Transmission Line Spacer Robot With On-Wire Bolt Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual installation of spacers on transmission power lines is time-consuming, dangerous, and expensive, necessitating an automated method for faster, safer, and cheaper installation.
Innovation Solution
A robotic apparatus with a rolling chassis, magazine assembly, and bolt tightening assembly is used to move along the wire span, position, and securely fasten spacers to the wires, utilizing a computer-controlled system for wireless command operation and automated installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual installation of spacers is performed by trained personnel on wheeled carts, then the installation can be completed with simple equipment, but the installation process is time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus autonomously traverses the wire span and installs spacers without requiring human operators to physically traverse the dangerous environment. The system self-manages the entire installation process including positioning, spacer attachment, and bolting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of personnel on wheeled carts with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled mechanisms for traversal and spacer installation, eliminating human involvement in the dangerous traversal process
2Loss of time
If manual installation methods are used, then equipment costs are lower, but installation time increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus is pre-loaded with multiple spacers in a magazine assembly before traversing the wire span. The system performs all positioning, attachment, and bolting operations in advance during a single traversal, eliminating the need for multiple trips or pauses
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system continuously performs installation operations throughout its traversal of the wire span without interruption. The apparatus maintains continuous engagement with the wires and continuously installs spacers at predetermined intervals, maximizing productive action time
3Reliability
If trained personnel manually install spacers on wheeled carts, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus serves as an intermediary between the ground control station and the wire span installation task. It receives wireless commands from operators on the ground and executes installation operations autonomously, eliminating the need for personnel to physically expose themselves to dangerous conditions on the wire span
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators physically traversing the span with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled motors, sensors, and algorithms to perform traversal and installation operations, thereby eliminating human safety risks
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for the installation of dual line spacers, triple line spacers or quad line spacers on transmission power lines. A robotic assembly is configured to traverse along 2, 3 or 4 wires using motorized wheel mechanisms, where the robotic assembly can hold a number of 2, 3 or 4-wire spacers and dispense them onto the wires for installation. The robotic assembly uses impact wrenches that can position onto the fastening bolts of the line spacers and tighten the bolts to hold the line spacers on the wires. Once a line spacer is installed, the robotic assembly releases the installed line spacer and then traverses along the wires to the next position for a next line spacer to be installed.