Retractable Cable Loop Assembly for Pad-Mounted Transformer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility workers face risks of death or serious injury when attempting to reach, grasp, and reposition underground electric power cables in pad-mounted transformer units due to the need to physically extend their arms into energized environments, lacking adequate protection above the elbow.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a shotgun stick with a retractable hook or jaw assembly and flexible loop, allowing the worker to grasp and manipulate power cables without direct arm extension, by extending the hook into a flexible loop, closing it around the cable, and retracting to secure and transfer the cable within the transformer cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the utility worker reaches down into or through the bottom of the cabinet to grasp the power cable, then the worker can manually manipulate and reposition the cable, but the worker's arm is exposed to energized electrical distribution lines and equipment creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable retrieval assembly as an intermediary tool between the worker and the energized environment. This assembly includes a retractable cable gripper that can be extended into the cabinet, grasp the cable, and retract with the cable secured to the gripper, allowing the worker to manipulate cables without direct arm exposure to hazardous areas
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retrieval assembly is divided into functional segments: an extendable arm mechanism for reaching into the cabinet, a retractable cable gripper for securing the cable, and a controlled retraction system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining safety distance from energized components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the worker uses a rubber safety glove to protect the forearm, then some protection is provided, but protection above the elbow is not provided leaving the worker vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the worker's arm from the hazardous environment entirely by using the cable retrieval assembly to perform all cable manipulation tasks. The gripper extends into the cabinet, grasps the cable, and retracts with the cable secured, eliminating the need for the worker to place their arm in dangerous areas where additional protective equipment would be required
3Ease of operation
If the worker manually reaches into the cabinet to grasp and pull cables upwardly, then direct cable handling is achieved, but the worker is exposed to death or serious injury from energized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retrieval assembly serves as a safety intermediary that performs all hazardous operations inside the cabinet. The extendable arm with retractable gripper allows the worker to grasp and manipulate cables without direct physical contact, eliminating exposure to energized equipment while maintaining full cable handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable cable gripper is designed to autonomously grasp and secure the cable, then retract with the cable firmly held. The mechanism self-contains the cable during retraction, ensuring the worker never needs to reach into hazardous areas, making the system inherently safe without requiring worker intervention in dangerous zones
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method using a flexible loop, which is attached to and can be retracted into the head structure on the forward end of a high-voltage shotgun stick, to reach and grasp underground electric power cables and to pull the power cables into the cabinet of a pad-mounted transformer or to otherwise reposition the ends of the power cables in the transformer cabinet.