Robotic Line Crawler for Automated Bird Diverter Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing bird flight diverters on power lines and guy wires are expensive, physically demanding, and hazardous, requiring manual installation by trained personnel using helicopters.
Innovation Solution
A robotic line crawler system that moves along the wire and automatically installs conical helix bird flight diverters at predetermined intervals, utilizing a drive wheel, idler wheel, balancing struts, and carrier assemblies with rotating grips to wrap and secure the diverters onto the wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual installation by trained personnel using helicopters is used, then the bird flight diverters can be installed on power lines, but the installation is expensive, physically demanding, and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic line crawler is self-propelled along the power line using a drive wheel that contacts the line, eliminating the need for helicopter transport and manual installation. The robot autonomously positions and installs multiple diverters sequentially as it travels along the line, making the system self-sufficient and removing hazardous human operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process with an automated robotic system. The robotic line crawler uses mechanical components (drive wheel, idler wheel, carrier assembly with rotating grip) to automatically wrap and secure conical helix diverters onto the power line, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual installation by trained personnel is used, then the bird flight diverters can be installed at regular intervals, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic line crawler continuously installs diverters as it travels along the power line without interruption. The robot maintains continuous motion while sequentially deploying multiple diverters from its carrier assembly, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual installation and achieving both high speed and consistent spacing through uninterrupted automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bird flight diverters are pre-loaded onto the robotic line crawler's carrier assembly before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the robot to install multiple diverters in rapid succession without returning to a supply point, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining precise spacing through automated positioning.
3Extent of automation
If a robotic line crawler is used to automatically install diverters, then installation cost and safety risk are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into distinct functional modules: a drive wheel for propulsion, an idler wheel for support, a longitudinal backbone member for structure, multiple balancing struts for stability, and a carrier assembly with rotating grip for diverter handling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic line crawler is designed to be adaptable to different power line diameters and installation requirements. The carrier assembly can hold multiple diverters of different sizes, and the robotic system can be configured for various installation scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the initial complexity through versatile application.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for installing bird flight diverters on wires, such as power lines and guy wires, is described. The system and method include the use of a robotic line crawler onto wires where the line crawler is configured to place bird flight diverters on the wire as the line crawler travels along the wire.