Autonomous aerial cable inspection system

Abstract

An aerial inspection system is provided, including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having an articulated arm coupled thereto. An end effector is coupled to a second end of the articulated arm, the end effector sized and shaped to extend at least partially around an aerial cable in close proximity. One or more sensors are positioned along an inner surface of the end effector, and provide feedback to a control unit. In response, the control unit adjusts a position of at least one of the UAV, the articulated arm, and the end effector such that the end effector maintains a close, non-contact position with respect to the cable.

Description

Background technique [0001] Aerial cables, such as fiber optic cables, can be damaged by squirrel chewing, fireworks, bullets, weather, abrasion, etc. Should this occur, services provided over overhead cables may be disrupted. Current methods of inspecting overhead fiber optic cable casing for integrity or damage over long distances are slow, cumbersome, and sometimes lead to unsafe practices or methods. Since it is typically very difficult to find where the cable is damaged and then fix it, service interruptions can last for a long time. [0002] One of the biggest issues with the cost and delay of deploying, operating and maintaining fiber optic networks is manual labor. Inspection of aerial fiber optic cables is a labor-intensive and often costly task. Another issue is security. Many height workers are killed on the job each year, and many others suffer non-fatal loss of limbs from electrical burns and mechanical injuries. Contents of the invention [0003] One aspec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Inspection of aerial fiber optic cables is a labor-intensive and often costly task

Another issue is security

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