Power Line Sensor Spring Clamp for Fast Drone Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line sensors are challenging to install and remove using aerial drones due to high voltage and high noise fields, requiring extended drone attachment and complex electronic shielding, which increases costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A power line sensor with a spring clamp connection mechanism that allows near-instantaneous attachment and release from power lines using an aerial drone, combined with various release mechanisms like torsion rings and motorized systems for safe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drone remains attached to the power line for extended period to install the sensor, then the sensor can be properly attached and tested, but the installation time increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp is pre-loaded and pre-positioned on the drone before flight. The clamp is designed to automatically engage with the power line upon contact, eliminating the need for manual attachment operations during the brief drone contact period. This preliminary preparation enables rapid sensor deployment while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical attachment process is replaced with an automatic spring-loaded clamp mechanism that engages through simple contact. The spring force automatically secures the sensor to the power line without requiring the drone to maintain attachment or perform complex manual operations, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If the drone remains attached to the power line for extended period to test the connection, then the connection reliability can be confirmed, but the operational complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp mechanism is self-securing, automatically engaging and locking onto the power line through its spring-loaded design. The sensor package includes self-testing capabilities that automatically verify connection integrity upon deployment, eliminating the need for extended drone attachment for manual testing. The system performs its own verification functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing and verification functions are extracted from the drone operation sequence and integrated into the sensor package itself. The sensor autonomously performs connection verification after detachment, allowing the drone to complete installation and return without remaining attached for extended testing, thereby simplifying operations while maintaining connection reliability.
3Reliability
If complex electronic shielding is used to operate in high voltage and high noise fields, then the sensor can operate reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor package employs thin-film electromagnetic shielding layers integrated into the housing structure. These thin conductive films provide effective electromagnetic interference protection while adding minimal weight and complexity. The shielding is applied as thin coatings or laminates rather than bulky metallic enclosures, maintaining operational reliability in high-voltage environments without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, environmental protection, and electromagnetic shielding. By integrating shielding materials into the housing design rather than adding separate shielding components, the overall device complexity is minimized while maintaining reliable operation in high-voltage and high-noise fields.
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
Simplifies sensor installation and removal processes, reducing mishaps and costs while ensuring safety and efficient operation in high-voltage environments.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clamp connection mechanism supported by the housing includes an upper jaws, a lower jaws, and a trigger. In response to the trigger coming into contact with the power line, the spring clamp simultaneously opens the upper jaws to release the connecting rod and closes the lower jaws to capture the sensor on the power line.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may also include one or more release mechanisms for opening the lower jaws to release the sensor from the power line. A variety of representative release mechanisms for removing the sensor from the power line are disclosed, including, for example, a torsion ring
Data Source
AI summary
A power line sensor is attached and removed from electric power lines more effectively and efficiently than conventional power line sensors. An aerial drone lowers the power line sensor by a connecting rod until a trigger of a mousetrap-like spring clamp comes into contact with the power line. The spring clamp simultaneously attaches the sensor to a power line and releases the connecting rod allowing the aerial drone to fly away with the connecting rod. The spring clamp connection mechanism provides near instantaneous attachment of the sensor to the power line and release of the drone, avoiding the need for the drone to attach to the power line or hover over the installation location for an extended period of time.