Drone Shot Line Stringing System for Power Tower Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stringing power lines between widely spaced high tension towers, especially over inaccessible terrain like canyons or waterways, are inefficient and costly, particularly during inclement weather, due to limitations in helicopter usage, line throwing guns, and large drone deployment complexities.
Innovation Solution
A radio-controlled drone equipped with a shot line deployment undercarriage assembly that uses a lightweight shot line spool to lay a lead string between towers, featuring a solenoid-activated sinker release mechanism and canister jettison system for efficient deployment and retrieval, allowing operation in adverse weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If helicopters are used to pull lightweight rope or lead lines between towers, then the power line can be strung over inaccessible terrain, but the cost is high and usage is limited by weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical helicopter system with an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) system that uses a spool-based line deployment mechanism. The drone carries a spool with line pre-loaded on it, eliminating the need for helicopters while maintaining the capability to string power lines over inaccessible terrain. This substitution provides operational reliability during inclement weather as drones can operate in conditions where helicopters cannot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of helicopter-based line pulling and implements it through a dedicated drone system with integrated spool deployment. By separating the line deployment function into a specialized drone system rather than using general-purpose helicopters, the solution achieves both cost-effectiveness and weather independence.
2Ease of operation
If line throwing guns are used to fire projectile with shot line, then the lead line can be routed between towers, but accuracy is poor and distance is limited particularly in wet or windy weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the shot line onto a spool mounted on the drone before deployment. This eliminates the need for complex gun-firing operations and ensures accurate line delivery. The line is already prepared and positioned on the spool, so when deployment occurs, the line feeds out smoothly without the accuracy and distance limitations of gun-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the line throwing gun mechanical system with a drone-based spool deployment system. This substitution eliminates the poor accuracy and distance limitations of gun-based systems while maintaining ease of operation. The drone can precisely navigate to the target location and deploy the line accurately regardless of weather conditions.
3Productivity
If large drones are used to drag lead line from proximate tower to distal tower, then the lead line can be transported, but the drone is difficult to maneuver amongst guy lines and other features on the towers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lead line transport function into two separate operational phases: (1) The drone flies to the proximate tower and deploys the spool, allowing the line to be paid out as the drone moves away. (2) The drone then maneuvers to the distal tower area where the line is already positioned, avoiding the need to drag the line through tight spaces. This segmentation of the transport process maintains both productivity and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the spool as an intermediary device between the drone and the lead line. Instead of the drone directly dragging the heavy lead line, the spool acts as a mediator that feeds out the line smoothly. This reduces the drag force on the drone significantly, allowing it to maneuver easily amongst tower features while still transporting the line over the required distance.
4Length of stationary object
If large drones are used to provide necessary lift and travel distance, then the lead line can be dragged over long distances, but the drone is complicated to deploy due to licensing and FAA restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by significantly reducing the weight and size parameters of the aerial vehicle. Instead of using large drones that require special licensing and FAA restrictions, the invention uses a small, lightweight drone that can operate under standard regulations. The spool-based line deployment mechanism allows the small drone to achieve the same productivity as large drones by paying out the line as it flies, eliminating the need for excessive lift capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned vehicle line and cable string apparatus is provided and the method of use thereof. A small drone has a shot line canister loaded with an inside wound shot line string spool. Shot line is strung between power line towers wherein the inside shot line string end is attached to a remotely controlled released shot line sinker. The sinker is deployed near the proximate tower, the drone is directed to the distal tower deploying shot line from the shot line canister. The shot line canister, having a remotely controlled jettison mechanism and an end of shot line detection mechanism, is jettisoned at the distal power line tower. As shot line is dispensed, the vehicle loses weight thereby extending the flying time, distance, and maneuverability particularly as the vehicle approaches the distal tower. Because the shot line is deployed and not dragged, the impact of inclement weather conditions is minimized.