Modular Wildlife Guard Assemblies for Power Insulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wildlife such as squirrels and birds can form electrical short circuits between high voltage power distribution equipment and earth potential, leading to fatal consequences for both the wildlife and equipment, and power supply interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A wildlife guard assembly comprising at least three moveable shell body guard members that can be serially connected to form an enclosure around an electrical insulator body, providing a modular system to fit different sizes and configurations, effectively preventing wildlife from bridging high voltage and earth potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixed wildlife guard (disk with aperture) is installed on an insulator, then wildlife are prevented from bridging high voltage and earth potential, but the guard cannot be adapted to different insulator sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The wildlife guard is divided into multiple modular guard members (typically three) that can be serially connected to form an enclosure. Each guard member is a separate unit that can be independently installed and configured, allowing the overall structure to be adapted to different insulator sizes by varying the number and arrangement of members.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard members are designed with movable connections (hinges or pivots) that allow the assembly to dynamically adjust its configuration. The members can be positioned in different orientations and angles to accommodate various insulator shapes and sizes, transforming from a static fixed guard into a dynamic adaptable structure.
2Reliability
If a custom-designed wildlife guard is created for each insulator size, then perfect fit and protection are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized guard member design serves multiple functions across different insulator types and sizes. By combining three identical or similar guard members in different configurations, the system can protect various insulator sizes without requiring custom designs for each case, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular guard members can be nested or stacked in different arrangements to create enclosures of varying sizes. The same basic unit can be repeated and combined in series to scale the protection to match different insulator dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple unique designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with movable guard members is used, then adaptability to different insulators is improved, but the complexity of assembly and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guard is segmented into standardized modular members that simplify handling and installation. Each member is a manageable unit that can be independently positioned and connected, making the assembly process more straightforward despite the increased configurational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar guard members are combined through simple connections (hinges, pivots, or fasteners) to form the complete enclosure. This merging approach allows complex configurations to be achieved through repeated use of simple, standardized components rather than requiring complex single-piece designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A wildlife guard assembly for an electrical insulator body includes at least three guard members serially connected to one another such that at least one of the guard members is moveable relative to the others. Each of the guard members has a respective shell body. The guard members are selectively movable between an open position, wherein the guard members are configured to receive the insulator body, and a closed position, wherein the shell bodies of the at least three guard members collectively form an enclosure defining a chamber to receive the insulator body such that at least a portion of the insulator body is enclosed by the enclosure.