Motorized Telescoping Hot Stick for Precise One-Handed Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrically insulated telescoping poles, or hot sticks, require manual extension, which is slow, difficult, and dangerous for utility workers, especially when working at heights, and lack precision in length adjustment, making maintenance in tight spaces challenging and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
An electronically actuated telescoping pole with a motorized system using a handle, drive belts, and square rib supports allows for precise extension and retraction of nesting tubes, enabling safe and efficient operation without manual manipulation, with a battery-powered motor and various tools attachable to the end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual extension of telescoping hot sticks is used, then the pole can be extended to various lengths, but the process is slow, difficult, and dangerous requiring both hands free and stopping work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical extension system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor, controlled by a switch, automatically extends and retracts the telescoping sections through a drive mechanism, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and allowing one-handed operation while maintaining work continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole system performs its own extension and retraction operations automatically through the motor-driven mechanism. The system serves itself by internally managing the telescoping sections without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving operational ease and productivity
2Measurement precision
If telescoping hot sticks use predetermined integer lengths, then the structure is simple, but precision in length adjustment is impossible making maintenance in tight spaces difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static predetermined length sections to a dynamic telescoping system where sections can extend and retract continuously. The motor-driven mechanism allows the pole to achieve any length within its range, not just fixed increments, enabling precise length adjustment for tight spaces while maintaining manageable structural complexity through automated control
3Reliability
If utility workers maintain safe distance from high-voltage components, then safety is improved, but accessibility to components for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pole into multiple telescoping sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the pole to extend to precise lengths that maintain safe clearance from high-voltage components while still reaching distant equipment, and to retract to smaller sizes for navigation through tight access spaces, thereby simultaneously improving safety and accessibility
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 electronic telescoping pole enhances safety and efficiency by allowing precise length adjustment and operation with one hand, reducing the risk of accidents and improving maintenance accessibility in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A motor has a power source and is located within the handle
Implementation Method 2
In an extended position, the at least one drive belt is operable upon the plurality of square rib supports to telescopically extend the plurality of nesting tubes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic telescoping pole, includes a handle. A motor has a power source and is located within the handle. A plurality of nesting tubes is telescopically extendable from the handle. Each tube has a square rib support within the tube. At least one drive belt is in mechanical communication with the motor and the plurality of square rib supports. In a retracted position, the plurality of nesting tubes and square rib supports are nested, one within another. In an extended position, the at least one drive belt is operable upon the plurality of square rib supports to telescopically extend the plurality of nesting tubes.