Bonding Jib for Remote Work on Energized Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remotely operating on energized power lines are hazardous due to the risk of ground faults from close proximity to both energized and grounded components, and require the use of heavy, cumbersome rubber insulators that are difficult for robotic systems to manage.
Innovation Solution
A remote assembly system that automatically bonds and de-bonds to energized power lines using a robot unit with a jib and electrically insulating section, allowing safe operation with conductive tools by maintaining a safe electrical potential and using an actuator to connect and disconnect from the energized phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber goods are used to electrically insulate the energized phase, then protection from accidental contact is improved, but the thickness and weight make the rubber goods difficult to manage using a robotic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulation function from the heavy rubber goods and implements it through the electrically insulating section (432) of the jib (404). The insulating section is integrated into the jib structure, eliminating the need for separate heavy rubber blankets while maintaining electrical isolation between the robot unit and energized phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The jib is constructed as a composite structure combining electrically insulating material (432) with conductive components. The insulating section is integrated with the end effector and actuator mechanisms, creating a composite structure that provides both mechanical support and electrical insulation in a lightweight configuration suitable for robotic manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If the robot unit operates near both energized and grounded components, then access to remote locations is improved, but the risk of ground fault increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements equipotentiality by allowing the robot unit to electrically bond to the energized phase through the actuator (440) when conducting operations on energized components. This bonding equalizes the electrical potential between the robot unit and the energized phase, eliminating potential difference and preventing ground faults during operations near both energized and grounded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between two operational states: (1) electrically isolated state where the insulating section protects the robot unit, and (2) electrically bonded state where the actuator connects the robot unit to the energized phase. This dynamic switching allows the robot to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If conductive tools are used for remote operations, then ease of use is improved, but safety protection from energized power lines is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jib is segmented into distinct functional sections: the electrically insulating section (432) for protection, the end effector (414) for tool mounting, and the actuator (440) for electrical bonding. This segmentation allows conductive tools to be used at the end effector while the insulating section maintains safety protection, enabling both ease of use and reliability simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient remote operation on energized power lines by preventing ground faults and eliminating the need for heavy rubber insulators, allowing the robot unit to perform tasks while maintaining a safe electrical potential and ensuring operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically insulating section between the proximal end and the distal end that electrically isolates the proximal end and, therefore, the robot unit, from the energized phase
Implementation Method 2
An actuator may be located at the proximal end and may be extendable to electrically connect to the distal end to electrically bond the robot unit to the energized phase
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic bond on techniques for remote operations on energized power lines are disclosed. A remote assembly may comprise a robot unit and a jib. The jib may have an end effector at a distal end, a proximal end coupled to the robot unit, and an insulating section between the distal end and the proximal end. The end effector may couple to the energized power line, and the insulating section may electrically isolate the robot unit from the energized power line. An actuator at the proximal end may be selectively actuatable to electrically connect to the end effector, thereby electrically bonding the robot unit to the energized power lines to enable operations on energized power line components. The jib may toggle the robot unit between the electrically bonded and grounded or floating states to allow the robot unit to operate on both grounded and energized components.