Power Line Beacon Shell Layout for Low Drag and Corona Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light signaling devices for air navigation attached to electrical energy transport lines are bulky, offer significant wind resistance, and fail to mitigate the corona effect, which generates harmful sound vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A compact light signaling device with a hull comprising upper and lower half-shells surrounding the line, housing light sources and a current transformer with an induction coil for magnetic coupling, designed to minimize wind resistance and corona effect through a symmetrical, oval-shaped shell and strategically positioned transparent covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light beacons are suspended from the line below it, then the light signaling function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and offers significant wind resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light sources and current transformer directly into a housing that surrounds the line, merging previously separate components (suspended beacon structure with line attachment) into a unified assembly. This eliminates the need for suspension mechanisms and reduces the overall device footprint, directly addressing the wind resistance issue while maintaining signaling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to surround the line, with light sources and transformer nested within the housing structure. This nesting arrangement allows the signaling components to be compactly positioned around the line rather than hanging below it, reducing the device's vertical profile and wind exposure area.
2Reliability
If light beacons are suspended from the line below it, then the light signaling function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light sources, current transformer, and housing into a single integrated unit that attaches directly to the line. This merging eliminates the need for separate suspension structures and mounting hardware, significantly reducing the overall device volume while preserving the light signaling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a vertical suspension configuration (hanging below the line) to a radial arrangement where components are distributed around the line in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows compact packaging of components in the radial direction rather than extending vertically, reducing the device's effective volume.
3Reliability
If traditional light beacon structure is used, then the light signaling function is achieved, but the corona effect is not limited and harmful sound vibrations are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is specifically designed with smooth contours and rounded edges to preemptively prevent corona discharge. By eliminating sharp edges and protruding elements in the design phase, the patent prevents the initiation of corona effects before they can generate harmful sound vibrations, while still allowing the light signaling function to operate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing employs curved surfaces and rounded geometries throughout its structure, avoiding sharp edges and flat surfaces that could concentrate electric field stress. This spheroidal design approach distributes electric field stress uniformly, preventing corona discharge initiation while maintaining the structural integrity needed for light signaling operation.
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 device is more compact, reduces wind resistance, and limits the corona effect, ensuring effective signaling with reduced noise and improved aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one current transformer which is housed in the shell and which comprises an induction coil which is capable and intended to be magnetically coupled to the line; said current transformer being configured to transform a current flowing in the line into a current suitable for supplying electrical energy to the light sources
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a light signaling device (1) suitable and intended to be fixed to a line (2) for the transmission of electrical energy, said light signaling device (1) comprising: - a shell (3) having a shape of revolution about a longitudinal axis (X), said shell (3) having an upper half-shell (4) and a lower half-shell (5); - the shell (3) having at least two openings (22) which are each covered by a transparent cover (23); - at least two light-emitting diodes (16) which are housed inside the shell (3) and respectively arranged opposite one and the other of the openings (22); and - at least one current transformer (15) which is housed in the shell (3) configured to transform a current flowing in the line (2) into a current suitable for supplying electrical energy to the light-emitting diodes (16).