Swiveling Bundle Lifter for Energized Sub-Conductor Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining and repairing high-voltage transmission lines require de-energizing the conductors, which is hazardous and disruptive, and existing manipulators struggle with safely lifting and translating bundled sub-conductors due to voltage, weight, and configuration challenges.
Innovation Solution
A bundle lifter system with swiveling wire cages and adjustable platforms allows simultaneous lifting and translation of multiple sub-conductors, using insulators rated for high voltage and capable of supporting heavy loads, and adapting to different sub-conductor configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate manipulators are used to lift each sub-conductor individually, then each sub-conductor can be manipulated independently, but the device complexity and time required for maintenance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sub-conductor manipulation functions into a single integrated manipulator device. The manipulator includes a support member with multiple actuators that can independently manipulate multiple sub-conductors simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate manipulators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is divided into independent modular actuators, each capable of independently manipulating a specific sub-conductor. This segmentation allows each actuator to operate autonomously while being part of a unified system, enabling independent manipulation of each sub-conductor without requiring separate manipulator devices
2Reliability
If the limit of approach distance is increased to ensure lineman safety from energized conductors, then safety is improved, but the available working space and accessibility to conductors decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator device acts as an intermediary tool that allows linemen to manipulate energized sub-conductors from a safe distance. The device includes insulating components and extended reach capabilities, enabling linemen to work behind the limit of approach distance while still effectively manipulating the conductors through the mechanical manipulator system
3Strength
If the manipulator structure is made more rigid to support heavy bundled sub-conductors, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the ability to adapt to different sub-conductor configurations and separations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator incorporates dynamic, adjustable components including actuators with variable reach and positioning capabilities. The support member and actuators can adjust their configuration to accommodate different sub-conductor separations and arrangements while maintaining the strength needed to support heavy bundled sub-conductors through controlled mechanical movement
Data Source
AI summary
A bundle lifter for lifting a sub-conductor bundle having a plurality of spaced-apart sub-conductors, includes a base platform adapted for rotational mounting onto a single point conductor lifter, four sub-conductor wire cages mounted on the platform to support a sub-conductor thereon, each wire cage adapted to releasably hold a single sub-conductor and to swivel relative to the platform, wherein when the wire cages are positioned under the sub-conductor bundle, the wire cages are swivelled to align their corresponding rollers with a corresponding sub-conductor for rolling support of the sub-conductor on the roller as the bundle lifter is elevated on the support upwards from under the sub-conductor bundle to simultaneously pick each sub-conductor in the bundle into its wire cage for translation of the bundle from an original position to a new position spaced apart from the original position.