Retractable Hook Housing for Secure Live-Line Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing live-line maintenance techniques face challenges in efficiently manipulating tools at high voltages, particularly when using lengthy poles, which can lead to difficulties in securely attaching and detaching workpieces like hot line tap clamps from power lines.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing having intersecting first and second channels, a retractable and rotatable hook, and a shuttle mechanism that allows the hook to be secured in a first channel orientation for engagement with a workpiece and then rotated to a second channel orientation for partial retraction into the housing, facilitating safe manipulation and transfer of workpieces on high-voltage power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lengthy poles are used for live-line maintenance, then the minimum clearance distance from live equipment is maintained, but the manipulation of tools and workpieces becomes difficult and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is nested within the housing structure, allowing it to retract into the housing when not in use and extend when needed for workpiece engagement. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall operational length required while maintaining the safety clearance benefit of longer poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is made dynamically adjustable through the shuttle mechanism, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration enables the operator to have both the safety of long clearance distances and the operational ease of having the tool components positioned optimally when needed.
2Reliability
If the hook is kept extended for workpiece engagement, then the workpiece can be securely attached, but the risk of accidental contact with power lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic system that can retract into the housing. The shuttle mechanism allows the hook to be positioned exactly when needed for secure workpiece engagement, then retracted to minimize exposure to electrical hazards during movement or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is extracted from the housing only when specifically needed for workpiece engagement. During non-operational phases, the hook remains retracted within the housing, separating the functional component from the hazardous environment and reducing the risk of accidental electrical contact.
3Reliability
If traditional hot stick methods are used, then safety clearance is maintained, but the ability to manipulate and transfer workpieces efficiently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the housing provides structural support and protection, the retractable hook enables workpiece engagement and transfer, and the shuttle mechanism provides positioning control. This multi-functional design maintains safety clearance while significantly improving workpiece manipulation efficiency compared to traditional single-function hot sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic retractable hook system allows for efficient workpiece manipulation by enabling quick extension for engagement, secure holding during transfer, and retraction when not needed. This dynamic capability increases productivity while maintaining the safety benefits of extended operational reach.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for moving a workpiece on a power line. A device can comprise a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be operable to couple with a rod. The distal end can have first and second intersecting channels, wherein the first channel can provide access to an interior portion of the housing. The device can further comprise a hook retractably and rotatably coupled to the housing. The hook can be irretractable into the interior portion of the housing when the hook is aligned with the first channel, and the hook can be at least partially retractable into the interior portion of the housing when the hook is aligned with the second channel.