UAV Mounting Tool for Power Line Aerial Diverter Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linemen face danger while performing power line maintenance due to the need for manual mounting of aerial diverters, which exposes them to collision risks from airborne objects and electrocution, as they must work on power lines before diverters are in place.

Innovation Solution

A robotically assisted power line aerial diverter mounting tool allows an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to mount aerial diverters onto power lines, enabling linemen to remain on the ground and reducing exposure to hazards by using a manipulator mechanism comprising a mounting plate, robot-attachment assembly, intermediary connection mechanism, and extension member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lineman manually mounts an aerial diverter onto a power line, then the diverter can be installed, but the lineman is exposed to collision risks from airborne objects and electrocution hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of linemanVSAvoidmanual mounting operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical mounting operation with an automated robotic system. A manipulator tool with gripper mechanism, mounted on a UAV, performs the diverter mounting operation automatically, eliminating the need for linemen to physically approach and work on live power lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a UAV-mounted manipulator tool as an intermediary between the diverter and the power line. This intermediary system performs the mounting operation remotely, allowing the diverter to be installed without direct human contact with hazardous power lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a lineman works on power lines before aerial diverters are placed, then the diverter can be installed, but the lineman is vulnerable to collision with airborne objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediverter installation processVSAvoidcollision risk from airborne objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the UAV position and mount the aerial diverter onto the power line before any lineman approaches or works near the power line. This sequence reversal eliminates the collision risk entirely, as the protective diverter is already in place when linemen begin their work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If linemen physically interact with power lines for extended periods, then equipment can be mounted, but exposure to electrocution and falling hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment mounting capabilityVSAvoidsafety from electrocution and falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human physical interaction with power lines with an automated UAV-mounted manipulator system. The manipulator tool with adjustable gripper performs all equipment mounting operations remotely, eliminating lineman exposure to electrocution and falling hazards while maintaining full equipment mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If manual mounting of aerial diverters is performed, then the diverter can be installed, but the process is time-consuming and exposes workers to danger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediverter installation speedVSAvoidexposure to collision and electrocution risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow manual mounting operations with automated UAV-based installation. The robotic manipulator can quickly position and secure diverters without human intervention, increasing installation speed while simultaneously eliminating worker exposure to collision and electrocution risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10456926B1Robotically assisted power line aerial diverter mounting tool

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 NAYLOR CONNELL

AI summary

A robotically assisted power line aerial diverter mounting tool enables a UAV to attach an aerial diverter, or other power line safety equipment, to a power line. To do this, the mounting tool has a mounting plate, a robot-attachment assembly, an intermediary connection mechanism, a mounting receptacle, an extension member, and a diverter-manipulation assembly. The robot-attachment assembly is a rigid frame that is mounted onto one side of mounted plate. The robot-attachment assembly has adjustable fasteners that enable the mounting tool to be affixed to the UAV. The connection mechanism is a detachable fastening system that is mounted onto the mounting plate, opposite to the robot-attachment assembly. The mounting receptacle extends into the connection mechanism so that the extension member can be attached to the connection mechanism. Further, one end of the extension member engages into the receptacle and the diverter manipulation assembly is mounted to the opposite end.