Cooperative Aerial Manipulators for High-Voltage Line Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial line work requires multiple workers in close proximity to high-voltage environments, necessitating heavy machinery and high-dexterity tasks, which is labor-intensive and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a robot unit with high-dexterity and high-capacity manipulators, sensors, and cameras for remote operation or autonomy, enabling cooperative work on aerial lines, including tools for tasks like tie wire removal and heavy load handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple workers are used to perform aerial line work, then high-dexterity tasks can be completed, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs aerial line work autonomously without human intervention in the hazardous environment. The robot unit with manipulators executes tasks such as tie wire removal, fastener manipulation, and cable handling independently, eliminating the need for workers to be physically present in close proximity to high-voltage lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human workers with a robotic system comprising manipulators, sensors, and control units. The mechanical robotic arms substitute for human hands in performing dexterity-intensive tasks, while sensors and cameras replace human sensory capabilities for detecting and monitoring the work environment.
2Force
If heavy machinery is used to transport heavy objects, then high-capacity work can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aerial work platform into separate functional modules: a robot unit with high-dexterity manipulators for precision tasks, and a high-capacity manipulator for heavy object handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a single complex system to perform all tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-capacity manipulator serves as an intermediary between the aerial platform and heavy objects. It handles the heavy lifting and positioning, while the robot unit performs the finer manipulation tasks. This intermediary approach distributes the functional requirements across multiple specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple workers operate machinery at aerial location, then both high-dexterity and high-capacity work can be performed, but the number of personnel and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high-dexterity manipulators and high-capacity manipulators into a single integrated robot unit that can perform both precision tasks and heavy object handling. The unified control system coordinates both manipulators simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate workers and their associated coordination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot unit is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: high-dexterity manipulation of small components, high-capacity handling of heavy objects, and various aerial line work tasks. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized workers and equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cooperative aerial robotics for working in an aerial work environment. In some embodiments, a robot system may comprise a robot unit comprising high-dexterity manipulators for performing high-dexterity work. The robot system may further comprise a high-capacity manipulator for performing high-capacity work. The robot system may comprise a plurality of sensors for detecting the work environment and providing a representative work environment to an operator and/or a controller for operation of the robot system to complete the aerial work. The robot system may be remotely operated by an operator, automatically, and/or autonomously. The robot system may be disposed at the top of a boom of an aerial device for performing work in high-voltage areas.