Insulated Bucket Power Transfer for Utility Pole Cross-Arm Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulated elevated work platforms (EWPs) face space and payload constraints due to bulky hydraulic components, which complicate cross-arm installation on utility poles.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a photonic power module, optical fiber, and photovoltaic power converter to provide electric power in an elevated work platform, eliminating hydraulic systems and enabling remote control of boom operations through fiber-optic communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic components are installed in the insulated bucket to control boom operations, then the EWP can perform elevated work functions, but the space and payload capacity of the bucket are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidbucket space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the hydraulic control components from the bucket and relocates them to the ground-based vehicle. This allows the bucket to be freed from the weight and volume of hydraulic systems, enabling it to carry cross arms and other installation equipment while maintaining full control functionality through remote ground-based operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic control system with an electrical control system using wired or wireless communication between ground-based controls and the EWP. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, and hoses in the bucket, significantly freeing up space and payload capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If hydraulic components are installed in the insulated bucket, then the EWP can be controlled from the bucket, but the weight of the hydraulic system reduces the payload capacity for cross arm installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidpayload capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system weight is extracted from the bucket and transferred to the vehicle platform. This weight redistribution increases the bucket's effective payload capacity for carrying cross arms and installation tools while maintaining operational control through ground-based interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the heavy mechanical hydraulic system with a lighter electrical control system using motors, sensors, and communication circuits. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight burden in the bucket while preserving full control capabilities through electrical signals transmitted to the boom and bucket actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the bucket space is reduced by hydraulic components, then the EWP maintains control functionality, but the ability to perform cross arm installation tasks is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting hydraulic components from the bucket, the patent creates sufficient space to carry cross arms, mounting hardware, and installation tools directly in the bucket. This enables complete cross arm installation operations to be performed from the elevated platform without returning to the ground for equipment retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the EWP system to perform multiple functions: elevated work platform operation, cross arm installation, and tool operation. By consolidating control functionality in the ground-based system and freeing bucket space, the EWP becomes a multi-functional platform capable of completing entire installation tasks from elevation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces space and weight of hydraulic components, allowing efficient installation of cross arms on utility poles by providing power and control signals through optical fibers, enhancing operational flexibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a photovoltaic power converter electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260045801A1System and method for installing a cross arm on a utility pole

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TEREX USA LLC

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.