Drone-Deployed Avifauna Beacon with Spring-Biased Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing avifauna beacons on overhead electrical cables require discontinuing the electrical supply, are costly, and pose safety risks due to difficulties in accessing cables in challenging terrains and ensuring correct clamp closure by drones.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a drone, an avifauna beacon, and an installation interface with centering means, actuation system, and presence detectors allows for the secure and continuous attachment of beacons to live cables using a clamp with spring-biased jaws and adjustable components for precise positioning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If beacons are installed on aerial cables using nacelles or poles, then beacons can be fixed on cables, but access becomes difficult in marshy, hilly, mountainous areas or when lines are above watercourses or lakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the beacon with integrated clamp and mounting mechanism) that can be deployed remotely via drone to attach directly to cables. This intermediary solution eliminates the need for physical access platforms (nacelles/poles) by enabling direct cable attachment from aerial position, thus resolving the access difficulty in challenging terrains.
2Ease of operation
If beacons are installed using helicopters or drones, then access to difficult terrains is improved, but the power to ensure correct clamp closure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism incorporates spring-loaded jaws that dynamically adjust and apply continuous closing force to maintain secure cable grip. The spring mechanism provides the necessary force enhancement beyond what a simple drone actuator could deliver, ensuring reliable clamp closure while remaining compatible with drone deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rapid-deployment mechanism where the drone quickly positions and triggers the clamp closure in a single swift action. This 'rushing through' approach allows the drone to complete the installation task before imbalance or instability can affect the operation, overcoming the drone's limited power and stability constraints.
3Reliability
If electric lines are dismantled for beacon installation, then beacons can be securely installed, but electrical supply continuity is disrupted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the clamp and mounting mechanism in advance on the drone platform, with all components pre-positioned and pre-tested. This preliminary preparation allows the beacon to be installed in a single secure attachment operation without requiring cable dismantling, thus maintaining electrical supply continuity while ensuring reliable installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If drones are used to press clamps against cables, then beacon installation is enabled, but drone imbalance risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms or strategically positioned components that offset the weight and force imbalances created during clamp actuation. This anti-weight approach allows the drone to maintain stability while delivering the necessary closing force to secure the beacon clamp on the cable.
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 cost-effective installation of avifauna beacons on live electrical cables without disrupting the power supply, improving accessibility and reducing personnel risk, especially in difficult terrains.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring for biasing the jaws of the fixing clamp into the closed position
Implementation Method 2
an actuator actuating the pallets in order to press against the cable and the jaws
Implementation Method 3
a presence detector making it possible to control operation of the actuator according to presence or absence of the cable
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for placing a bird beacon on an aerial cable comprising: a drone (10) adapted to carry at least one beacon (60) and which carries a cable presence detector (140) and an actuator (150) adapted to actuate the beacon (60) fixing systems on the cable when such a cable is detected by the presence detector.