Study on how to remove the rope traction device on the overhead distribution lines

In this paper, the authors study a problem of easily removing a Rope Traction Device (RTD) from overhead distribution lines in case of its failure. In particular, the authors focus on how to activate a clutch mechanism that controls an engagement between a wheel and a motor of the RTD by pulling on a rope carried by the RTD itself. As the clutch mechanism, a mechanism whose operation is determined by a rope pulling force, a spring force and a magnetic force was proposed. And its operation was confirmed by experiments. By mounting the clutch mechanism on the RTD, it is expected that the RTD can be removed without creating difficult / dangerous scenarios for an operator and without damaging both a cable and the wheel of the RTD.