Resistance Probe With Abrading Element For Power Line Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring electrical resistance of components on aerial power lines face challenges due to the difficulty in achieving clean and direct electrical contact, especially when operators are at a distance from the components, leading to inaccurate and unreliable measurements.
Innovation Solution
A resistance-measuring device with an abrading mechanism that includes an electrically-conductive abrading element, mounted on a body with arms that can be displaced to rub against the component's surface, ensuring direct contact and cleaning the surface of dirt, oxidation, and corrosion, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual cleaning or clearing of the component surface is performed before measurement, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function and measurement function into a single integrated device. The probe includes both abrading elements for cleaning the connector surface and measurement electrodes for measuring resistance, allowing both operations to be performed in one step without requiring separate cleaning and measurement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The abrading elements are positioned to clean the connector surface automatically as the probe approaches and makes contact with the connector. This preliminary cleaning action occurs before the measurement electrodes establish full contact, ensuring the surface is clean during the measurement process without requiring a separate pre-cleaning step
2Measurement precision
If manual cleaning or clearing of the component surface is performed before measurement, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning and measurement operations are merged into a single simultaneous process. As the probe contacts the connector, the abrading elements clean the surface while the measurement electrodes measure resistance, eliminating the need for sequential operations and reducing total time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action continues throughout the measurement process rather than being a separate preliminary step. The abrading elements maintain contact with the connector surface during measurement, continuously removing contaminants and ensuring accurate readings throughout the measurement duration
3Reliability
If operators are located at a distance from the component for remote operation, then safety is improved, but achieving clean and direct electrical contact becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The probe performs self-cleaning through its own structure and motion. The abrading elements are automatically positioned to contact and clean the connector surface as the probe is applied, without requiring manual intervention or separate cleaning tools. This self-service cleaning ensures good electrical contact is achieved automatically during the measurement process
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 device provides accurate and reliable electrical resistance measurements by ensuring a clean and direct contact, reducing the need for separate cleaning operations and allowing for remote operation, facilitating the inspection and maintenance of aerial power line components.
Implementation Method 1
the abrading element rubbing against an outer surface of the component upon displacing the body to mount the body about the component
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A resistance-measuring device mountable to a component of a current-carrying transmission line. The device includes a body having a base and two arms with interconnected first ends and spaced-apart second ends. The arms define a gap therebetween. Each arm has an inner portion facing the gap. The body is displaceable to mount the body about the component and position the component within the gap. The body has an abrading mechanism mounted to the arms. The abrading mechanism has an electrically-conductive abrading element disposed along the arm and facing inwardly toward the gap. The abrading element rubs against an outer surface of the component upon displacing the body to mount the body about the component. A method is also disclosed.