Drone Line Hardware Installation Using Remote Mechanical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing hardware on power and communication lines are physically demanding and pose safety risks for linemen due to the need for direct connection and manual operation at elevated heights, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A drone-based system for mechanical installation, utilizing a flying drone portion for levitation and mechanical actuation to secure items on the line, including bolted connections, clamps, and auto-clamp mechanisms, allowing for remote or automated operation to reduce human intervention and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation methods are used by linemen, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but safety risks increase and installation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation operations with an automated robotic system that uses mechanical actuators to perform installation tasks. The robotic system substitutes human physical labor with automated mechanical components, achieving both improved safety by removing linemen from hazardous environments and increased installation speed through automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to perform installation operations autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The system can independently navigate to installation locations, position hardware, and secure items to power lines using self-contained actuators and control mechanisms, enabling self-service operation that simultaneously improves safety and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If linemen work at elevated heights on power lines, then installation can be performed directly, but physical demand increases and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between human operators and the power line installation environment. The robotic system serves as a mediator that performs hazardous tasks at elevated heights, eliminating the need for linemen to directly work on power lines. This intermediary approach improves ease of operation for human workers while removing them from safety-risk environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical system of human linemen working at heights with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic platform with integrated actuators and end-effectors performs installation operations without requiring human presence on the power lines, thereby improving operational ease for human workers while eliminating their exposure to safety risks.
3Productivity
If traditional installation equipment is used, then device complexity remains low, but installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple installation functions into a single integrated robotic system. The platform merges navigation, positioning, actuation, and hardware installation capabilities into one unified system, achieving high installation efficiency through multifunctional integration while managing device complexity through modular architecture and coordinated control of combined components.
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 drone system enables efficient and safer installation of hardware on power lines by reducing the need for manual labor at heights, increasing installation speed, and minimizing safety risks while allowing for the installation of multiple items per flight.
Implementation Method 1
a flying drone portion for levitation of the portion to the location on the line
Data Source
AI summary
One or more arrangements and associated methods for mechanical installation of an item at a location on a line that is suspended are provided. An arrangement includes a portion for mechanical actuation to install the item upon the line at the location. The arrangement includes a flying drone portion for levitation of the portion to the location on the line.