Power Line Stringing with UAS Pilot Lines and Mobile Winches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of high voltage power line cables on transmission towers is a dangerous, time-consuming, and costly process that requires skilled personnel and resources, with helicopters being used due to the weight of the cables, but this method is hazardous and resource-intensive, and often limited by weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and mobile winches to deploy and secure power line cables across transmission towers, with a line attachment device and hanging sheave arrangement allowing for efficient and safe installation by slotting lines into sheaves, and using a secondary line to draw the power line cable, reducing the need for helicopters and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If helicopters are used to install power line cables, then the cables can be lifted and delivered to transmission towers, but the operation becomes dangerous and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary lightweight line (pilot line) that is first installed using a UAS, which then serves as a mediator to pull the heavier power line cable through the transmission towers. This eliminates the need for helicopters to directly lift heavy cables, thereby improving safety while achieving the same transport function.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process is divided into two separate stages: first installing a lightweight pilot line using a UAS, then using that pilot line to pull the heavier power line cable. This segmentation allows each stage to use appropriately scaled equipment, avoiding the safety risks of using helicopters for the entire operation.
2Weight of moving object
If helicopters are used for power line installation, then cables can be delivered to towers, but the operation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By using a lightweight pilot line as an intermediary, the system enables faster and more cost-effective installation. The UAS can quickly deploy the pilot line, and then the power line cable can be pulled through efficiently using winches, eliminating the slow and expensive helicopter operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical helicopter lifting system with a UAS-based pilot line deployment system combined with ground-based winch systems. This substitution dramatically reduces operational costs and increases installation speed while maintaining the ability to handle heavy power line cables.
3Weight of moving object
If helicopters are operated near transmission towers, then cables can be installed, but accidents occur frequently due to wind gusts
Solution Approach 1:
The lightweight pilot line acts as an intermediary that is not susceptible to wind gusts in the same way heavy cables are. Once the pilot line is in place, the heavier power line cable can be pulled through using ground-based winches, eliminating the need for helicopters to operate near towers in windy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using heavy helicopters to lift heavy cables directly (which is dangerous in wind), the patent inverts the approach by first installing a lightweight line that is immune to wind effects, then using that line to pull the heavy cable through ground-based systems.
4Weight of moving object
If helicopters are used for cable installation, then heavy cables can be lifted, but insurance costs become prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By using a lightweight pilot line as an intermediary deployed by a UAS, the system eliminates the need for expensive helicopter insurance and safety protocols. The pilot line can be installed safely without helicopters, and then serves as a mediator to pull the heavy power line cable using ground-based equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a lightweight, disposable pilot line that is inexpensive compared to helicopter operations. This pilot line is used temporarily to establish the connection, then the heavy power line cable is pulled through, making the overall process more cost-effective and reducing insurance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a line on a series of transmission towers is provided. A mobile winch (100) is provided with a first and second line sections (200, 202). The UAS (300) and mobile winch (100) are operated to deliver and install the first line section (200) to a first plurality of transmission towers (700) until the UAS reaches a second staging point. The mobile winch (100) and UAS (300) are moved to a further staging point, spaced from the second staging point by a further plurality of the transmission towers (702). The UAS (300) and mobile winch (100) are operated to deliver and install the second line section (202) to a further plurality of transmission towers (702) until the UAS reaches the second staging point. Finally, the first line section (200) is connected to the second line section (202).