Center-of-Gravity De-Icing for Overhead Line Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical de-icing devices for overhead transmission lines face challenges in energy efficiency, reliability, and cost due to high energy consumption, limited energy acquisition, and difficulty in installing and maintaining devices with fixed positions, especially for rime or mixed ice icing conditions.

Innovation Solution

An anti-icing and de-icing device utilizing a mechanical clutch mechanism with a sudden change of center of gravity, combining a heavy object and elastic element to switch energy storage and release modes, improving energy density and power density while reducing energy consumption and device complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal de-icing methods are used, then de-icing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvede-icing effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic mechanical vibration through a vibration generator to create cyclic impacts on the conductor surface. This periodic action causes ice to detach in cycles rather than requiring continuous energy input, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining de-icing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a vibration generator to produce mechanical vibrations that directly impact the ice-conductor interface. This mechanical vibration method physically disrupts the adhesion between ice and conductor, providing an alternative to thermal methods that consume less energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If mechanical de-icing devices with fixed positions are used, then de-icing function is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvede-icing functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the vibration generator serves both as the de-icing mechanism and can be mounted on various support structures (towers, poles, or portable stands). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate installation systems and simplifies overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components including a vibration generator, mounting bracket, and power supply unit. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and replacement of individual components without affecting the entire system, thereby reducing installation difficulty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If heavy weights are used for sudden center of gravity change, then de-icing effectiveness is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvede-icing effectivenessVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a continuously heavy counterweight system, the patent employs periodic activation of the vibration generator that creates transient center of gravity changes. This periodic action achieves the necessary impact forces for effective de-icing without requiring permanently heavy components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the vibration generator (frequency, amplitude, duration) to optimize the center of gravity change effect. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective de-icing with lighter overall device weight compared to static heavy weight systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device effectively shakes off icing by sudden center of gravity changes, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and improving reliability and compatibility with existing tower line systems.

Implementation Method 1

the potential energy module is used for accumulating potential energy when the weight block generates the displacement relative to the base, and releasing the potential energy when the driving part and the driven part are in the separation state; and the potential energy module includes an elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the electric driving assembly includes a motor and a clutch mechanism, and the motor drives the weight block to generate displacement relative to the base through the clutch mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

An anti-icing and de-icing device utilizing a mechanical clutch mechanism with a sudden change of center of gravity, combining a heavy object and elastic element to switch energy storage and release modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4614746A1Anti-icing and deicing device based on sudden change in center of gravity, spacer, system, and Anti-galloping system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SHANXI HUAZHI POWER GRID ANTI-ICING & DEICING SCI & TECH CO LTD
  • EP4614746A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4614746A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4614746A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the technical field of anti-icing and de-icing of an overhead transmission line or a railway contact system, and provides a mechanical anti-icing and de-icing device fixedly installed on the overhead transmission line or the railway contact system. The device comprises a base, an electric driving assembly, a weight block and a potential energy module comprising an elastic element. The electric driving assembly comprises a clutch mechanism and a motor. When the clutch mechanism is in an engaging state, the electric driving assembly drives the weight block to generate displacement relative to the base, and when the clutch mechanism is in a separation state, the electric driving assembly cuts off driving to the weight block. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the potential energy module is used for accumulating potential energy when the weight block generates displacement relative to the base; and when the clutch mechanism is separated, a driving force of the electric driving assembly on the weight block is cut off, the potential energy contained in the potential energy module is rapidly released, so that the weight block moves quickly, thus causing the whole gravity center of the device to suddenly change, forming vibration to be transmitted to the overhead transmission line, so that the icing is removed.