Motor-Driven De-Icing Apparatus for Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing ice, hoarfrost, and snow from power lines are labor-intensive and time-consuming, posing risks to equipment and infrastructure due to extreme weather conditions, and existing automated solutions are not effective for rapid de-icing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame, wheels, and motor-driven guide elements that flex and propagate along the conductor to dislodge ice and frost, using wheels and deflector elements to navigate obstacles, allowing for efficient and automated removal of extraneous matter from power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual ice removal is used with multiple workers and vehicles, then ice can be removed from power lines, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus is self-propelled along the power line using a wheel that engages with the conductor, eliminating the need for external vehicles and multiple workers to physically move the de-icing tool. The robot autonomously traverses the line span by span without requiring manual relocation at each pole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of workers using hotsticks and ropes with an automated robotic system. The robotic apparatus uses a motor-driven wheel and guide elements to mechanically traverse and de-ice the power line, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system.
2Productivity
If workers stop at each pole to relocate the ice removal tool, then the tool can be moved to the next span, but this creates idle manpower and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus maintains continuous motion along the power line, traversing from one pole to the next without stopping. The wheel-driven mechanism allows the robot to continuously de-ice multiple spans in sequence, eliminating the idle time that occurs when workers must stop, relocate equipment, and reset at each pole.
3Productivity
If conventional manual methods are used, then ice removal can be performed on energized lines, but the process is slow and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus is self-contained with its own propulsion system (motor-driven wheel) and guide elements, allowing it to autonomously navigate and de-ice power lines without requiring external assistance or complex manual operations. The robot independently manages its movement and de-icing function throughout the process.
4Productivity
If ice melting is used on isolated circuits, then ice can be removed through controlled short-circuit heating, but the line must be de-energized first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical heating method (controlled short-circuit) with a mechanical de-icing method. The robotic apparatus uses mechanical flexion of the power line through guide elements to dislodge ice physically, rather than melting it through electrical heating, thereby allowing operation on energized lines without interruption.
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 solution significantly reduces labor and time required for de-icing, enhancing safety and reducing costs by enabling rapid and effective removal of ice, frost, and snow from power lines, even in challenging weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
cause a flexion in the conductor when the wheel is engaged on the conductor and said flexion is propagated/translocated along the conductor when the wheel is driven by the motor means to move the apparatus along the longitudinal axis of the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A de-icing apparatus for a flexible conductor, for example a suspended power line, is supported for longitudinal displacement along the conductor. The apparatus has a frame, a motor driven wheel on the frame for rolling engagement along the conductor and at least one guide element supported on the frame so as to be arranged to engage the conductor so as to cause at least one flexion in the conductor when the frame is suspended from the conductor by engagement of the drive wheel and said at least guide element on the conductor. The propagation of the flexion along the conductor cause ice and snow collected on the conductor to be loosened and fall from the conductor.