Utility Pole Cradle Structure for Roll Prevention and Secure Staging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility poles left at construction sites without mechanical securing methods can roll, posing risks to the public and utility crews, and existing solutions do not address securing poles before they are set or elevated, leading to potential injuries and vandalism.
Innovation Solution
A trapezoidal-shaped high-grade plastic cradle, known as the utility pole caddy, secures poles by elevating them and preventing rolling through a concave parabolic design with a flat plane, featuring threaded cutouts for ground attachment and optional stake support, allowing for secure handling and strap placement without manual propping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden stakes are used to secure poles, then the securing method is simple and low-cost, but the public can easily defeat the securement and suffer injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical securement device that acts as an intermediary between the pole and the ground. This device requires machine intervention (auger or augerless attachment) to install and remove, creating a barrier that the general public cannot easily defeat. The intermediary mechanism transforms the simple but vulnerable wooden stake system into a more reliable mechanically-secured system that maintains ease of installation through automated equipment while significantly improving security against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual wooden stake securing system with a mechanically-driven securement device. Instead of relying on simple wooden stakes that can be easily removed by hand, the system uses an auger or augerless attachment driven by a machine to install and secure the device. This substitution of mechanical systems transforms the securing method from something the public can easily defeat into a reliable securement that requires specialized equipment to access or remove.
2Ease of operation
If poles are left unsecured on the ground, then handling and positioning is easier, but the poles can roll and cause injury to the public and workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by securing the pole to the ground using the mechanical securement device before the pole setting operation begins. The auger or augerless attachment installs the securement device in advance, creating a fixed connection that prevents rolling during subsequent handling and positioning operations. This preliminary securement allows workers to safely elevate and position the pole without the constant risk of it rolling away, thus maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the harmful rolling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical securement device serves as an intermediary between the pole and the ground, providing a controlled connection that prevents uncontrolled rolling. This intermediary mechanism allows the pole to remain stationary and secure during handling operations, eliminating the hazard to public and worker safety while still permitting controlled positioning when needed. The device mediates between the need for easy handling and the need to prevent rolling by providing a secure but removable connection.
3Ease of operation
If poles are elevated and propped up manually before strap securing, then the pole can be properly positioned for setting, but the risk of injury to the pole setting crew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the mechanical securement device secure the pole to the ground before the pole setting crew begins their work. This preliminary securement creates a stable, controlled environment where the pole is firmly positioned and cannot unexpectedly move or roll. As a result, the crew can safely elevate and position the pole without the increased injury risk that would exist if the pole were unsecured during these operations. The preliminary action of securing eliminates the need for risky manual propping and elevation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility pole caddy has a trapezoidal-shaped component with a base and an opposing top. The top includes a concave portion effective to receive a utility pole positioned horizontally relative to the ground. The dimensions of the utility pole caddy are effective to deny pole movement without mechanical assistance. This utility pole secures utility poles at temporary work sites and prevents rolling, reduces vandalism by requiring a machine to remove a pole from the device, and assists crews setting poles by elevating the tops of the poles prior to setting.