Remote Bonding Jib for Energized Power Line Robot Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for working on energized power lines are dangerous due to the risk of ground faults from simultaneous contact with energized and grounded components, and rubber goods used for insulation are cumbersome for robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote assembly system with a robot unit and a jib that can electrically bond to and off from energized power lines, using an insulating section and actuators to maintain safe operation, allowing robotic arms to perform tasks on both energized and grounded components while ensuring electrical isolation.
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 system becomes difficult to manage using a robotic system due to thickness and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rubber insulation layer from the system entirely. Instead of using rubber goods to insulate the energized phase, the system uses electrical bonding to place the robotic system at the same electrical potential as the energized components, eliminating the need for insulating materials and their associated handling difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical potential parameter of the robotic system by electrically bonding it to the energized phase. This parameter change allows the system to operate near energized components without requiring insulation, as the robotic system and energized components are at the same electrical potential, preventing current flow.
2Ease of operation
If a lineman operates near energized power lines, then access to power lines is improved, but the risk of ground fault increases due to potential simultaneous contact with energized and grounded components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical bonding mechanism as an intermediary between the robotic system and the energized phase. This bonding creates a controlled electrical connection that places the robotic system at the same potential as the energized components, mediating the interaction and preventing harmful ground faults while allowing close proximity operation.
3Reliability
If the robot unit is electrically bonded to the energized phase, then safe operation on energized components is improved, but the robot unit requires mechanism to maintain electrical isolation when operating on grounded components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical bonding configuration dynamic rather than static. The robotic system can adjust its electrical bonding state based on operational requirements - bonded to the energized phase when working on energized components, and isolated when working on grounded components. This dynamic adaptability allows safe operation in both scenarios without requiring permanent complex insulation mechanisms.
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 maintaining electrical isolation, reducing the risk of ground faults and eliminating the need for bulky insulation, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator at the proximal end that is extendable to electrically connect to the distal end to electrically bond the robot unit to the energized phase
Implementation Method 2
an electrically insulating section located between the proximal end and the distal end that electrically isolates the proximal end and, therefore, the robot unit, from 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.