Rope Robot Climbing Mechanism for Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of safely and efficiently mounting line sensors to power lines without disrupting power supply or requiring live-line work, which is risky and costly, is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A rope robot that climbs along vertically suspended ropes between the ground and power lines, utilizing a crawler unit, support unit, and manipulator unit to mount objects like line sensors directly to the power lines, ensuring proper orientation and secure attachment without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor housing encloses the power line wire, then the sensor can be mounted on the power line, but it prevents cooling of the power line and creates hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate components: a sensor unit that attaches to the power line without enclosing it, and a separate housing that contains the electronics. This segmentation allows the power line to remain exposed for cooling while the sensor functions are distributed between the two components.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film or coating is used as an intermediary between the sensor and the power line, allowing thermal contact for sensing while maintaining adequate cooling airflow. This intermediary layer enables temperature measurement without creating significant thermal barriers.
2Reliability
If sensor housing encloses the power line wire, then the sensor can be mounted, but visual inspection of the wire becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a minimal attachment component that contacts the wire and a separate housing, leaving the wire visually accessible for inspection while maintaining sensor functionality.
3Productivity
If field workers perform live-line work to mount sensors, then sensors can be installed on powered lines, but the process becomes risky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to be self-installing using magnetic attachment and automated mechanisms, eliminating the need for workers to perform dangerous live-line work. The sensor autonomously attaches to the power line and begins functioning without human intervention at height.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical installation by workers is replaced with magnetic attachment and automated deployment mechanisms, substituting human labor with a self-installing system that reduces risk to workers.
4Reliability
If power lines are switched off for sensor mounting, then worker safety is improved, but power supply disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs self-installation through magnetic attachment and automated mechanisms, allowing mounting to occur while the power line remains energized, thus maintaining power supply continuity while ensuring worker safety through remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical installation requiring power shutdown is replaced with magnetic and automated installation systems that can safely operate on energized lines, eliminating the need to interrupt power supply.
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 safe, efficient, and cost-effective mounting of line sensors to power lines, eliminating the need for live-line work and reducing risks associated with high voltage operations.
Implementation Method 1
a crawler unit mounted on or in the rope robot housing for receiving and clamping onto the at least two ropes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for mounting an object (200), such as a line sensor, to a power line (1a, 1b, 1c). The method comprises: i) suspending and tensioning at least two ropes (10) between a physical ground and a power line (1a, 1b, 1c); ii) coupling a rope robot (100) with the at least two ropes (10) in such a way that the rope robot (100) can climb up and down the at least two ropes (10) in operational use; iii) providing an object (200) on the rope robot (100); iv) making the rope robot (100) climb up to the power line (1a, 1b, 1c) to bring the object (200) close to the power line (1a, 1b, 1c); v) mounting the object (200) to the power line (1a, 1b, 1c) with the rope robot (100), and vi) decoupling the rope robot (100) from the object (200) and making the rope robot (100) climb down the at least two ropes (10). The invention further relates to a rope robot (100) that can carry out this method.