Live-Line Cable Repair Robot With Inductive Power Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing medium- or high-voltage cables are hazardous, costly, and inefficient, particularly under adverse weather conditions, due to the need for manual labor and de-energizing the lines, which can lead to increased downtime and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a repair unit capable of performing rotary movements on the cable to reposition and repair defects, equipped with autonomous capabilities and a power supply system that allows it to operate on live lines, using inductive coupling for energy, and optionally assisted by a swarm of robots for larger defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual repair methods are used by people, then repair can be performed with simple equipment, but safety is endangered and repair quality is reduced due to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs repairs autonomously without human intervention in hazardous conditions. The system uses self-contained power supply units with inductive coupling to draw energy from the line itself, and autonomous navigation to reach defects, eliminating the need for human personnel to work at height in adverse weather
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repair operations with an automated robotic system. The robot uses mechanical arms with grippers to manipulate cable strands and apply repair materials, substituting human hands and tools with controlled mechanical actuators that can operate safely in hazardous environments
2Device complexity
If manual repair methods are used by people, then equipment requirements are minimal, but repair time increases due to repositioning needs and limited productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: autonomous navigation to locate defects, mechanical manipulation for repair operations, inductive power supply for energy, and material dispensing for reinforcement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment items like forklifts, helicopters, and manual tools
Solution Approach 2:
The robot maintains continuous operation by using inductive coupling to draw power directly from the live line during repair. The autonomous system can navigate to defects, perform repairs, and move to the next defect without interruption, eliminating downtime associated with repositioning heavy equipment and maintaining continuous productive action
3Reliability
If repairs are performed on de-energized lines, then safety is improved, but power supply is restricted and repair timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based power systems with inductive coupling. The power supply unit uses electromagnetic induction to wirelessly transfer energy from the line to the robot, eliminating the need to de-energize the line and allowing repairs to proceed on live conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system acts as an intermediary between the live power line and the robotic system. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that transfers energy without direct electrical contact, enabling the robot to operate safely on energized lines while maintaining power supply continuity
4Reliability
If specialized equipment like forklift trucks and helicopters are used, then repair capability is enhanced, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is self-propelled and autonomously navigates to defects using onboard sensors and navigation systems. It carries its own power supply through inductive coupling and all necessary repair tools, eliminating the need for expensive external equipment like forklift trucks and helicopters to transport personnel and equipment to hard-to-reach locations
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
Enables safe, efficient, and reliable cable repairs under various weather conditions without shutting down the power supply, reducing costs and time, and optimizing repair quality through human-robot collaboration.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply unit which is designed to perform inductive coupling to the line in order to receive electrical energy from the line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a robot (100) for repairing a line (1), in particular a medium-voltage or high-voltage line, wherein the robot (100) has a repair unit (30) which is designed to carry out a rotary movement acting on the line (1) in order to carry out a repair.