Unmanned aerial vehicle power transmission line intelligent inspection system
By equipping drones with multi-mode communication units and camera modules, the problems of high cost, low efficiency and safety hazards in power transmission line inspection have been solved, enabling efficient inspection and intelligent data analysis, and providing accurate line assessment and early warning.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520274969.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-20
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, power transmission line inspection relies on manual climbing or on-site manual flying, which is costly, inefficient, and poses safety hazards. Furthermore, it requires manual analysis of massive amounts of data, making it difficult to quickly identify problematic data.
The drone is equipped with a multi-mode communication unit, an airborne control unit, and a camera module to achieve high-resolution imaging, precise positioning, and navigation. Combined with the multi-mode communication module, it provides data transmission services in wireless or wired environments, supports low-bandwidth, high-coverage communication, and the airborne control unit controls the camera module to take pictures. The ground station APP is used for image preview and gimbal control.
Improve inspection efficiency, avoid the risks of manual tower climbing, and provide accurate line condition assessment through high-definition image data acquisition and intelligent analysis to achieve fault early warning and preventive maintenance.
Smart Images

Figure CN223827998U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and more specifically, to an intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines using UAVs. Background Technology
[0002] The total length of power transmission lines in China is approximately 2.15 million kilometers, most of which are located in remote and uninhabited areas. Relying on manual high-altitude operations and on-site manual inspection methods is not only costly and inefficient, but also makes it impossible to conduct comprehensive investigations and poses safety hazards.
[0003] Meanwhile, the massive amounts of data collected need to be analyzed and judged manually, which is a huge workload and makes it impossible to quickly discover and identify problematic data. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide an intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in order to improve the problems in related technologies, such as high cost, low efficiency, safety hazards, and the need for manual analysis and judgment of massive amounts of data, which is a huge workload and makes it difficult to quickly discover and identify problematic data.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a multi-mode communication unit, an airborne control unit, and a camera module, wherein the airborne control unit is signal-connected to the camera module;
[0006] The multi-mode communication unit is used to provide data transmission services to a single station, to control multiple local detection devices wirelessly or wiredly, and to provide low-bandwidth but high-coverage communication support for remote or extreme environments where terrestrial networks cannot cover.
[0007] The airborne control unit is used to execute instructions and control the camera module to take pictures.
[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the camera module can support high-resolution imaging, high dynamic range imaging, and precise positioning and navigation.
[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the camera module further includes a gimbal, which is configured as a controllable gimbal. The gimbal is compatible with multiple drone platforms and has a built-in high-precision GPS and IMU unit, which can provide geographical location information and seamlessly integrate with image data. The gimbal is fixedly installed on the drone.
[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the airborne control unit is connected to a ground station APP via a multi-mode communication unit signal. The ground station APP can operate and manage the camera module, and is used for image preview, image capture and gimbal control, as well as log output.
[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, the airborne control unit is equipped with sky-end software. The ground station APP transmits data information to the sky-end software of the airborne control unit through a multi-mode communication unit. The airborne control unit communicates with the gimbal and the camera module through the MAVLink protocol according to the data instructions received by the sky-end software, and controls the gimbal to rotate up, down, left, and right and the camera module to take pictures.
[0012] In summary, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0013] In this invention, a multi-mode communication unit is used to transmit data and images via a drone, enabling the drone to perform autonomous flight and inspection tasks, improving inspection efficiency, avoiding the risks of personnel climbing towers, and providing accurate line condition assessment results for maintenance personnel through high-definition image data acquisition and intelligent data analysis, thereby achieving fault early warning and preventive maintenance. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) power transmission line inspection system provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0016] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of the utility model described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0017] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0018] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0019] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.
[0020] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example
[0021] Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides an intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a multi-mode communication unit, an airborne control unit, and a camera module, wherein the airborne control unit is signal-connected to the camera module;
[0022] The multi-mode communication unit is used to provide data transmission services to a single station, to control multiple local detection devices wirelessly or wiredly, and to provide low-bandwidth but high-coverage communication support for remote or extreme environments where terrestrial networks cannot cover.
[0023] It should be noted that the multi-mode communication unit includes a MESH communication module, a 4G public network module, and a narrowband satellite communication module. The MESH communication module supports MESH networking and can adopt a MESH module + wireless router module + switch equipment solution to enable a single station to provide data transmission services and has local wired / wireless (WiFi) control (PC or mobile phone) functions.
[0024] The narrowband satellite module is configured as the Tiantong IoT terminal QX-M1;
[0025] By using a multi-mode communication unit, during routine drone inspections, the MESH communication module is prioritized for point-to-point image and data transmission, providing real-time feedback of images, videos, drone position, and attitude. If the MESH communication module signal is lost, it can automatically switch to the 4G public network module with a switching time of no less than 500ms to continue transmitting data. If both the 4G public network module and the MESH communication module signal are lost, narrowband satellite will transmit the aircraft's position and attitude in real time. This multi-network switching capability ensures that the drone can maintain real-time communication with the ground station APP, effectively preventing signal loss.
[0026] The airborne control unit is used to execute instructions and control the camera module to take pictures.
[0027] In this embodiment, the camera module can support high-resolution imaging, high dynamic range imaging, and precise positioning and navigation;
[0028] The camera module also includes a gimbal, which is configured as a controllable gimbal. The gimbal is compatible with multiple drone platforms and has a built-in high-precision GPS and IMU unit, which can provide geographical location information and seamlessly integrate with image data. The gimbal is fixedly installed on the drone.
[0029] It should be noted that the camera module is a Phase One P3.
[0030] The use of a camera module can provide accurate geographic location information, which, when combined with images, facilitates subsequent data processing and analysis. It supports high dynamic range imaging technology, enabling the acquisition of high-quality images under various conditions, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the data.
[0031] In this embodiment, the airborne control unit is connected to a ground station APP via a multi-mode communication unit signal. The ground station APP can operate and manage the camera module, and is used for image preview, image capture and gimbal control, as well as log output.
[0032] In this embodiment, the airborne control unit is equipped with sky-end software. The ground station APP transmits data information to the sky-end software of the airborne control unit through a multi-mode communication unit. The airborne control unit communicates with the gimbal and camera module through the MAVLink protocol according to the data instructions received by the sky-end software, and controls the gimbal to rotate up, down, left, and right and the camera module to take pictures.
[0033] The ground station app allows for real-time preview of images and drone status, FTP access, photo taking, log downloading, focus settings, image preview, camera status, mesh status, and gimbal control. Through the app interface, users can preview high-resolution images captured by the camera module in the sky, ensuring image quality and accurate shooting angles. The app also supports one-click capture, allowing users to quickly obtain the desired images. Furthermore, it allows gimbal control, enabling users to flexibly adjust camera shooting angles for precise multi-angle and multi-directional shooting. The app also features powerful log output capabilities, comprehensively recording the operation process and system status, providing strong support for subsequent data analysis and troubleshooting.
[0034] Specifically, the working principle of this UAV-based intelligent power line inspection system is as follows: Control signals are transmitted through the ground station APP interface, data is received through the multi-mode communication unit, and command information is transmitted to the airborne control unit. The airborne control unit controls the camera module and gimbal to perform corresponding command operations, and the data is transmitted back to the ground station APP by the multi-mode communication unit. Users can preview images and UAV status in real time, receive data via FTP, take photos, download logs, and set focus, image preview, camera status, MESH status, and gimbal control.
[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that: It includes a multi-mode communication unit, an airborne control unit, and a camera module, wherein the airborne control unit is signal-connected to the camera module; The multi-mode communication unit is used to provide data transmission services to a single station, to control multiple local detection devices wirelessly or wiredly, and to provide low-bandwidth but high-coverage communication support for remote or extreme environments where terrestrial networks cannot cover. The airborne control unit is used to execute instructions and control the camera module to take pictures.
2. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module supports high-resolution imaging, high dynamic range imaging, and precise positioning and navigation.
3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The camera module also includes a gimbal, which is configured as a controllable gimbal. The gimbal is compatible with multiple drone platforms and has a built-in high-precision GPS and IMU unit, which can provide geographical location information and seamlessly integrate with image data. The gimbal is fixedly installed on the drone.
4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The airborne control unit is connected to a ground station APP via a multi-mode communication unit signal. The ground station APP can operate and manage the camera module, and is used for image preview, image capture and gimbal control, as well as log output.
5. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for power transmission lines as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The airborne control unit is equipped with sky-end software. The ground station APP transmits data information to the sky-end software of the airborne control unit through a multi-mode communication unit. The airborne control unit communicates with the gimbal and camera module through the MAVLink protocol according to the data instructions received by the sky-end software, and controls the gimbal to rotate up, down, left and right and the camera module to take pictures.