Utility Pole Splint for Broken Wooden Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility poles often suffer from decay, damage, and breakage, leading to hazardous situations and prolonged service disruptions due to inadequate and haphazard temporary repair methods that lack structural integrity, requiring a more efficient and stronger repair solution.
Innovation Solution
A utility pole splint system comprising two semicircular panels with flanges and elongated connectors, including threaded portions and chain links, designed for easy installation and providing strong reinforcement by interconnecting the panels across the break point of the pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional haphazard repair methods (rope lashing, random wood pieces) are used, then installation speed is improved, but structural integrity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is divided into two separate panels that wrap around opposite sides of the pole, allowing independent installation on each side. This segmentation enables faster installation while maintaining structural integrity through distributed reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint combines metal panels with elongated connectors to create a composite repair structure. The metal panels provide rigid reinforcement while the connectors enable flexible adjustment and secure attachment, achieving both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If proper structural reinforcement is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reinforcement into two separate panels rather than one complex piece, the system achieves structural integrity while reducing installation complexity. Each panel can be independently positioned and secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint panels are designed with multiple holes and elongated connectors that can accommodate various pole diameters and break locations. This universality reduces the need for custom-designed complex structures for different repair scenarios.
3Reliability
If extensive repair materials and equipment are used, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of operation and installation speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system uses only two panels and multiple connectors instead of extensive materials. This minimal segmentation provides sufficient structural integrity while greatly improving ease of operation and reducing equipment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated connectors are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through the hole pattern, reducing the need for specialized tools or equipment. The structure essentially installs itself with minimal manual intervention.
4Reliability
If uniform repair standards are implemented, then reliability and consistency are improved, but manufacturing precision and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are designed with a universal hole pattern and connector system that can accommodate various pole sizes and break locations without requiring custom fabrication. This universality ensures consistent repair quality while simplifying manufacturing to standard dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
By using standardized segmented panels rather than custom-fitted pieces, the system achieves uniform repair standards through repetitive manufacturing of identical components, reducing both precision requirements and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links.