Yoke Assembly for Power Line Insulator Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional yoke plates used for repairing and removing insulator strings in dead end power line arrangements are difficult to install and secure, posing safety and efficiency concerns due to their complex interaction with existing hardware.
Innovation Solution
A yoke assembly with two longitudinal support plates that fit over existing hardware on a T-adapter, featuring a slot or notch for the adapter flange and pivotable connections for secure attachment, allowing easier installation and reduced strain on insulators by using a pole connector between the yoke and power pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional yoke plates are used to repair and remove insulator strings, then the strain on insulators can be reduced, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to complex interaction with existing hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke assembly is divided into two separate support plates instead of a single integrated plate. This segmentation allows each plate to be installed independently around the T-adapter hardware, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the strain relief function through the distributed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The two support plates are designed to fit over existing hardware on the T-adapter, with slots and notches that receive adapter flanges. This nesting approach allows the yoke assembly to integrate with existing components without requiring disassembly, making installation easier while still achieving the desired strain reduction
2Reliability
If conventional yoke plates slide between existing hardware on the T-adapter, then strain relief can be achieved, but the installation becomes awkward and problematic with inaccurate fit
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sliding the yoke plate between hardware components as in conventional designs, the support plates are designed to fit over the existing hardware. This inversion of the installation approach, combined with slots and notches that receive adapter flanges, ensures accurate positioning and fit without requiring complex manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
Slots and notches are introduced as intermediary features that facilitate the connection between the support plates and the T-adapter hardware. These features act as mediators that guide the plates into proper alignment and secure accurate fit, eliminating the positioning problems of conventional designs
3Ease of repair
If conventional yoke plates are used for insulator repair, then the function can be performed, but safety risks increase due to difficult installation at heights
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the yoke into two separate support plates simplifies the installation process, reducing the time and complexity of working at heights. This segmentation makes the repair operation safer by minimizing the duration workers are exposed to height-related risks
Solution Approach 2:
The support plates are designed with pre-formed slots, notches, and connection features that enable straightforward attachment to the T-adapter. This preliminary design of installation-friendly features eliminates complex field adjustments, reducing safety risks associated with difficult high-altitude work
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke assembly includes two support members that are connected to one another, both of which include respective first ends and second ends. The support members are spaced apart enough to fit over existing hardware on a T-adapter at a dead end. In proximity to the first end of the two support members, a connection member is connected to the support members for securing the yoke assembly to the T-adapter. The yoke assembly includes a pole connector, which is pivotably positioned in proximity to the second end of each support member, wherein the pole connector is positioned between the two support members and secured thereto by the second pin. A pole can be secured between the pole connector of the yoke assembly and the power pole, reducing stress on an insulator for removing/repairing the insulator.