Rotary Wire Tie Tool With Ring Gear for Live Line Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility workers face hazards when removing wire ties from energized power lines due to dangling high-voltage sections that are unpredictable and easily blown by wind, requiring a safer method for manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled and robotically actuated rotary tool with a planetary gear system and spring-loaded rod is used to unwind wire ties from conductors, featuring a ring gear that rotates with the conductor to safely manage the wire tie and potentially include abrasive bristles for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lineman manually removes wire ties from energized power lines, then the wire tie can be removed, but the lineman is exposed to electrical shock hazards and the dangling wire tie creates unpredictable safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic device with a specialized rotary tool serves as an intermediary between the lineman and the energized power line. The robot performs the wire tie removal operation remotely, eliminating direct human contact with the hazardous energized conductor while the lineman remains at a safe distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the hazardous operation (wire tie removal from energized line) from the operator (lineman) by dividing the task between a remote robotic device and the controlling human operator. This segmentation allows the dangerous function to be isolated from human exposure.
2Ease of operation
If the wire tie is unwound manually, then the wire tie can be removed, but the dangling high voltage section is easily blown by wind and creates unpredictable hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary tool with spring-loaded rod prepares for wire tie removal by inserting the rod between the conductor and wire tie before unwinding begins. This preliminary positioning ensures controlled unwinding and prevents the wire tie from becoming unpredictably dangled.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded rod automatically maintains contact with the wire tie during the unwinding process, using spring force to keep the rod positioned between the conductor and wire tie without requiring continuous manual adjustment. This self-regulating mechanism ensures stable, controlled removal.
3Productivity
If a rotary tool is used to unwind the wire tie, then the wire tie can be removed more efficiently, but the tool must be designed to operate remotely without direct human contact
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it positions itself on the conductor, inserts the spring-loaded rod, rotates to unwind the wire tie, and can potentially clean the conductor surface. This multi-functionality achieves efficient wire tie removal while consolidating the remote operation system rather than requiring separate devices for each task.
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 solution enables safe and efficient removal of wire ties from live power lines, reducing the risk of electrical shock and improving operational safety by allowing remote operation and automatic unwinding, while also cleaning conductors of corrosive material.
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.
Implementation Method 2
The ring gear is coupled to a spring-loaded rod that is inserted between the conductor and the wire tie. The spring-loaded rod may rotate with the ring gear and, by staying between the conductor and the wire tie, unwinds the wire tie from 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.