Powerline Contact Monitoring With Accelerometer and Camera Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covered conductor systems lack a means to detect and alert for contact with objects, which can lead to insulation damage and eventual circuit failure without shutting down, necessitating a system that can identify both short and long-term contact and provide visual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with accelerometers and cameras mounted on power lines that detect movement, generate alerts when thresholds are met, and transmit images to a receiving device, powered by solar cells and allowing 'hotsticking' installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If covered conductor systems are used instead of bare wire systems, then the system continues to operate when contacted by a grounded object, but there is no way to determine whether contact has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact detection methods with electronic sensing technology. Accelerometers and other sensors are integrated into the monitoring device to detect contact events electronically, enabling continuous operation while maintaining detection capability through non-mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring device that attaches to the covered conductor to detect contact events. This intermediary device acts as a mediator between the conductor and the monitoring system, capturing contact information without interfering with the conductor's continuous operation.
2Reliability
If monitoring devices are installed on live power lines, then contact events can be detected in real-time, but installation becomes more dangerous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is designed to be self-installing or easily attachable to live lines without requiring complex installation procedures. The device incorporates features that allow it to attach to the conductor independently, reducing the need for specialized installation equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms and detection systems before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation on live lines without requiring complex on-site configuration or assembly, reducing installation complexity and time.
3Measurement precision
If accelerometers and cameras are integrated into the monitoring device, then contact detection and visual inspection capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (accelerometer-based motion detection, camera-based visual inspection, and contact sensing) into a single integrated monitoring device. This merging of functions reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate devices for each detection method.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs contact detection, visual inspection, and data transmission capabilities. This universal device replaces multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
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
Enables real-time detection and alerting of conductor contact, providing visual inspection and reducing the risk of insulation damage by identifying and documenting contact events.
Implementation Method 1
A processor and an accelerometer are positioned in the housing, the accelerometer in operable communication with the processor
Implementation Method 2
In an embodiment, the power supply is one or more solar cells. The solar cells can be positioned on the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring and alerting for contact of an object with a line strung between two upright posts includes a housing having a body and a mounting portion extending from the body. A mount is positioned in the mounting portion. A camera is positioned on the mounting portion for downward viewing of the line. A processor is positioned in the housing and an accelerometer is positioned in the housing in operable communication with the processor. The device includes a power supply operably connected to the processor. When the device is positioned on the line and the accelerometer senses movement of the device, the accelerometer generates and transmits a signal to the processor. The processor analyses the signal to determine whether the signal meets a threshold and, if the threshold is met, the processor generates and transmits an alarm signal to a receiving device.