Pivoting Conductor Support Assembly for Stable Line Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical conductor support assemblies are large, bulky, and allow excessive movement of the conductor, posing safety risks during maintenance and installation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight electrical power conductor support assembly featuring a central wheel with obliquely extending arms and a pivotally attached support arm, designed to securely guide and restrain the conductor, with connecting ears for easy attachment to utility trucks, allowing for efficient management and reduced risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical conductor support assemblies are used, then the conductor can be supported, but the assembly becomes large, bulky, and unwieldy to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple components: a utility vehicle, a support arm with pivotable connection, a conductor support structure, and connection ears. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly, disassembly, and storage compared to a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is designed with pivotal connections that allow it to rotate and adjust its position dynamically. This dynamic capability enables the support assembly to adapt to different conductor positions and angles while maintaining a compact form when not in use, improving manageability without sacrificing support functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional electrical conductor support assemblies are used, then the conductor can be supported, but excess slack between side arms allows the conductor to slide along the length of the support assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are positioned and angled to preemptively counteract the tendency of the conductor to slide. The oblique extension of arms from the central wheel creates a geometric configuration that naturally restrains conductor movement before excessive slack can develop, preventing dangerous situations before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly utilizes a composite structure combining rigid support arms with a central wheel mechanism. This composite design provides both the structural integrity needed to restrain the conductor and the rotational flexibility to accommodate conductor tension and positioning requirements, ensuring stable conductor positioning.
3Ease of operation
If a lightweight and easy-to-assemble support assembly is provided, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to securely restrict conductor movement must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into modular components with standardized connection interfaces (connection ears with pins). This allows quick assembly and disassembly by simple connection operations while each segment maintains its structural integrity for reliable conductor restraint when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connection allows the support arm to dynamically adjust to the correct positioning angle during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. Once assembled, the same dynamic capability ensures the conductor is securely restrained while accommodating normal operational movements.
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 solution provides a safer, more manageable, and efficient means to support electrical power conductors by restricting movement and facilitating easy assembly and transport, enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a central wheel configured to receive an electrical power conductor and allow the electrical power conductor to be pulled along the wheel, such that the wheel rotates as the electrical power conductor is pulled
Implementation Method 2
A support assembly extends below the wheel and includes a support arm pivotally attached to a connection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power conductor support assembly has an upper support assembly. The upper support assembly has a central wheel configured to receive an electrical power conductor and allow the electrical power conductor to be pulled along the wheel, such that the wheel rotates as the electrical power conductor is pulled. A pair of opposing arms extend obliquely from either side of the wheel. The arms guide the electrical power conductor toward the wheel. A support assembly extends below the wheel and includes a support arm pivotally attached to a connection. The connection has a plurality of connecting ears adapted to releasably connect the support assembly to an extension arm of a utility truck.