UAV Line Crawler Installation of Bird Flight Diverters on Power Lines

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing bird flight diverters on power lines are hazardous and expensive, involving manual helicopter deployment.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a robotic line crawler and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that lifts and places the line crawler onto wires, allowing for the automated installation of bird flight diverters at predetermined intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual helicopter deployment is used to install bird flight diverters, then installation can be performed on power lines, but the operation is extremely dangerous and very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinstallation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line crawler is an autonomous robotic device that travels along the power line and automatically installs bird flight diverters without requiring human operators in hazardous positions. The device carries its own power source, control systems, and installation mechanisms, enabling it to perform the complete installation task independently and safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process (hand-held diverter attachment by workers in helicopters) with an automated robotic system. The line crawler uses mechanical arms and attachment mechanisms to automatically affix diverters to power lines, eliminating the need for human workers to perform dangerous manual operations at height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual helicopter deployment is used to install bird flight diverters, then installation can be performed on power lines, but the cost is very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The line crawler is an autonomous robotic device that travels along the power line and automatically installs bird flight diverters without requiring human operators in hazardous positions. The device carries its own power source, control systems, and installation mechanisms, enabling it to perform the complete installation task independently and safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process (hand-held diverter attachment by workers in helicopters) with an automated robotic system. The line crawler uses mechanical arms and attachment mechanisms to automatically affix diverters to power lines, eliminating the need for human workers to perform dangerous manual operations at height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If bird flight diverters are installed at regular intervals to provide maximum visibility, then bird protection effectiveness is improved, but the quantity of diverters and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebird protection effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The line crawler continuously travels along the power line and installs bird flight diverters in an uninterrupted sequence. The automated system maintains constant motion and installation activity, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual installation and achieving high-speed deployment of multiple diverters at predetermined intervals without breaking the installation flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process (hand-held diverter attachment by workers in helicopters) with an automated robotic system. The line crawler uses mechanical arms and attachment mechanisms to automatically affix diverters to power lines, eliminating the need for human workers to perform dangerous manual operations at height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11787038B2Method and system for installing bird flight diverters

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 FT HLDG INC

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 an unmanned aerial vehicle to place 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.