Drone Electrical Shield Structure for High-Voltage Arc Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective solutions to protect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from electrical discharges when approaching and landing on high-voltage power lines, which poses risks to the devices and operators.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled flying device equipped with an electrical shield comprising interconnected electrically conductive bars and connectors in a truss or lattice structure, along with surge protectors and automatic clamping devices, to guide electrical arcs away from sensitive components and ensure equipotential contact with the power line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drone approaches and lands on an energized high-voltage power line to install sensors or perform maintenance, then operational risks to personnel are reduced and installation costs are lowered, but the drone is exposed to electrical discharges and corona effects that can damage its electronics and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protection system consisting of a detectable barrier (electrical field detection) and a protective mechanism (surge protectors, grounding systems, and corona protection devices) that mediates between the drone and the high-voltage power line, preventing direct harmful interaction while enabling operational contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surge protectors or shielding devices are installed on the drone to protect against electrical discharges, then the drone's protection against HV risks is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: electrical field detection system, surge protection devices (SPD), grounding system, and corona protection devices. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently optimized, maintained, or replaced without affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is designed to be universally applicable to different drone types and high-voltage scenarios. The same surge protectors and grounding systems can protect various drone configurations, and the system serves multiple purposes including electrical discharge protection, potential equalization, and operational safety
3Reliability
If the drone uses specialized protection equipment and devices such as hot sticks or bucket trucks to work on energized power lines, then operator safety is improved, but the operational flexibility and accessibility to difficult terrains are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical protection systems (hot sticks, bucket trucks, specialized ladders) with an integrated electrical protection system mounted on the drone itself. This substitution enables the drone to perform previously impossible operations in difficult terrains while maintaining safety through electrical field detection, surge protection, and grounding systems
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 solution effectively protects the flying device from electrical discharges, allowing it to safely approach, land on, and operate on high-voltage power lines, while maintaining the functionality of conventional electronics within the device.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical shield encapsulating said mechanical structure and comprising an assembly of electrically conductive bars interconnected with electrically conductive connectors according to a truss or a lattice
Implementation Method 2
at least two anchoring spots, at least one thereof provided with a surge protector or the like comprising a mechanical part, preferably having a V-shape open to the exterior of the device, for guiding the power line in the flying phase of power line approaching and contacting, as well as for attracting possible electric discharges towards the electrical shield
Implementation Method 3
ensure equipotential contact with the power line
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled flying device is intended to approach and contact a high-voltage overhead power line for operation thereon. The flying device includes a mechanical structure bearing propellers and an aircraft body containing at least a power hub, a flight controller, and radio communication means. An electrical shield encapsulates the mechanical structure. The remotely controlled flying device also has a surge protector or the like designed to locally capture and guide toward the electrical shield possible electric discharges in the phase of power line approaching and/or contacting and to render the electrical shield equipotential with the power line.