Spring-Loaded Marker Ball Clamp for Aerial Cable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting marker balls on aboveground cables, such as overhead power lines, pose risks to human personnel and are inefficient due to the need for manual deployment in hazardous conditions, especially in inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
A marker ball mounting device with a spring-loaded clamp and collapsible trigger mechanism that automatically clamps onto cables, allowing deployment from an air vehicle, and a deployment system that includes a suspension device for carrying and releasing the mounting devices, ensuring secure attachment and detachment from the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deployment by utility grid workers using man-lift crane baskets or helicopters is used, then marker balls can be mounted on aboveground cables, but human personnel are placed at risk of high altitudes and near live electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to autonomously clamp onto the cable and secure the marker ball without requiring human intervention. The spring-loaded clamp automatically engages with the cable when the device is lowered, and the collapsible trigger mechanism automatically releases the clamp after mounting, enabling the system to service itself and eliminating exposure risks for human workers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operations performed by workers with an automated mechanical system. The spring-loaded clamp and collapsible trigger create an automatic mounting mechanism that functions without human control, substituting the skilled manual labor and physical risk with a self-actuating mechanical system
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual deployment methods are used, then marker balls can be mounted on accessible sections of cables, but sections of aboveground cables become inaccessible due to rough terrain and various physical obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based manual deployment to aerial deployment via helicopter. By moving the deployment operation to the aerial dimension, the system can access cable sections that are unreachable from the ground due to rough terrain or physical obstacles, fundamentally changing the operational dimension to overcome accessibility limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mounting device eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation in difficult terrain. The device automatically orients itself, clamps onto the cable, and secures the marker ball without requiring skilled operators to navigate rough terrain or perform complex manual tasks, greatly simplifying the ease of operation
3Extent of automation
If spring-loaded clamp with collapsible trigger is used, then automatic clamping onto cable is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp is designed to automatically engage and disengage without external control. The collapsible trigger mechanism uses the cable itself as the actuating element - when the cable passes through, it automatically triggers the release. This self-service design achieves automation through passive mechanical means rather than active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible trigger acts as an intermediary between the cable and the clamp mechanism. Instead of requiring direct control or complex sensing systems, the trigger translates the simple presence of the cable into the automatic clamping and releasing actions, mediating the interaction in a mechanically simple way
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 safe and efficient deployment of marker balls on aboveground cables without human intervention, reducing risks and improving accessibility to all sections of the cables.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded clamp that automatically clamps onto a cable
Implementation Method 2
a collapsible trigger capable of forcibly holding said spring-loaded clamp in an open state
Data Source
AI summary
A marker ball mounting device, comprising a spring-loaded clamp, adapted with a spring-loaded arrangement to force and maintain said spring-loaded clamp in a closed state, and with a collapsible trigger capable of forcibly holding said spring-loaded clamp in an open state; and seat that attaches to the side of a marker ball and supports said spring-loaded clamp, wherein said seat comprises a clasp that supports said spring-loaded clamp and provides firm attachment thereof with said seat, wherein said spring-loaded clamp is configured to detachably connect with a suspension device while being held in an open state by said collapsible trigger and to simultaneously clamp onto a cable, that trips said collapsible trigger, and disconnect from said suspension device.