Remote Trolley for Positioning Aviation Warning Spheres on Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for positioning and dismantling flight warning balls on high-voltage lines are complex, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to the need for manned cable cars and complex safety measures, especially when dealing with thin or damaged lines and live overhead lines.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a trolley with a mounting mechanism that includes a feed stop, catch arm, and a movable towing hook with a spindle, allowing for remote-controlled positioning and dismantling of flight warning balls, which can operate on inclined lines and reduce the need for manual labor at heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robot is used for automated positioning of flight warning balls, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a trolley for transport along the line, a mounting device with feed stop for positioning, a catch arm for securing, and a towing hook with spindle for locking mechanism actuation. Each module performs a specific task, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing hook is designed to perform multiple functions: it can engage with the locking lever's eyelet to trigger the locking mechanism, and when disengaged, functions as a pushing hook to actuate the locking lever directly. The catch arm similarly serves both for securing the locking lever attachment during positioning and for retrieving the flight warning ball after installation.
2Device complexity
If manual methods are used for positioning flight warning balls, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the trolley autonomously moves along the line, the feed stop automatically positions the flight warning ball, the towing hook triggers the locking mechanism, and the catch arm secures the assembly - all without requiring manual intervention at height, thus saving significant time while keeping the device relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If workers are deployed at heights for positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley serves as an intermediary carrier that transports the mounting device and flight warning ball along the line without requiring workers to be positioned at height. The entire operation is performed by the automated system, eliminating exposure to fall risks while maintaining operational effectiveness through the coordinated action of the feed stop, catch arm, and towing hook.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for positioning aviation warning spheres (1) on conductors (2), in particular on the ground wires of high-voltage power lines. The aviation warning spheres (1) have a locking device with a locking lever attachment (23) and a locking lever (7) with a pull hook engagement eyelet (24). The device essentially consists of a trolley (3) movable along the conductor (2) with a mounting device, wherein the mounting device has a feed stop (15) for moving the aviation warning sphere (1) by moving the trolley (3) along the conductor (2) in a push direction (12), a catch arm (9) for pulling the aviation warning sphere (1) by moving the trolley (3) along the conductor (2) in a pull direction (13), and a spindle (4) with a pull hook (6) designed to actuate the locking lever (7) via and along the spindle (4).The invention also relates to a method for positioning and dismantling aircraft warning spheres (1) on lines (2).