Line inspection robot and system
First Claim
1. An overhead transmission line inspection robot, comprising:
- (a) a communications and control system configured to control the robot and transmit information;
(b) a drive system configured to propel the robot along a shield wire to enable inspection over a large area, the drive system having;
(i) a center guide configured to ride along a top of the shield wire; and
(ii) a plurality of wheels pivotally connected to the center guide and configured to ride along opposing sides of the shield wire, each of the plurality of wheels being pivotally connected to the center guide by an arm, wherein the arm is configured to enable independent operation of each of the wheels and allow each wheel to move inwardly towards or outwardly away from a centerline of the shield wire;
(c) a camera configured to inspect right of way and component conditions;
(d) a light detection and ranging sensor configured to measure conductor position, vegetation, and nearby structures; and
(e) a global positioning system configured to identify the robot'"'"'s position and speed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to an overhead transmission line inspection robot and system for inspecting transmission line components and right of way conditions. The overhead transmission line inspection robot includes a communications and control system adapted to control the robot and transmit information and a drive system for propelling the robot along a shield wire to enable inspection over a large area. The robot further includes a camera adapted to inspect right of way and component conditions; a light detection and ranging (LiDar) sensor adapted to measure conductor position, vegetation, and nearby structures; and a global positioning system adapted to identify the robot'"'"'s position and speed.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An overhead transmission line inspection robot, comprising:
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(a) a communications and control system configured to control the robot and transmit information; (b) a drive system configured to propel the robot along a shield wire to enable inspection over a large area, the drive system having; (i) a center guide configured to ride along a top of the shield wire; and (ii) a plurality of wheels pivotally connected to the center guide and configured to ride along opposing sides of the shield wire, each of the plurality of wheels being pivotally connected to the center guide by an arm, wherein the arm is configured to enable independent operation of each of the wheels and allow each wheel to move inwardly towards or outwardly away from a centerline of the shield wire; (c) a camera configured to inspect right of way and component conditions; (d) a light detection and ranging sensor configured to measure conductor position, vegetation, and nearby structures; and (e) a global positioning system configured to identify the robot'"'"'s position and speed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An overhead transmission line inspection system, comprising:
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(a) a line inspection robot, having; (i) a communications and control system configured to control the robot and transmit information; (ii) a drive system configured to propel the robot along a shield wire and enable inspection over a large area, the drive system having a plurality of spring-loaded wheels pivotally connected to a center guide, each of the wheels being independently connected to the center guide to enable independent operation of each of the wheels; and (iii) an inspection system configured to inspect right of way and component conditions; (b) a diverter system installed on support structures configured to allow the robot to traverse the structures, the diverter system having a plurality of track supports configured to allow the robot to disengage the shield wire, traverse the structure, and reengage the shield wire, wherein when the robot engages the diverter system, each of the wheels disengages the shield wire to allow the robot to be transferred onto the diverter system, as the robot progresses onto the diverter system, the drive system expands such that a first set of the plurality of wheels ride along an outer most track and a second set of the plurality of wheels ride along an inner most track while the center guide rides along a center track of the diverter system. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. An overhead transmission line inspection system, comprising:
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(a) a line inspection robot configured to inspect an overhead transmission line and having a drive system configured to propel the robot along a shield wire and enable inspection over a large area, the drive system including; (i) a center guide configured to ride along a top of the shield wire; and (ii) a plurality of wheels pivotally connected to the center guide and configured to ride along opposing sides of the shield wire, each of the plurality of wheels being pivotally connected to the center guide by an arm, wherein the arm is configured to enable independent operation of each of the wheels and allow each wheel to move inwardly towards or outwardly away from a centerline of the shield wire; and (b) a plurality of sensors positioned along the overhead transmission line, wherein the sensors collect data on the health of the overhead transmission line and its components, and wherein when the robot is in close proximity to one of the plurality of sensors, the sensor transmits the data to the robot for analysis. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification