Development of motor-less power assist device for indirect hot-line work using mechanical self-weight compensation mechanism*

In the power distribution work using the indirect hot-line work technique, it is necessary to frequently set a heavy tool with a weight of 15 [kg] on an electric wire. To reduce the burden put on the worker during the hot-line work, we developed a motor-less power assist device that can completely compensate for the weight of the tool in a wide range of 600 [mm] in the vertical and horizontal directions and 90 [deg] in the pitch direction. The proposed device is lightweight and compact, so that it can be mounted on the bucket of the aerial work vehicle. To show the effectiveness, we measured the myoelectric activity during the overhead wire work and the time required to carry out it. It was verified that the load on the muscles was reduced by 90% or more, and the work time was suppressed to the same level as without assist.