Telescoping Pole Tool System for Confined Space Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for performing operations in confined spaces, such as keyhole excavations, where limited accessibility hinders tasks like exothermic reaction welding of underground utilities due to restricted space and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping pole system with a control unit at the proximal end and a working tool, such as an exothermic welding assembly, at the distal end, allowing for extended reach and remote operation of tools like welding assemblies, grinding devices, and applicator tools through a flexible cable connection, enabling operations in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools are used in confined spaces, then workers can perform operations on underground utilities, but the limited accessibility and restricted space prevent sufficient room for worker traversal and tool manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system is divided into separate components: a telescoping pole that can be extended or retracted, a working tool at the distal end, and a control unit at the proximal end. This segmentation allows the working tool to reach into confined spaces while the control unit remains outside, resolving the contradiction between needing access to underground utilities and having sufficient work space.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cable connects the control unit to the working tool through the telescoping pole, serving as an intermediary that transmits electrical signals and power. This allows the worker to operate the tool remotely from a safe position, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation in the confined space.
2Productivity
If workers manually operate tools in keyhole excavations, then they can perform welding and other operations, but the restricted ingress and egress hinder worker mobility and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrically controlled system. The control unit sends electrical signals through the flexible cable to actuate the working tool, eliminating the need for workers to physically manipulate tools within the confined excavation space while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping pole extends the working reach in the vertical dimension, allowing the working tool to access underground utilities at various depths while the control unit remains at ground level. This dimensional extension resolves the mobility constraint by separating the operator's position from the tool's position in the vertical axis.
3Reliability
If exothermic reaction welding is performed in confined spaces, then permanent joints can be created on underground utilities, but the limited space makes it difficult to position and manipulate welding equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping pole provides dynamic adjustability in length, allowing precise positioning of the working tool at the required depth and location. The pole can be extended or retracted to achieve the optimal working position for welding operations, ensuring proper alignment and joint quality while simplifying the positioning process compared to fixed-length equipment.
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
Enables efficient and safe performance of tasks like exothermic welding and surface preparation in confined spaces by extending the reach of tools and allowing remote operation, reducing damage and improving accessibility without the need for extensive above-ground work.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible cable, e.g., a coiled cable, extends through the telescoping pole and electrically connects the control unit to the working device
Implementation Method 2
Often exothermic reaction welding is used for providing a permanent joint between parts
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly for performing operations in confined spaces, the tool assembly includes a telescoping pole having a proximal end and a distal end. The telescoping pole is capable of extending between a retracted position and an extended position. A working tool is connected to the distal end of the telescoping pole, and a control unit is connected to the proximal end of the telescoping pole. A flexible cable extending through the telescoping pole electrically connects the working tool to the control unit.