Planetary Rotary Tool for Live Conductor Wire Tie Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Utility workers face hazards when manipulating wire ties on energized power lines due to dangling high-voltage sections that are unpredictable and easily blown by wind, requiring a safer method for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated rotary tool with a planetary gear system and spring-loaded rod is used to unwind wire ties from conductors, allowing for remote operation and reducing the risk of electrical shock and wind-induced hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lineman manually manipulates wire ties on energized power lines, then the wire ties can be removed and maintenance can be performed, but the lineman is exposed to electrical shock hazards and the dangling high-voltage wire tie sections create unpredictable safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic manipulator with a rotary tool serves as an intermediary between the lineman and the energized power line components. The robotic system performs the dangerous task of wire tie manipulation remotely, eliminating direct human exposure to electrical hazards while maintaining operational capability through automated cutting and removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical manipulation of wire ties by a lineman is replaced with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, motors, and computer control. The robotic manipulator uses mechanical cutting tools and rotational mechanisms to perform wire tie removal without requiring human hands to be near energized components
2Ease of manufacture
If the wire tie is unwound from the conductor, then the wire tie is removed from the conductor, but the unwound portion becomes a dangling high-voltage hazard that is easily blown by wind
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary tool rapidly cuts through the wire tie material, quickly separating the bound portion from the conductor. This rapid cutting action minimizes the time during which a dangling high-voltage section exists, reducing the window of hazard exposure before the wire tie is fully removed and controlled
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary tool extracts and removes the wire tie material from the conductor by cutting through it. The cutting mechanism separates the wire tie into manageable sections, removing the harmful dangling portion while maintaining the necessary function of conductor separation
3Productivity
If a rotary tool is used to unwind wire ties, then the wire tie manipulation is more efficient, but the tool must be remotely operated to eliminate safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various power line maintenance tasks including wire tie removal, conductor manipulation, and component installation. This universal design consolidates multiple specialized tools into one system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high productivity across different maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary tool is integrated with the robotic manipulator system, combining the cutting function with the positioning and control mechanisms in a single unified tool. This merging eliminates the need for separate remote handling systems and manual tool operation, streamlining the overall system complexity while enhancing manipulation efficiency
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 rotary tool enables safe and efficient manipulation of wire ties on live power lines by unwinding them remotely, reducing the risk of electrical shock and improving operational safety for utility workers.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary tool may comprise a drive system configured as a planetary gear set. In some embodiments, a ring gear of the planetary gear set comprises a receiving portion in which a free end of the wire tie is received. The receiving portion may rotate with the ring gear and about the conductor to unwind the wire tie therefrom.
Implementation Method 2
The spring-loaded rod may comprise external wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor.
Implementation Method 3
The spring-loaded rod may comprise external wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor.
Data Source
AI summary
Rotary tools for operating on energized power lines are described herein. The rotary tool may be used to manipulate wire ties wrapped around the conductors and to clean the conductors. The rotary tool may comprise a planetary gear set. A ring gear may comprise a receiving portion through which an end of the wire tie is received and, as the ring gear rotates, the wire tie is fed through the receiving portion and unwound about the conductor. A spring-loaded rod assembly may also be used, having a rod that is kept proximal to the conductor by the spring. The rod may be inserted between the conductor and the wire tie and rotated along with the ring gear to unwind the wire tie. The rod may comprise wire bristles to abrade corrosive material off the conductor. The rotary tool may be remotely operated by a robotic unit.