This invention refers to a system of inspection and monitoring linear infrastructures based on the installation of an auxiliary line and a mobile autonomous equipment.
The system would allow the inspection, monitoring and survelling of large linear infrastructures (railway lines, electrical lines, etc.) and their environment.
The equipment, drone, or mobile device is attached to a grooved auxiliary airline that guarantees its anchorage and traction.
The auxiliary line consists of a cable whose cross section has a slot that allows the mobile device to be coupled so that it can move along the cable. At the same time the cable is designed so it can be fastened to a bracket without hindering the displacement of the drone.
It could be of particular interest for the monitoring and prevention of vandalism acts or graffiti on trains and the control of intrusions to the railway in urban areas.
This system competes in the same category as UAVs oriented to inspection, monitoring and surveillance. Our approach is radically different, tought, and it is based on the design and manufacturing of the auxiliary line and its interaction with the autonomous device.
The system has obvious disadvantages compared to UAVs, mainly a higher CAPEX. But it would also have significant advantages that could result in substantially lower OPEX:
- Increased security against the risk of drone crashes on people, movements and infrastructure
- Not subject to legal requirements about UAVs
- Therefore, not subject to qualification requirements of operators (no drone pilots, in fact)
- Extended operating conditions (lower impact of weather conditions, greater autonomy)
This invention is patent pending: