Motorized Grounding Hot Stick for Automated Line Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical linemen face exhaustion due to the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of operating conventional grounding clamps on overhead electrical conductors, requiring numerous screw rotations which can be tiring and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A hot stick equipped with a brushless DC motor, torque connector, and locking mechanism that automates the clamping process, allowing for easier and faster operation of grounding clamps by transferring rotational torque and providing manual override options, along with a ratchet mechanism and wireless communication for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional grounding clamps are operated manually with a hot stick, then the clamp can be engaged on the overhead electrical conductor, but the process requires numerous screw rotations (at least 15) which is time-consuming and causes lineman exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screw rotation system with an automated motor-driven system. The hot stick includes a motor that automatically rotates the clamp's screw mechanism, eliminating the need for the lineman to manually rotate the stick 15 or more times. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated motorized operation directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The hot stick is designed to perform the tightening operation autonomously once positioned on the conductor. The motor automatically executes the screw rotation sequence without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself in completing the clamping operation. This self-service capability reduces both the physical effort required and the time needed to complete each clamping operation.
2Productivity
If the lineman operates many grounding clamps in the field, then the work gets completed, but the lineman becomes very exhausted due to the repetitive manual rotation required
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing manual mechanical rotation with an automated motor system, the patent eliminates the physically demanding repetitive motion that causes exhaustion. The motor handles all rotational force requirements, allowing the lineman to simply position and trigger the clamp without exerting significant physical effort, thereby maintaining productivity while dramatically reducing physical strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor acts as an intermediary between the lineman's simple triggering action and the complex task of rotating the screw mechanism multiple times. This intermediary device performs the labor-intensive rotation task, mediating between the operator's minimal input and the required mechanical work, thus enabling high productivity without physical exhaustion.
3Extent of automation
If an automated motor system is added to the hot stick, then the clamping process is automated and physical effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized hot stick is designed to perform multiple functions: it can automatically tighten clamps, hold clamps in position, and potentially adjust clamp pressure. By making the device multi-functional, the added complexity is justified as the same automated system provides multiple operational capabilities that would otherwise require separate manual operations or additional specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hot stick from purely manual mechanical operation to automated motorized operation. This parameter change enables automation while the complexity increase is managed through careful selection of motor specifications and control mechanisms that match the specific requirements of clamp operation, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
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
The hot stick significantly reduces the physical effort required to clamp and unclamp grounding clamps, enhancing efficiency and safety by automating the process while providing manual override and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A hot stick equipped with a brushless DC motor, torque connector, and locking mechanism that automates the clamping process
Data Source
AI summary
A shotgun stick for use with grounding devices is provided. An example shotgun stick includes a housing and a drive shaft supported within the housing. The shotgun stick further includes a torque connector coupled with a first end of the drive shaft that receives a grounding clamp assembly. The shotgun stick includes a motor assembly operably connected to a second end of the drive shaft. In an automatic mode, the motor assembly drives the drive shaft so as to actuate the grounding clamp assembly received by the torque connector. The shotgun stick also includes a manual locking mechanism. In a manual mode, the manual locking assembly locks the drive shaft to at least a portion of the housing so as to preclude rotation of the drive shaft and allow manual actuation of the grounding clamp assembly received by the torque connector.