external mounting of hydraulic components on the aerial device structure ensures that the bucket can accommodate cross arms, tools, and personnel without space constraints from hydraulic system components.
4Power
If hydraulic components are installed in the bucket, then power and control functions are provided, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting hydraulic components from the confined bucket space and mounting them externally on the aerial device structure, the patent simplifies the overall system architecture. The external mounting allows for better organization, routing, and maintenance of hydraulic components, reducing operational complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed which provides the ability to install a cross arm on a power pole utilizing an electrically isolated bucket which is free of all hydraulic components used by an operator in the bucket to manipulate the bucket. The system also utilizes an in-the-bucket rechargeable battery powered electric tool such as a saw, drill etc. without a need for a hydraulic electric generator in the bucket. The system includes the ability to provide communication to and from and to supply electrical power to remote portions of an electrically isolated boom, by transmitting optical power and control signals through an electrically non-conductive optical fiber.