Overhead Line Grounding Device with Electronic Key Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for grounding overhead electrical lines are inadequate as they require multiple devices for each conductor, are unusable if the removable key is lost, and cannot efficiently control multiple clamps and vices simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A device with communication means between control and locking mechanisms, allowing electronic key-like control over multiple vices and clamps, enabling efficient grounding of multiple conductors and easy reprogramming of lost keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single removable key is used to control multiple vices and clamps, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because the system becomes completely unusable if the key is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of control keysVSAvoidsystem usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into multiple independent electronic keys, each capable of controlling specific vices and clamps individually. This segmentation means that if one electronic key is lost, the system can continue to function using other keys, thereby maintaining reliability while still reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanical keys for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple separate grounding devices are provided for each conductor, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding assuranceVSAvoidnumber of grounding devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple vices and clamps into a single integrated grounding device that can simultaneously ground multiple conductors. The device includes multiple vices (2, 3) and clamps (4, 5, 6, 7) that can be controlled by a single electronic key, reducing the total number of separate grounding devices needed while maintaining reliable grounding assurance for each conductor through the unified control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If communication means are added between control and locking mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-control systems with an electronic communication-based system. Electronic keys transmit control signals wirelessly or through electrical connections to the locking mechanisms of vices and clamps, eliminating the need for physical key insertion and manipulation. This substitution significantly improves ease of operation while the modular communication architecture helps manage the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4016767B1Device for earthing at least one electrical conductor of an overhead line
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 FAMECA
  • EP4016767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4016767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4016767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a grounding device (1) for at least one electrical conductor of an overhead power line. This device (1) comprises, on the one hand, at least one vise (2) with clamping means (3), means for operating these clamping means (3), and locking means (5) for these operating means (4), on the other hand, at least one clamp (6) with clamping means (7), means for operating these clamping means (7), and locking means (9) for these operating means (8), and on the other hand, removable control means (10) for the locking means (5; 9).This device (1) includes means for communicating data (11; 12; 13) between the control means (10) and the locking means (5; 9), these control means (10) being configured to control the locking means (5) of said at least one vise (2) and the locking means (9) of said at least one clamp (6), according to the data communicated.