Ramp assembly for guiding an electrically conductive body system

Abstract

A ramp assembly for guiding a conductor system of a mobile machine (110) onto a conductor rail assembly (200). The ramp assembly can include an entry ramp assembly (300) having a variable width (304) and extending to a height above the conductor rail assembly (200) at one end of the conductor rail assembly (200), wherein a transition section (350) guides the conductor system onto the conductor rail assembly (200). The ramp assembly can also include an exit ramp for removing the conductor system from the conductor rail assembly (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to supplying power to mobile machines, and more specifically to a ramp system for guiding conductors onto or off a conductive track system that supplies power to the mobile machine. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile industrial machinery, such as earthmoving machines, can be extremely heavy and bear enormous loads, thus requiring significant power. Many industrial machines are powered by internal combustion engines. However, internal combustion engines have drawbacks such as high fuel costs, difficulties in fuel transportation, and harmful engine emissions. Therefore, there has been a trend towards using hybrid or all-electric power systems to power large mobile industrial machinery.

[0003] While hybrid and all-electric power systems for industrial machinery offer advantages in reducing fuel costs and emissions, they also present challenges. For example, using hybrid or all-electric systems in the industrial sector requires significant infrastructure investment, particularly due to the location of industrial construction sites. While overhead power lines are a solution for powering vehicles with predetermined routes or terrain (e.g., trains, subways, buses), they are impractical for all machines or construction sites, such as freely maneuverable industrial machinery and uneven terrain. Therefore, existing power systems, such as overhead lines, are generally not used in remote and uneven environments. Furthermore, properly aligning and connecting such power lines to the machines for proper energy transfer can be difficult. These issues can lead to project delays and machine downtime.

[0004] International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2020 / 186296 A1 (“'296 Publication”), published on September 24, 2020, describes a system for supplying electricity to a moving vehicle. The system described in '296 Publication includes an electrical delivery system for a moving vehicle in a mining facility, wherein two conductors are anchored to a repositionable roadside barrier. To charge the moving vehicle, the delivery system provides a retractable arm extending from the vehicle, which aligns with an electrical connector embedded in a horizontal channel within the roadside barrier. While the system described in '296 Publication may be helpful in some situations, '296 Publication does not describe a system for connecting or disconnecting the electrical delivery system to or from the roadside conductors.

[0005] The aspects of this disclosure can solve one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems in the art. However, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and not by its ability to solve any particular problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a conductive system for a free-steering mobile machine includes: a conductive track assembly comprising a plurality of conductive tracks extending generally parallel to the ground, the plurality of conductive tracks being configured to provide power to the free-steering mobile machine; and an entrance ramp assembly located at one end of the conductive track assembly, the entrance ramp assembly comprising: a plurality of non-conductive tracks separated from the plurality of conductive tracks and extending to a height above the conductive track assembly.

[0007] On the other hand, a conductive system for a free-steering mobile machine includes: a conductive track assembly comprising a plurality of conductive tracks extending generally parallel to the ground, the plurality of conductive tracks being configured to provide power to the free-steering mobile machine; and an entrance ramp assembly located at one end of the conductive track assembly, the entrance ramp assembly comprising: a plurality of non-conductive tracks extending to a height above the conductive track assembly, wherein the width of the entrance ramp assembly provided by the plurality of non-conductive tracks narrows in the direction toward the conductive track assembly.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of aligning a contactor assembly of a free-steering mobile machine onto a conductive track assembly using an inlet ramp assembly includes: aligning the contactor assembly onto an upstream portion of the inlet ramp assembly; sliding the contactor assembly onto a top surface of the inlet ramp assembly and sliding the inlet ramp assembly upward to a height above the conductive track assembly; and lowering the contactor assembly onto the conductive track assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a side view of a mobile machine connected to a conductive track assembly having an inlet ramp assembly and an outlet ramp assembly, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 An angle view of the entrance ramp assembly shown.

[0012] Figure 3 Is it like this? Figure 2 A top view of the entrance ramp assembly shown.

[0013] Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 2 The side view of the entrance ramp assembly shown.

[0014] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 1 The front sectional view of the section of the entrance ramp assembly and track connector assembly shown.

[0015] Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 1 The top view of the exit ramp assembly shown.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for guiding an electric track connector from a mobile machine onto a conductive track assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, relative terms such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in stated values.

[0018] As used herein, the term "upstream" is intended to cover parts, components, assemblies, and systems located at the inlet or proximal portion of a ramp assembly or conductive track assembly. Conversely, the term "downstream" is intended to cover parts, components, assemblies, and systems located at the outlet or distal portion of a ramp assembly or conductive track assembly.

[0019] Figure 1 A mobile machine power system 100 is depicted, comprising a mobile machine 110 having a track connector assembly 160, a conductive track assembly 200, and an entrance ramp assembly 300 and an exit ramp assembly 400 located at the upstream and downstream ends of the conductive track assembly 200, respectively. The mobile machine 110 is freely steerable, allowing the machine to change direction and course based on (semi-automatic or fully automatic) operator commands and / or programmed commands. The mobile machine 110 includes an electric drive system 120 having at least one electric motor 130 and at least one battery system 140 for supplying power to the electric motor 130. The electric drive system 120 rotates a set of ground-engaged elements 150 (such as tires or continuous tracks) for propulsion and manipulation of the mobile machine 110.

[0020] Rail connector assembly 160 is used to electrically connect mobile machine 110 to conductive rail assembly 200. Rail connector assembly 160 is attached to one side of frame 115 of mobile machine 110 and includes: a pivotable cantilever 170 attached to frame 115 at its proximal end; an extendable and retractable trailing arm assembly 180 connected to the distal end of the cantilever; and a contactor assembly 190 capable of aligning with and traveling along the planar top surface of a plurality of conductive rails 210 conducting electricity. Rail connector assembly 160 is selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position connected to a power rail. For example, Figure 1 The rail connector assembly 160 is shown in an extended position at the upstream end of the conductive rail assembly 200.

[0021] The rail connector assembly 160 includes conductive components for delivering current from the conductive rail assembly 200 to the mobile machine 110. Suitable power electronics may be incorporated into the mobile machine 110 for power regulation and distribution among the electric drive system 120, at least one electric motor 130, and / or other electrical components of the mobile machine. The mobile machine 110 may utilize a hybrid or all-electric power system, and the conductive rail assembly 200 may supply power to either system.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, an exemplary mobile machine 110 is configured to travel along a construction route or path within a work site (e.g., in a free-turning manner), with the conductive track assembly 200 positioned approximately along this route or path. A plurality of conductive tracks 210 of the conductive track assembly 200 are connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid, generator, and / or energy storage device (not shown)) to provide power to the conductive track assembly 200. The conductive track assembly 200 may include a plurality of support rods 220 (or other support structures) fixed to the ground 10 and a bracket assembly 230 attached to the top of each support rod 220 to hold the plurality of conductive tracks 210 in a fixed elevated position at a substantially constant height and substantially parallel to the ground 10.

[0023] As described herein, the conductive rail assembly 200 includes three conductive rails 210; however, fewer or more rails are possible. In this example, two of the conductive rails 210 provide power of different polarities, while the third conductive rail provides a 0-volt reference voltage (ground). The conductive rail system may alternatively be incorporated into a three-phase power supply system, thereby utilizing a three-rail power circuit in addition to a fourth conductive rail providing a 0-volt reference (ground). It should be noted that the conductive rails 210 may include a generally I-beam shape with a flat top surface, but other similar rail structures may be used.

[0024] Multiple support rods 220 ground the conductive rail assembly 200, for example, by contacting a conductor rail 210 with a reference voltage of 0 volts. Each support rod 220 may be a bar, rod, column, cylinder, pillar, or similar structure, and has a length for raising and supporting the multiple conductive rails 210. For example, the multiple support rods 220 have a length sufficient to support the multiple conductive rails 210 at a height ranging from eight (8) feet to fifteen (15) feet above the ground and to stabilize the multiple conductive rails. The support rods 220 may be made of any suitable material and may include, for example, metallic materials (such as steel or aluminum) or other conductive materials.

[0025] Still referencing Figure 1 The inlet ramp assembly 300 facilitates the connection of the track connector assembly 160 of the mobile machine 110 to the conductive track assembly 200. The outlet ramp assembly 400 facilitates the removal or disconnection of the track connector assembly 160 from the conductive track assembly 200. The inlet ramp assembly 300 may include a plurality of non-conductive tracks 320, forming a capture section 308, an intermediate section 312, and an end section 314 located at the upstream end 310, wherein the end section 314 includes a transition section 350 located at the downstream end of the inlet ramp assembly 300 and close to the conductive track assembly 200. Similarly, the outlet ramp assembly 400 may include a plurality of non-conductive tracks 420 extending between the transition section 450 located at the upstream end and close to the conductive track assembly 200 and the downstream end 406. The two ramps may have lengths ranging from approximately 50 feet to 75 feet (as shown in the image). Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in 306, 404), and having a height ranging from approximately 5 feet at its minimum height to approximately 10 feet or even 17 feet at its maximum height. Additionally, the ramp can be arranged to provide an incline ranging from approximately 3 degrees to 10 degrees. As explained in more detail below, while the entrance ramp assembly 300 may include a variable width 304 (… Figure 2 And the exit ramp assembly 400 may include a constant width 402. Figure 6However, it should be understood that the two ramps include substantially the same features in other ways (but inverted), and therefore any discussion of the features of the entrance ramp assembly 300 herein also applies to the features of the exit ramp assembly 400.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 Both the inlet ramp assembly 300 and the outlet ramp assembly 400 are electrically decoupled from the conductive track assembly 200, and the multiple non-conductive tracks of the ramp assembly (320 and 420, respectively) can be arranged around the longitudinal centerline (e.g., Figure 2 The non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 are arranged symmetrically along a common vertical plane. These non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 are not connected to a power source and do not conduct electricity to the mobile machine 110. However, it should be understood that the phrase "non-conductive track" does not necessarily mean that the track is non-conductive, but rather that the track is not connected to a power source. Therefore, the non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 can be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials. For example, multiple non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 can be made of metallic materials (such as aluminum or steel) or any other suitable material. Multiple non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 can include circular or round cross-sectional shapes and can be hollow or solid; however, other suitable alternative shapes, such as square cross-sections, may also be used.

[0027] In one example, the non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 are hollow, and the diameters of the multiple non-conductive tracks 320 and 420 may vary along the respective sections (e.g., 308, 312, and 314). This arrangement allows the conductive tracks 320 and 420 to be joined end-to-end in a sliding fit manner, allowing a smaller diameter track to be inserted into a larger diameter track. In one example of the inlet ramp 300, the track of the capture section 308 may include a 2.5-inch outer diameter and a 2.25-inch inner diameter; the track of the intermediate section 312 may include a 2.25-inch outer diameter and a 2.00-inch inner diameter; and the track of the end section 314 may include a 2.00-inch outer diameter and a 1.75-inch inner diameter. To join non-conductive tracks 320 from adjacent sections (e.g., from the capture section 308 to the intermediate section 312 or from the intermediate section to the end section 314), the end portions of the tracks may be modified to facilitate a sliding fit connection. For example, a portion of the outer diameter of the smaller diameter track can taper to be received by the inner diameter of the larger diameter track; or a portion of the inner diameter of the larger diameter track can be honed to receive the outer diameter of the smaller diameter track. Once connected, the end portion of the smaller diameter track 320 nests within the end portion of the larger diameter track, thus providing a secure connection between multiple non-conductive tracks. Non-conductive tracks 420 of the same size but different sizes with a sliding fit connection can be used in an inverted manner on the exit ramp 400, for example, decreasing in size as the contactor assembly 190 travels downhill. This arrangement provides a smoother path for the contactor assembly 190.

[0028] In addition, the entrance ramp assembly 300 or two ramp assemblies may include one or more elevated external tracks 360. Figure 5 These external tracks are raised above the planar arrangement of the non-conductive tracks 320 relative to the central portion of the ramp assembly to provide a shoulder or guardrail for the contactor assembly 190. These external non-conductive tracks 360, 460 may extend along the entire length 306, 404 of each ramp, respectively. For example, in the entrance ramp assembly 300, the external track 360 may extend along the entire length 306 and can therefore be included in each segment 308, 312, 314, and 350 of the entrance ramp assembly 300. Similarly, in the exit ramp 400 ( Figure 6 In this configuration, the outer track 460 may also extend along the entire length 404 of the exit ramp and the transition section 450 of the exit ramp.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown and noted above, the inlet ramp assembly 300 may include a varying width 304 that tapers gradually from the distal end 310 to the transition section 350. The capture section 308 located at the distal end or upstream portion 310 includes the maximum width of the inlet ramp assembly 300. The maximum width of the capture portion 308 allows for a larger target for receiving the contactor assembly 190 of the track connector assembly 160. Figure 2 (where the contactor assembly is shown as initially off-center upon entry). In the example of the entrance ramp assembly 300, the capture section 308 includes twelve (12) non-conductive tracks 320 along its width. However, other sections of the capture section 308 and the entrance ramp assembly 300 may include more or fewer non-conductive tracks 320 than those described herein.

[0030] At the transition between the capture section 308 and the intermediate section 312 (i.e., the downstream end of the capture section 308), the pair of outermost non-conductive tracks 320 of the capture section 308 on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 302 terminate, thereby making the width of the subsequent intermediate section 312 narrower relative to the maximum width of the capture section. As noted above, the intermediate section 312 of the entrance ramp assembly 300 extends between the capture section 308 and the end section 314. In the exemplary entrance ramp assembly 300, the intermediate section 312 includes ten (10) non-conductive tracks 320 along its width 304. Similar to the transition between capture segment 308 and intermediate segment 312, the transition between intermediate segment 312 and end segment 314 includes a second pair of outermost non-conductive tracks 320 terminating on opposite sides of longitudinal centerline 302 before end segment 314, and makes the width 304 of subsequent end segment 314 narrower than the narrower width of intermediate segment.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, end section 314 is located downstream of intermediate section 312 and includes transition section 350. At this end section 314, the contactor assembly 190 begins its transition from sliding along the inlet ramp assembly 300 to being placed on a plurality of conductive tracks 210 via the transition section 350. In the example of the inlet ramp assembly 300, the end section includes eight (8) non-conductive tracks 320 along its width 304, wherein four (4) inner or central non-conductive tracks terminate before four (4) outer non-conductive tracks (shown in…). Figure 2 and Figure 3 middle).

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, as the contactor assembly 190 approaches the conductive track assembly 200, the variable width 304 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 narrows or tapers in the downstream direction. More specifically, the variable width 304 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 includes a maximum width located at the distal end 310 of the capture section 308 and a minimum width located in a transition section 350 of the end section 314, which is close to the inlet end 202 of the conductive track assembly 200.

[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Top and side views of the transition section 350 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 are depicted. As noted above, the transition section 350 is located at the downstream end of the inlet ramp assembly 300 and adjacent to the inlet end or upstream end 202 of the conductive track assembly 200. Figure 3 As best shown, the minimum width of the non-conductive track 320 formed by the transition section 350 is greater than the maximum width of the conductive track assembly 200. For example... Figure 4 As best shown, transition section 350 includes non-conductive tracks 320 forming an upstream portion 354 and a downstream portion 358. The upstream portion extends along the same slope as the upstream ramp sections (308, 312, and 314) to a height inflection point 356, while the downstream portion slopes downward away from the height inflection point. At height inflection point 356, inlet ramp assembly 300 may be located at a height ranging from 8 to 16 feet above the ground and positioned above conductive track assembly 200. Height inflection point 356 may also provide termination locations for several central non-conductive tracks (such as four (4) non-conductive tracks), such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As best illustrated. The height inflection point 356 can provide a curved transition or a non-curved or straight slope transition for the remaining four (4) external non-terminating non-conductive tracks 320. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best shown, the downstream portion 358 of the transition section 350 (the non-terminating non-conductive track 320) overlaps with a portion of the conductive track assembly 200 in an upstream-downstream or distal-to-proximal direction. Furthermore, the downwardly sloping downstream portion 358 of the transition section 350 may intersect vertically and then extend vertically below the conductive track assembly 200. Starting from the height inflection point 356, the plurality of non-conductive tracks 320 of the downstream portion 358 form a transfer portion for the contactor assembly 190 to move from the inlet ramp assembly 300 to the conductive track 210. Because both the plurality of non-conductive tracks 320 and the plurality of conductive tracks 210 are in a spaced-apart configuration, the two sets of tracks do not directly touch each other at the intersection. The downstream portion 358 of the transition section 350 may include a retaining bracket 352 for aligning and holding the non-conductive tracks 320. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The retaining bracket 352 shown may be attached to the lower portion of the plurality of conductive tracks 210 and may be made of a dielectric material (such as pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)) or other similar non-conductive material.

[0034] Similar to conductive track assembly 200 and as Figure 1 As shown, ramp assemblies 300 and 400 include a support assembly 330 and a bracket assembly 334. The support assembly includes a plurality of support rods 332 (or other support structures) fixed to the ground 10. The bracket assembly is attached to the top of each of the support rods 332 to hold the plurality of non-conductive tracks 320 in a fixed elevated position. Figure 5 A front sectional view of the entrance ramp assembly 300 at capture section 308 is illustrated, wherein the contactor assembly 190 slides along the top of a plurality of non-conductive tracks 320. The support assembly 334 of the support assembly 330 may include one or more retaining plates 335 configured to receive and secure the non-conductive tracks 320, 360 at its top surface. As discussed above, the entrance ramp assembly 300 includes a longitudinal centerline 302 ( Figure 2 Furthermore, a number of non-conductive tracks 320 existing on one side of the centerline 302 are mirrored on the other side. Additionally, as noted above, the outer tracks 360, 460 of the ramp assembly are raised relative to the other non-conductive tracks 320, 420, thereby forming raised shoulders to hold the contactor assembly 190.

[0035] According to one aspect, the support assembly 334 may be formed of a pair of retaining plates 335 attached to the top of each support rod in the support rod 332 to retain a plurality of non-conductive tracks 320. The retaining plates 335 may include a plurality of track receiving recesses 336 positioned along a rod support surface 338, wherein the recesses 336 are sized to accommodate a plurality of non-conductive tracks 320 of various sizes. The pair of retaining plates 335 may have an asymmetrical shape and may be arranged in a mirror or inverted orientation relative to each other. Thus, the asymmetrical track receiving recesses 336 may include a first side of the recess 336 ( Figure 5 A shallow opening on the left side of the recess 336 and a retaining overhang on the second side of the recess 336. The asymmetrically shaped track receiving recess 336 can be configured to extend more than 50% of the height of each non-conductive track 320 within the body of the plate 335 and be collinear with the rod support surface 338. For example, as Figure 5As shown, a pair of retaining plates 335 can be positioned such that the plurality of retaining overhangs of each plate face opposite directions. This (due to the shallow opening) allows a non-conductive track 320 to be placed in the recess 336, and then clamped in place by moving the retaining plates 335 laterally relative to each other in opposite directions. The retaining plates 335 can be secured by a pair of locking plates 337 and fasteners such as bolts (shown in...). Figure 5 (In the middle) and fixed in the clamping position. Therefore, the retaining overhang of each plate is positioned on the opposite side of the respective non-conductive track 320, thereby fixing and holding the respective non-conductive track 320 within the recess 336. Figure 5 The image depicts the overhang and shallow retaining plate 335, in which the non-conductive track has been removed.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple support components 330 are horizontally spaced and have different heights to vertically support non-conductive tracks 320, 360 along the entrance ramp assembly 300. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is also illustrated that as the number of non-conductive tracks 320 decreases along the length of the inlet ramp 300, the dimensions of the support assembly 330 (in particular one or more plates 334) are adapted to hold and support the number of tracks present. For example, the plates 334 utilized in the capture section 308 are much larger in size and include more track receiving recesses 336 compared to the plates used in the end section 314.

[0037] Figure 6 An exit ramp assembly 400 is illustrated. As noted above, the exit ramp assembly includes many of the same features as the inlet ramp assembly 300 (e.g., multiple non-conductive tracks 420, transition section 450, and elevated outer track 460), and similar features are identified using reference numerals 320, 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, and 360 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 plus 100. In contrast to the inlet ramp assembly 300, the exit ramp assembly 400 may include a constant width 402 along its length 404, for example, eight (8) non-conductive tracks 420, 460 along its entire length. However, the exit ramp assembly 400 may include a variable width similar to that of the inlet ramp assembly 300. While the exit ramp assembly 400 may include a slope similar to that of the inlet ramp assembly 300 (but opposite in the upstream to downstream direction) Figure 1 However, the exit ramp assembly 400 may optionally include a constant height for its entire length 404. Similar to the inlet ramp assembly 300, the exit ramp assembly 400 may include a height inflection point 456 to facilitate the lifting of the contactor assembly 190 from the conductive track 210 having an upstream portion 454 and transition to a plurality of non-conductive tracks 420 having a downstream portion 458.

[0038] As noted above, neither the inlet ramp assembly 300 nor the outlet ramp assembly 400 is connected to a power source and is therefore non-conductive. In contrast, multiple conductive tracks 210 are connected to a power source and distribute electrical energy along their length.

[0039] Industrial applicability

[0040] The disclosed inlet ramp assembly 300 and outlet ramp assembly 400 are used to safely and securely connect and remove the power rail connector of a mobile machine to and from the conductive rail assembly at an elevated height for charging or driving the mobile machine. For example, the figures depict placing the contactor assembly 190 onto the conductive rail assembly 200 via the inlet ramp assembly transition section 350 and removing the power rail connector from the rail system using the outlet ramp assembly transition section 450.

[0041] Figure 7 An example method 700 for guiding a contactor assembly 190 onto a conductive track assembly 200 is illustrated. Method 700 includes the step 710 of positioning or aligning the contactor assembly 190 within the width of a capture section 308 of an inlet ramp assembly 300, and then receiving the contactor assembly 190 on the top surface of a non-conductive track 320 within an outer track 360. As noted above, the capture section 308 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 includes a maximum width of a variable width 304, thus forming a larger target for receiving the contactor assembly 190.

[0042] Step 720 involves the contactor assembly 190 being guided or slid along the top surface of the length 306 of the inlet ramp assembly 300 and upstream to the inlet transition section 350. As the contactor assembly 190 travels along the inlet ramp assembly toward the transition section 350, the contactor assembly is raised and guided. The inlet ramp assembly 300 extends from a minimum height at its distal end 310 to a maximum height at the height inflection point 356 of the transition section 350, thereby raising the contactor assembly 190 above the height of the conductive track system (shown in...). Figure 4 (Middle). Additionally, as discussed above, the outer track 360 is used to support the contactor assembly 190 within the entrance ramp assembly 300.

[0043] In step 740, the contactor assembly 190 descends from its maximum height at height inflection point 356 onto the plurality of conductive tracks 210. During this step, the contactor assembly 190 slides downward toward the intersection of the plurality of non-conductive tracks 320 and the plurality of conductive tracks 210 at the downstream portion 358 of the transition section 350.

[0044] In step 740, the contactor assembly 190 is placed on the top surface of the plurality of conductive rails 210 to complete the method and allow the contactor assembly 190 to be electrically connected to the conductive rails 210.

[0045] According to this disclosure, the inlet ramp system 300 and outlet ramp system 400 for the mobile machine 110 facilitate connection and disconnection of the rail connector assembly 190 to and from the conductive rail assembly 200, thereby enabling a safer and more secure electrical connection to the power supply. The inlet ramp assembly 300 allows the machine operator (or autonomous command) to easily extend the rail connector assembly 190 away from the frame extension of the mobile machine 110 and to align, contact, and guide the rail connector assembly along its length. Both the inlet ramp assembly 300 and the outlet ramp assembly 400 utilize raised shoulders and gravity to help ensure that the contactor assembly 190 is controlled along the length of the ramp assemblies 300, 400, and to aid in engagement with the conductive rail 210.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed system without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and the practice of the system disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of this disclosure is indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A conductive system for a freely steerable mobile machine (110), the conductive system comprising: A conductive track assembly (200) comprising a plurality of conductive tracks (210) extending generally parallel to the ground, the plurality of conductive tracks (210) being configured to provide power to the free-steering mobile machine (110); and An entrance ramp assembly (300) located at one end of the conductive track assembly (200), the entrance ramp assembly (300) comprising: Multiple non-conductive tracks (320) are separated from the multiple conductive tracks (210) and extend to a height above the conductive track assembly (200).

2. The conductive system according to claim 1, wherein the width (402) of the entrance ramp assembly (300) provided by the plurality of non-conductive tracks (320) of the entrance ramp assembly (300) is greater than the width (402) provided by the plurality of conductive tracks (210) over the entire conductive track assembly (200).

3. The conductive system according to claim 2, wherein the width (402) of the inlet ramp assembly (300) narrows in the direction toward the conductive track assembly (200).

4. The conductive system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet ramp assembly (300) includes a central portion comprising a plurality of non-conductive tracks (320) extending parallel to each other and located in a common plane, and a plurality of external non-conductive tracks located above the common plane.

5. The conductive system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of non-conductive tracks (320) are circular.

6. The conductive system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet ramp assembly (300) includes a transition section (350) overlapping the conductive track assembly (200).

7. The conductive system according to claim 6, wherein the transition section (350) intersects with the conductive track assembly (200), and the transition (350) section includes a height inflection point upstream of the intersection point.

8. The conductive system according to claim 6, wherein the transition section (350) comprises a central track terminating upstream of the outer track.

9. The conductive system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive track assembly (200) extends to a height ranging from approximately 8 feet to 15 feet.

10. The conductive system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an exit ramp assembly (400) located at the other end of the conductive track assembly (200), the exit ramp assembly (400) comprising: Multiple non-conductive tracks (320) are separated from the multiple conductive tracks (210) and extend to a height above the conductive track assembly (200).

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