Spacer Fitting Repair Plate for Worn Insulator Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spacer fitting assemblies in transmission line support structures wear out over time, leading to failed connections and costly, labor-intensive replacement processes due to deformation and elongation of apertures, which can cause insulators and wires to fall, potentially creating a domino effect and requiring significant time and resources for repair.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement assembly comprising a front and back plate with aligned apertures that create a passageway, allowing for secure fastening without relying on the original aperture, providing frictional support and acting as a clamp to maintain the connection between insulators and transmission lines, thus extending the lifespan of the spacer fitting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spacer fitting assembly is replaced, then the connection reliability is improved, but the time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The repair solution is divided into separate components: a front plate with a new aperture and a back plate that attaches to the existing spacer fitting. This segmentation allows the repair plate to be installed independently without removing the entire spacer fitting assembly, significantly reducing replacement time while restoring connection reliability through the new aperture in the front plate
Solution Approach 2:
The repair plate is designed to be installed within or alongside the existing spacer fitting assembly. The front plate with the new aperture nests into position against the back plate, which attaches to the original spacer fitting. This nested configuration allows the repair to be integrated into the existing structure without complete removal, maintaining reliability while minimizing disruption and time loss
2Reliability
If the spacer fitting assembly is replaced, then the connection reliability is improved, but the labor cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the repair into a modular front plate and back plate configuration, the solution reduces labor complexity. The front plate with the new aperture can be prepared separately and then quickly installed with the back plate onto the existing spacer fitting, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming complete assembly replacement while ensuring reliable connection through the new aperture
Solution Approach 2:
The repair plate is designed as a relatively simple, cost-effective component that can be manufactured economically. Rather than replacing the entire expensive spacer fitting assembly, the disposable or replaceable repair plate provides an affordable solution that restores connection reliability at a fraction of the cost of full assembly replacement
3Device complexity
If the original aperture is used, then the structure is simple, but the connection fails due to wear and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the functional requirement of a sound aperture from the worn spacer fitting assembly. Instead of attempting to repair the deformed original aperture, the invention creates a new aperture in the front plate of the repair assembly, effectively taking out the aperture function from the damaged component and relocating it to a new, undamaged location, thereby restoring reliability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The repair plate acts as an intermediary component between the existing spacer fitting and the insulator connection. The front plate with its new aperture serves as a mediator that transfers the connection function from the worn original aperture to a new reliable aperture, allowing the insulator to be reconnected through this intermediate structure without directly using the deformed original aperture
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
This solution enables quick and simple repair of worn-out connection points, reducing the need for extensive replacement processes, maintaining structural integrity, and minimizing downtime and costs by providing substantial frictional support to the insulators and transmission lines without relying on the original aperture's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
creating a frictional contact with the spacer fitting assembly, allowing the repair plate to support insulators and transmission lines
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcement assembly for a spacer fitting for a utility pole comprising a front plate and back plate assembly having a connection aperture located at a top portion of both the front and back plates. The connection apertures may be configured to have substantially the same diameter as an insulator aperture located on the spacer fitting. The connection apertures provide an attachment area for the reinforcement assembly to be attached to the spacer fitting. The reinforcement assembly may be attached to the spacer fitting at an insulator aperture for supporting a strand of insulators and/or transmission lines. The front and back plates also may each include a receiving aperture located at a bottom portion of both plates. The receiving apertures may be used to support insulators and/or transmission wires on a transmission or utility support structure.