Fault-locating Apparatus with Guides for Overhead Power Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines require special equipment, such as cranes, to install fault-locating apparatuses on lightning-protector cables or power conductors, especially when the cable direction varies, limiting their applicability.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates guides attached to its case that can set the trajectory of the lightning-protector cable or power conductor, allowing the apparatus to be installed without additional special equipment, using a drive system with two traveling rollers and a clamping roller to secure and move along the cable, and a helicopter-type aircraft for positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If special equipment such as cranes is used to install fault-locating apparatuses on lightning-protector cables, then the installation can be performed, but the complexity of the system increases and the applicability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external special equipment (cranes) by integrating all necessary installation functions into the fault-locating apparatus itself. The self-contained design includes its own positioning, attachment, and movement mechanisms, allowing it to be deployed without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fault-locating apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient, performing its own installation and positioning operations. It autonomously attaches to the lightning-protector cable, positions itself using onboard sensors and guidance systems, and moves along the cable without requiring external cranes or specialized installation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fault-locating apparatus is designed to work on cables with varying directions, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to varying cable directionsVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to adapt to varying cable directions in real-time. The structure includes movable and adjustable components that can change orientation and configuration to match the cable's path, enabling operation on cables with angles up to 45 degrees without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fault-locating apparatus is designed as a universal device capable of operating on lightning-protector cables regardless of their direction or configuration. It integrates multiple functions including positioning, attachment, fault detection, and navigation into a single multi-functional system, eliminating the need for direction-specific variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If additional special equipment is used for installation, then the installation capability is improved, but the loss of time and resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is pre-configured with all necessary components for installation and operation. The guidance systems, attachment mechanisms, and positioning devices are pre-installed and calibrated, allowing for rapid deployment directly onto the cable without requiring sequential installation of multiple separate equipment pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution expands the range of apparatuses for fault location and simplifies the installation process on overhead power transmission lines, enabling fault detection without additional equipment and facilitating movement along and across pylons.

Implementation Method 1

helicopter-type aircraft...made with the capability of...moving along it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

helicopter-type aircraft...made with the capability of...moving along it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust: Jet

Implementation Method 3

recording high-frequency electrical pulses near the power transmission line with the aid of an electromagnetic sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

During the flight, the magnetic field intensity is measured with sensors located on the aircraft's wingtips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3104184B1Method and apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 OBSHCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOJ OTVETSTVENNOSTJU LABA BUDUSHCHEGO
  • EP3104184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3104184B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3104184B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The claimed group of inventions relates to power engineering and can be used for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines. A method for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines comprises installing, on a lightning-protector cable or power conductor, an apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines, controlling the movement of said apparatus, controlling the operation of apparatuses for inspecting the overhead power transmission lines, and receiving, processing and analyzing data produced by said apparatuses. Furthermore, the placement and control of the movement of the fault-locating apparatus are carried out with the aid of a helicopter-type aircraft. The apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines comprises a control system, apparatuses for inspecting the overhead power transmission lines, and a drive system, wherein the apparatus additionally comprises a helicopter-type aircraft. A component of the apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines comprises a control system, apparatuses for inspecting the overhead power transmission lines, and a drive system, wherein the structure is additionally equipped with guides. The technical problem addressed by the claimed method and apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines is that of expanding the range of resources. The technical problem addressed by the component of the claimed apparatus is that of expanding the range of resources and simplifying the process for installing the apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines on a lightning-protector cable or power conductor.