Dielectric Payload Support Frame for UAV Power Line Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inspection and maintenance of high-voltage power line splices require manned crews, which are expensive, dangerous, and inconvenient due to the need for physical contact with energized lines.
Innovation Solution
A payload support frame for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows tools like OhmStik 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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manned crews are used to inspect power lines, then inspection quality can be maintained, but safety risks and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as an intermediary device to perform power line inspections. The UAV carries inspection tools and can approach power lines without exposing human workers to electrical hazards, thereby maintaining inspection quality while eliminating safety risks associated with manned crews working near energized lines.
2Measurement precision
If the UAV is positioned close to power lines for inspection, then measurement precision improves, but electrical interference and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dielectric material as an intermediary barrier between the UAV and the energized power lines. This dielectric barrier allows the UAV to operate in close proximity to power lines for precise measurements while blocking electrical interference and preventing hazardous electrical discharge to the UAV and its electronics.
3Productivity
If traditional inspection methods are used, then comprehensive inspection can be performed, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection systems (manned crews, bucket trucks, physical contact with lines) with an autonomous UAV system. The UAV can rapidly deploy, position itself near power lines, perform measurements, and return, significantly reducing inspection time and operational costs while maintaining comprehensive inspection capabilities through automated tool operation.
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
This method reduces manpower, cost, and liability while enabling safer and more efficient inspection and maintenance of power lines, allowing for thorough checking of the electrical grid with minimal downtime.
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
Data Source
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.