Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot

Intelligent Robot for Efficient Cable Deicing

Every year, snowstorms in extremely cold areas cause power transmission cables to freeze, leading to power outages and city-wide paralysis. Traditionally, manual labor has been employed to remove the ice, posing significant risks to workers in harsh weather conditions. It often takes hours for workers to clean a 10-meter cable. The Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot aims to revolutionize this process.

The Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot is an intelligent device that operates after natural disasters, such as snowstorms. It features a cylindrical heating ring located in the middle of the robot, which gradually heats up the outer layer of the cable. This heating process effectively melts the ice, preventing secondary freezing. Additionally, the outer layer of the cable is filled with a frozen maintenance material, further protecting it from freezing.

One of the unique properties of this design is its intelligence. The robot can be controlled manually through a symmetrical closed switch on its sides, preventing it from automatically opening and falling off the cable during operation. Users can also preset their work using the manual interface on one side of the robot or control it through an app. The app allows operators to monitor the progress of the equipment and stop it in case of damage, ensuring timely repairs.

The Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot is made using high manganese steel, a durable and rust-proof material. The surface friction is enhanced through titanium plating technology. The equipment measures 310 mm in length, 150 mm in width, and 150 mm in height. The inner cylinder diameter is adjustable between 15-45 mm to accommodate different cable sizes.

During operation, the robot emits an orange light to prevent interference from other organisms. The color of the light can be set according to user preferences. This design not only improves the efficiency of cable deicing but also reduces the risk factor for workers who perform tasks at heights.

The Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot was developed as a conceptual design to enhance urban recovery after snowstorms. The designer, Siyang Xu, conducted extensive research, including questionnaires and disaster inquiries in multiple countries. The aim was to understand how different countries deal with cable ice removal and to improve the safety and efficiency of the process. The design process spanned from March 2019 to November 2020 in the United States.

This innovative design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity. The Acoustic Cable Deicing Robot received the Bronze A' Design Award in the Futuristic Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate outstanding technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements.