Portable Pole-Mounted Manipulator for Energized Conductor Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for transferring energized overhead electrical lines are labor-intensive, physically strenuous, and require temporary supports, which can be unsafe and inefficient, especially when bucket trucks are not accessible or when handling multiple conductors.

Innovation Solution

A portable manipulator with a lifting assembly, motor units, and a control unit that allows for remote operation, enabling the safe and efficient transfer of energized conductors by fastening to a pole and using telescopic and transverse displacement mechanisms to lift and move conductors without the need for a bucket truck.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling with insulating sticks is used in locations unreachable to bucket trucks, then the work can be performed in inaccessible locations, but the work becomes physically strenuous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to locationsVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator is self-contained with integrated motor units that automatically perform the lifting and transverse displacement of conductors, eliminating the need for manual operation with insulating sticks while being portable enough to reach inaccessible locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operation with insulating sticks is replaced by an automated motor-driven manipulator system that performs conductor handling tasks automatically, significantly reducing physical strain and time requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If bucket truck with temporary crossarm is used, then simultaneous raising and displacement of conductors is possible, but the bucket truck is generally not usable in backyards and has limited accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor transfer speedVSAvoidlocation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator is divided into separate functional modules (lifting assembly, transverse displacement assembly, fastening assembly) that can be independently designed and assembled, allowing the system to be compact and portable while maintaining simultaneous conductor handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator fastens to the pole itself, utilizing the vertical dimension of the pole structure for mounting, which allows operation in locations where bucket trucks cannot access, while still enabling simultaneous lifting and transverse displacement of conductors through its two-axis movement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If bucket truck is used for lifting conductors, then conductor transfer can be performed, but the mechanical load may exceed the lift capacity of the bucket truck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor lifting capabilityVSAvoidbucket truck lift capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting function is extracted from the bucket truck and integrated directly into the manipulator system mounted on the pole, eliminating the need for the bucket truck to provide lifting capacity and allowing operation with much smaller, more portable equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator acts as an intermediary device mounted on the pole that handles the mechanical lifting and displacement tasks, separating the pole (which provides structural support) from the bucket truck (which provides only positioning and operator platform functions)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If temporary supports are installed for conductor transfer, then the transfer can be performed safely, but the procedure becomes complex and requires installation and dismantling of additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of conductor transferVSAvoidnumber of temporary supports

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting assembly and transverse displacement assembly are merged into a single integrated manipulator unit that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate temporary supports and simplifying the overall procedure while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manipulator is designed as a multi-functional device that can both lift conductors vertically and displace them transversely, as well as fasten to the pole and support multiple conductors simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized temporary support structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8714525B2Portable manipulator for carrying out works on energized overhead electrical lines

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 HYDRO QUEBEC CORP

AI summary

A manipulator for lifting conductors of an energized electrical line from a first pole to a second pole. The manipulator has a vertical lifting assembly on which a transverse displacement assembly is mounted. The vertical lifting assembly is attachable to one of the poles by a fastening assembly. The transverse displacement assembly has a mobile element provided with a number of insulators on which conductor holders for receiving the conductors of the electrical line to be lifted are mounted. The transverse displacement of the mobile element and the displacement of another mobile element of the lifting assembly are achieved by motor units controlled by a control unit.