Polymeric Shield Panels for Transmission Tower Insulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bird excrement accumulation on electric power transmission tower insulators causes short circuits and is difficult to clean, with existing deterrents like spikes and large corrugated pipes being cumbersome and expensive to install.

Innovation Solution

A shield system comprising lightweight, polymeric panels with inverted-V or inverted-U shapes secured to the cross-arm structure of the tower, deflecting bird excrement away from insulators and preventing accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If spikes are installed on cross-arms to discourage birds, then bird nesting is reduced, but installation is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebird nestingVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shield system is divided into multiple individual panels that can be independently installed on different cross-arms. Each panel is a separate unit that can be quickly attached without complex assembly, reducing overall installation time while maintaining bird deterrent effectiveness across the entire tower structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are made from lightweight polymeric materials that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace. If a panel becomes damaged or ineffective, it can be quickly replaced with a new one without requiring extensive installation work, reducing long-term maintenance time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If large diameter corrugated pipe sections are mounted to prevent excrement accumulation, then insulator protection is improved, but handling and mounting becomes difficult and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcrement accumulationVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one large corrugated pipe section that is difficult to handle, the system uses multiple smaller panels that are lightweight and easy to transport. Each panel can be individually maneuvered into position and attached to the cross-arms, significantly reducing the physical effort and equipment needed during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are made from flexible polymeric materials that can be easily bent, shaped, and positioned during installation. This flexibility allows workers to handle and mount the panels without requiring heavy machinery or complex positioning equipment, unlike rigid large-diameter pipe sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple cross-arms are equipped with bird deterrents, then bird nesting is reduced, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebird nestingVSAvoidmaterial quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple small panels that can be selectively installed on only those cross-arms where bird nesting is a problem. This segmented approach allows for targeted protection rather than requiring all cross-arms to be equipped, reducing the total quantity of material needed while still providing effective bird deterrent coverage where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed with a universal mounting system that can be attached to various cross-arm configurations and sizes. This universality means the same panel design can be used across multiple locations without requiring custom-made components for each cross-arm, reducing material variety and inventory costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 shield system effectively prevents bird excrement from contacting insulators, reducing maintenance costs and eliminating the need for frequent cleaning, while being easy to install and transport due to its lightweight and stackable design.

Implementation Method 1

The sloped configuration of the first and second portions of each panel facilitates the deflection of bird excrement away from the tower and insulators suspended therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeflection:

Data Source

PatentUS11559054B2Bird excrement shields for electric power transmission towers

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 DUKE ENERGY CORP

AI summary

A shield system for an electric power transmission tower includes a plurality of panels configured to be secured to a cross-arm structure of the tower in adjacent, end-to-end arrangement so as to overlie insulators supported by the tower and prevent excrement from birds nesting and/or congregating on the tower from contacting and accumulating on the insulators. Each panel has opposite ends and opposite lateral edges extending between the opposite ends. A plurality of spaced-apart apertures are formed in each panel adjacent each of the lateral edges and at least one of the ends, and each aperture is configured to receive a respective fastener therethrough for securing the panel to the cross-arm structure. Each panel has a shape that generally conforms to a shape of a portion of the cross-arm structure to which the panel is secured.