Overhead Line Maintenance Handling for Live Track Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maintenance methods for overhead line systems of tracks are inefficient, unsafe, and disrupt rail operations due to the need for complete de-energization, posing risks to workers and causing operational interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a handling device and displacement device, equipped with sensors and actuatable tools, allows for automated or remote-controlled maintenance without de-energizing the overhead line, using electrically insulated components and fluid-operated drives to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual maintenance of overhead line systems is performed by de-energizing the line, then worker safety is improved, but rail operations are interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical maintenance operations with an automated robotic system. The handling device with gripper tool autonomously performs maintenance tasks on overhead line components, eliminating the need for workers to manually access de-energized lines. This substitution enables maintenance to proceed without interrupting rail operations while ensuring worker safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line maintenance system performs self-maintenance through the automated handling device. The system autonomously detects, grasps, and replaces defective components such as insulators or interference objects without human intervention during the maintenance process, allowing continuous operation of the rail system.
2Productivity
If automated handling device is used for maintenance, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is designed as a universal robotic system capable of performing multiple maintenance functions on different overhead line components. The gripper tool can adapt to handle various objects including insulators, interference objects, and other line components, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the complexity through versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor system as an intermediary between the handling device and the overhead line components. Sensors detect the position, type, and state of components, providing information to the control unit that coordinates the gripper's actions. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by enabling automated decision-making without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If handling device reaches overhead line in working position, then maintenance capability is improved, but transportability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with movable and adjustable components. The device can extend and retract between transport and working positions, and the gripper can move to reach overhead line components at various heights and locations. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to maintain a compact form for transport while achieving full maintenance capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device is segmented into multiple movable sections including the main body, extending arms, and gripper mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling the device to reach overhead line components without requiring the entire structure to be permanently extended, thus maintaining transportability while providing maintenance access.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the maintenance of an overhead line system of a track has a handling device and a displacement device. The displacement device serves to displace the handling device between a transport position and a working position. In the working position, the handling device reaches the overhead line system and is able to perform maintenance work by way of a tool. At least one sensor serves for controlling and/or monitoring the handling device. The device thus enables a simple, efficient and safe maintenance of the overhead line system.