Dielectric Payload Support Frame for UAV Power Line Perching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inspection and maintenance of high-voltage power line splices are dangerous and costly due to the need for manned crews to physically make contact with live lines, while current unmanned aerial surveillance technology is limited to visual and infrared inspection.

Innovation Solution

A payload support frame for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows tools to take resistance measurements remotely by perching on power lines, using a dielectric material to prevent electrical interference and maintaining the UAV at a safe distance, enabling safer and more efficient inspections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manned crews physically contact live power lines for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but safety and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance measurementVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary tool assembly that includes a perch mechanism and measurement device to bridge the gap between the UAV and the power line. This intermediary allows resistance measurements to be taken without direct human contact with live lines, eliminating safety risks while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manned aerial vehicles (helicopters, bucket trucks) with an unmanned aerial vehicle system. This substitution eliminates the need for human crews to physically contact live power lines while maintaining the capability to perform resistance measurements through integrated sensors and tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If UAVs are used for power line inspection, then safety is improved, but measurement capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety riskVSAvoidresistance measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single tool assembly: the perch mechanism for physical contact with the power line, the resistance measurement device for electrical measurements, and the attachment system for UAV integration. This combination enables a UAV to perform comprehensive inspections including resistance measurements that were previously only available through manned operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If tools are lowered to power lines from UAV, then automation is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operationVSAvoidpayload support frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the payload support frame into modular components: rigid segments for structural support, flexible segments for attachment and positioning, and telescoping sections for adjustable length. This segmentation allows the complex system to be assembled, disassembled, and configured for different inspection tasks while maintaining automated operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-generated harmful factors

If dielectric material is used in payload frame, then electrical interference is reduced, but manufacturing complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical interferenceVSAvoidframe construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dielectric material specifically to the portions of the payload support frame that will be in proximity to live power lines during measurement operations. This localized application of dielectric properties provides electrical isolation where needed while allowing other portions of the frame to be constructed from conventional materials, balancing electrical interference reduction with manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Reduces manpower, cost, and time required for splice inspections, while increasing grid reliability by allowing remote resistance measurements on live conductor wires, thus reducing liability and labor costs and enhancing maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

One or more of (a) the at least one rigid segment, (b) the at least one upper flexible segment, or (c) the at least one lower flexible segment include a dielectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12441493B2Payload support frame for unmanned aerial system

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 LINEBIRD INC

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and/or method for carrying a power line device from an aircraft, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and for performing work on electrical power lines and/or splices on electrical power lines. The apparatus or system may include an attachment flange selectively and releasably coupled to the aircraft, a payload support frame selectively and releasably coupled to the attachment flange, an intermediary frame selectively and releasably coupled to the payload support frame, and a base frame selectively and releasably coupled to the power line device. The payload support frame may include at least three elongated rigid segments, each including a hollow elongated pole, at least three upper flexible segments, each at an upper end of a corresponding rigid segment, and at least three lower flexible segments, each at a lower end of a corresponding rigid segment.