Adjustable Transformer Spreader Bar for Stable Lid Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transformers' lids often become unstable during maintenance, requiring constant monitoring or additional workers to keep them open, which reduces efficiency and increases safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A transformer spreader bar with a base section and extendible portion, secured by pins, that adjusts to fit various transformer lid sizes, stabilizing the lid in an open position using slings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If workers constantly monitor the lid state or use additional workers to hold it open, then the lid stability is improved, but work efficiency decreases and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid stabilityVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader bar is designed to self-stabilize the transformer lid in the open position without requiring constant human monitoring or assistance. The mechanical structure inherently maintains the lid position through its spreader mechanism, allowing workers to perform tasks independently and continuously, thereby improving both lid stability and work efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader bar acts as an intermediary device between the transformer lid and the supporting structure. It transfers and distributes the mechanical load, providing stable support for the lid while freeing workers from the need to manually hold it open, thus resolving the contradiction between lid stability and work efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spreader bar uses an extendible portion with adjustable length, then adaptability to different transformer sizes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to transformer lid sizesVSAvoidspreader bar structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader bar is divided into a base section and an extendible portion that can be adjusted independently. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different transformer lid sizes by extending or retracting the appropriate section, while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design with standardized pin holes for easy adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader bar incorporates an extendible portion that can dynamically adjust its length to match different transformer lid dimensions. The pin hole mechanism enables quick adjustment between fixed length positions, providing adaptability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, thus balancing versatility with structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260042641A1Transformer spreader bar

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 BOLING SHAWN

AI summary

According to one or more embodiments a transformer spreader bar may be provided. The transformer spreader bar may include a base section having a first end and a plurality of pin holes and an extendible portion having a second end and plurality of pin holes. The extendible portion may extend out from the base section and be adjusted such that a length of the transformer spreader bar is adjusted. A pin may secure the base section and the extendible portion together through one or more of the plurality of pin holes.