Drone-Mounted Powerline X-Ray Inspection for Stable Defect Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for powerline inspection, such as bucket truck-based X-ray and helicopter-based X-ray, are hazardous, expensive, and prone to errors due to uncontrolled spin and challenging image quality.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a frame detachably coupled to powerlines, equipped with an X-ray unit and processing circuitry, which uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to position the frame for X-ray imaging, and employs a picture archiving & communication system (PACS) and assistive defect recognition (ADR) techniques to analyze X-ray images and detect abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If helicopter-based X-ray inspection is used, then inspection capability is achieved, but safety risk and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a frame as an intermediary carrier that attaches to the powerline, which then supports the X-ray device. This frame acts as a mediator between the inspection system and the powerline, eliminating the need for helicopters and bucket trucks, thereby removing the associated safety risks while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical helicopter-based suspension system with a frame-based attachment system that directly couples to the powerline. This substitution eliminates the complex mechanical suspension and positioning mechanisms required for helicopter operations, reducing safety risks and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If bucket truck-based X-ray inspection is used, then inspection can be performed, but accessibility is limited and manual handling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed to attach to and be supported by the powerline itself, using the powerline's own structure as the mounting platform. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external support equipment like bucket trucks, allowing inspection in previously inaccessible locations without manual handling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If helicopter-based inspection is used, then inspection coverage is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to uncontrolled spin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of suspending the X-ray device from a moving helicopter, the patent inverts the approach by attaching the X-ray device to a frame that is stationary relative to the powerline. This inversion eliminates the uncontrolled spin motion, providing stable imaging conditions while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If manual X-ray device handling is used, then inspection is performed, but personnel training requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidtraining requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inspection system into modular components: a frame that attaches to the powerline and a X-ray device mounted on the frame. This segmentation creates a self-contained inspection unit that is easier to operate and maintain, reducing the complexity of personnel training while preserving inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective means for powerline inspection, minimizing personnel risk and improving image quality and defect detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one X-ray unit configured to capture one or more X-ray images of one or more powerlines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

processing circuitry that is coupled to the at least one X-ray unit and is configured to process the one or more X-ray images of the one or more powerlines by way of a picture archiving & communication system (PACS) and an assistive defect recognition (ADR) technique

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS20250029224A1System and method for powerline inspection

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 SINGH ABHINAV

AI summary

Disclosed is a system including a user device, a frame, a drone, and a server. The user device enables a user to aviate the drone that is adapted to be detachably coupled to the frame. The frame is further adapted to be detachably coupled to the one or more powerlines, and includes an X-ray unit configured to capture X-ray images of the one or more powerlines. The X-ray unit transmits the X-ray images to the user device and the user device further transmits the X-ray images to the server in a digital imaging and communication in non-destructive evaluation (DICONDE) format. The server detects one or more abnormalities in the one or more powerlines by processing the X-ray images using a picture archiving & communication system (PACS) and an ADR technique, and generates data and/or reports to be viewed by the user by way of the user device.