Rotating Conductor Holder for Power Line Restringing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of restringing or reconductoring high voltage power lines is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need to rotate and position heavy sub-conductors from a vertical to a horizontal orientation without allowing them to entangle, especially when multiple sub-conductors are involved, requiring cumbersome manual handling or heavy mechanical devices.
Innovation Solution
A rotating conductor holder that allows for the secure rotation of two or more sub-conductors through a 90-degree arc from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, maintaining separation distance, and can be mounted on a support structure for easy manipulation using a robotic arm or boom, utilizing conductor retainers and a rotatable base with actuation for efficient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heavy sub-conductors are manually handled or positioned using traditional mechanical devices, then the sub-conductors can be moved from vertical to horizontal orientation, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sub-conductors and their positioning operations into a single integrated holder assembly. The holder simultaneously holds multiple sub-conductors in both vertical and horizontal positions, allowing them to be rotated together as one unit rather than individually, thus reducing the time and effort required for the restringing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable base member that enables dynamic repositioning of the holder from vertical to horizontal orientation. This rotational mechanism allows the sub-conductors to be easily transitioned between positions without manual handling, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing time loss
2Reliability
If multiple sub-conductors are rotated and positioned separately, then each sub-conductor can be securely placed in travelers, but the sub-conductors may become entangled during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sub-conductors into a single holder assembly where they are simultaneously positioned and secured. This unified approach ensures that sub-conductors maintain their relative positions and separation distances throughout the rotation process, eliminating entanglement risks while simplifying the handling procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is pre-configured with multiple retaining positions for sub-conductors in both vertical and horizontal orientations. This preliminary arrangement ensures that sub-conductors are already positioned and secured before rotation begins, preventing entanglement during the transition and improving overall safety
3Weight of moving object
If heavy mechanical lifting devices are used to move sub-conductors, then the heavy conductors can be lifted and positioned, but the equipment complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heavy sub-conductors into a single holder assembly that is lifted and rotated as one unit. This approach distributes the weight handling across the entire assembly rather than requiring separate lifting operations for each conductor, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable base member provides a dynamic lifting and positioning mechanism that can handle the weight of multiple sub-conductors simultaneously. The rotational capability allows the assembly to be moved from vertical to horizontal position using the same lifting mechanism, eliminating the need for additional complex equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotating conductor holder includes at least a first and second conductor retainer, which are mounted to and spaced apart along a rotating base member at a distance substantially corresponding to the separation distance between the two or more existing sub-conductors that are to be replaced during a restringing procedure. The base member is rotatably attached to a support, which may be mounted on at least one insulator. The at least one insulator may be mounted on an arm on the end of a boom. An actuator and linkage may be provided to rotate the base member about its support.