Drone Spacer Mounting on Utility Lines Without Direct Technician Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In situ installation of hardware equipment on utility lines, such as power/communication lines, poses challenges due to the need for direct human intervention, which is physically demanding and risky for line technicians, requiring methods like climbing poles, using hot sticks, or helicopters.
Innovation Solution
An automated drone system is employed to install line spacers by levitating, holding, and securing them onto adjacent lines using a flying drone portion, clamp portions, and actuating mechanisms, eliminating the need for direct human connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If line technicians perform in situ work on utility lines using traditional methods (ladders, lift apparatus, helicopters), then the work can be completed with direct human intervention, but the physical demands and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical systems (ladders, lift apparatus, helicopters) with an automated drone system that uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion to access utility lines. The drone carries installation equipment to perform hardware installation without requiring line technicians to physically access dangerous locations, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The drone system performs self-positioning and self-installation operations through automated navigation and robotic manipulation. The system independently locates the utility line, positions itself at the work location, and executes hardware installation without human intervention, eliminating the need for technicians to expose themselves to safety risks
2Length of stationary object
If line technicians use lift apparatus or helicopters to reach utility lines, then work can be performed at elevated locations, but the complexity and cost of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lift apparatus and helicopters with a drone system that achieves elevated positioning through aerodynamic flight. The drone uses rotors or fixed wings to generate lift and propulsion, eliminating the need for ground-based support equipment while maintaining access to high-voltage utility lines at various heights
3Productivity
If traditional installation methods are used, then hardware can be installed on utility lines, but the time and resources required for setup and movement of equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system performs autonomous navigation to locate utility lines and automatically positions itself at installation points. The system independently executes hardware installation sequences without requiring setup, positioning, or movement of external equipment, dramatically reducing preparation time and increasing installation productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the installation capability from ground-based equipment and integrates it directly onto the drone platform. The drone carries all necessary installation tools and hardware mounting mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate setup equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving response time
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 drone system facilitates safe and efficient installation of line spacers, reducing physical demands and safety risks for technicians while maintaining line spacing, thereby preventing damage from wind-induced sway and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a flying drone portion for levitation of the portion for holding to the lines
Data Source
AI summary
One or more system and associated methods for installing a line spacer upon adjacent lines that are suspended are provided. A system includes a portion for holding and releasing the line spacer onto the lines. The system includes a portion for actuating securing portions of the line spacer to secure the line spacer upon the lines. The system includes a flying drone portion for levitation of the portion for holding and the portion for articulating to the lines.