Pivot boom structure for dynamic energy transfer system

Abstract

A pivot boom (210) includes: a housing pivotally attached at a pivot point at a proximal end of the housing to a frame (150) of a mobile machine (140); and a busbar assembly (280) attached to an inner surface of the housing (212) and configured to electrically connect the mobile machine (140) to a conductive track system (120) via a plurality of cables (296) in the busbar assembly (280). The pivot boom (210) also includes: a hydraulic system (220) configured to extend or retract the pivot boom (210) about the pivot point; and a pneumatic system (260) configured to control movement of a tow arm assembly (400) and a contactor assembly (450).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a boom structure for moving machinery, and more specifically to a pivot boom for connecting electric machinery to a conductive rail system. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile industrial machinery, such as earthmoving machines, can be quite heavy and may bear enormous loads, thus requiring a significant amount of power. Many industrial machines are powered by internal combustion engines. However, internal combustion engines have disadvantages such as high fuel costs, difficulties in fuel transportation, and harmful engine emissions. Therefore, powering large mobile industrial machinery has shifted towards hybrid or all-electric power systems.

[0003] While hybrid and all-electric power systems for industrial machinery offer advantages in reducing fuel costs and emissions, these systems also present unique challenges. For example, using hybrid or all-electric systems in the industrial sector requires substantial investment in infrastructure, particularly due to the location of industrial work sites. While using overhead power lines has long been a solution for powering vehicles on predetermined routes or in specific terrain conditions (e.g., trains, subways, buses), the free-steering nature of industrial machinery and work sites with uneven terrain present obstacles. Therefore, existing power systems, such as overhead cranes, are generally not used in remote and uneven environments.

[0004] Other issues include the ability to safely generate and conduct current while ensuring safety. Since industrial machine routes can frequently change due to project needs, it is important for machine systems to safely conduct electricity to the moving machinery. It is also beneficial for industrial machines to have control systems capable of quickly deploying or retracting connector assemblies.

[0005] International patent application publication number WO 2020 / 186296 A1, published on September 24, 2020 (

[0006] '296' discloses a system for providing power to a moving vehicle. '296' discloses an electrical transmission system for a mobile vehicle in a mine, wherein two conductors are anchored to a repositionable roadside barrier. To charge the mobile vehicle, the transmission system requires a retractable arm to precisely engage with an electrical connector embedded in a horizontal channel within the roadside barrier.

[0007] The aspects of this disclosure can solve one or more of the problems set forth 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

[0008] In one aspect, a boom for connecting a mobile machine to a conductive track system may include: a housing pivotally attached to the frame of the mobile machine at a pivot point at a proximal end of the housing; and a busbar assembly attached to an inner surface of the housing and configured to connect to a plurality of cables electrically connecting the mobile machine to the conductive track system via the busbar assembly. The boom may further include: a hydraulic system having a hydraulic power unit, hydraulic cylinders, and hydraulic manifolds; and a pneumatic system within the housing.

[0009] In another aspect, a power supply system may include an electrically operated mobile machine and a boom for electrically connecting the electrically operated mobile machine to a conductive rail system. The boom may include a boom housing defining an interior, a first busbar, and a second busbar. The first busbar and the second busbar are separated by a plurality of housing connectors that couple the first busbar and the second busbar to the interior of the boom housing. The boom may also include a plurality of cables, each including a connecting pin that connects to the first busbar and the second busbar.

[0010] In another aspect, a boom fluid system may include: an electronic control module; a hydraulic system having a hydraulic power unit, a hydraulic manifold, and a hydraulic cylinder connected at a proximal end to the frame of the mobile machine and at a distal end to an external boom housing; and a pneumatic system having a filter, a compressor, a dryer, a pneumatic canister, and pneumatic valves. The electronic control module can monitor and control the pressure generated by the hydraulic system and the pneumatic system. Attached Figure Description

[0011] 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.

[0012] Figure 1 The present disclosure provides a perspective view of an electrically powered mobile machine that uses a track connector assembly with a pivoting boom to connect to a conductive track power source.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an extended connector assembly connected to multiple conductor tracks.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the rear of the pivot boom.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the front of the pivot boom.

[0016] Figure 5This is a perspective view of the busbar connection assembly at the far end of the busbar according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the busbar connection assembly at the near end of the busbar.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a front view of a pin that can be used with a busbar connection assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative, and do not limit the claimed features. As used herein, terminology...

[0020] "comprises / comprising / includes / including",

[0021] The term "has / having" or its other variations 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, such as...

[0022] about",

[0023] Basically "and

[0024] Relative terms such as "approximately" are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in the stated value.

[0025] Figure 1 A mobile machine power system 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure is depicted. The mobile machine power system 100 includes a conductive track system 120 and a mobile machine 140. The conductive track system 120 includes a plurality of conductive tracks 122 connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid, generator, and / or energy storage device); a plurality of support columns 124 fixed to the ground 10; and a support assembly 126 attached to the top end of each of the support columns 124 to retain the plurality of conductive tracks 122 in a safe elevated position.

[0026] Although Figure 1 An example of multiple conductor rails 122 comprising three conductor rails is shown, but multiple conductor rails 122 may comprise fewer or more rails. In this example, two conductor rails provide power of different polarities, while the third conductor rail provides a 0-volt reference voltage. The conductor rail system may alternatively be incorporated into a three-phase power system utilizing a three-rail power circuit, excluding the fourth conductor rail providing the 0-volt reference voltage.

[0027] Multiple support posts 124 ground the conductive rail system 120, specifically contacting the conductor rails to provide a 0-volt reference voltage. Individual support posts 124 can be rods, pillars, piles, cylinders, supports, or similar structures, and have lengths sufficient to levy and support the multiple conductor rails 122. For example, the multiple support posts 124 may have lengths sufficient to support and stabilize the multiple conductive rails 120 at a height of at least eight feet above the ground. The support posts 124 are made of dielectric materials such as pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) or other electrically insulating or dielectric materials.

[0028] During operation, the mobile machine 140 and its various systems are controlled by a machine operator located in the operator's compartment 160. The mobile machine 140 can be semi-autonomous, fully autonomous, or remotely operated, if desired. The mobile machine 140 is free-steering and includes an electric drive system 142 having at least one electric motor 144 and at least one battery system 146. The electric drive system 142 moves a set of ground engagement elements 148 (such as tires or continuous tracks) to propel and maneuver the mobile machine. The mobile machine 140 also includes a frame 150 supporting mechanical components including a track connector assembly 200 connected to a conductive track system 120 and transmitting electrical energy to the mobile machine 140. The mobile machine 140 can utilize a hybrid or all-electric power system, and the conductive track system 120 can be used in either system.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, an exemplary mobile machine 140 travels along a work route or path, wherein a conductive track system 120 is positioned along a route or path parallel to the defined work route. The mobile machine 140 is shown in the context of a mining truck, and the work route or path leads from a mining source to another destination within the work site. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and other types of machines are also within the scope of this disclosure, including articulated trucks, asphalt pavers, backhoe loaders, cold milling machines, compactors, bulldozers, dragline excavators, drilling rigs, rope shovels, excavators, forestry machinery, hydraulic mining shovels, material handling machines, graders, off-highway trucks, pipelaying machines, road repair machines, skid steer and compact track loaders, telescopic forklifts, track loaders, underground mining dump loaders and trucks, wheel loaders, wheeled tractor-scrapers, or other machines.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the track connector assembly 200 is operator-controlled to electrically connect the mobile machine 140 to the conductive track system 120. For this purpose, the track connector assembly 200 includes a pivoting boom 210.

[0031] The boom 210 includes a housing 212, a hydraulic system 220, a pneumatic system 260, and a busbar assembly 280, each of which is partially or wholly located within the housing 212, and as shown in the image. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The boom 210 is attached to the side surface of the frame 150 to pivot about the pivot joint 214. Although the boom 210 is shown attached to a mining tractor truck, the boom 210 can be incorporated into various types of mobile machinery 140 by using interchangeable adapters 310 specific to the type of machine being operated.

[0032] In addition to systems located inside housing 212, hardware can also be attached to the outside of housing 212. For example, Figure 3 Locking pin 244 is shown, and Figure 4 A proximity sensor (e.g., radar array) 304 is shown for sensing the proximity of an intrusive object relative to the boom. Furthermore, the boom 210 includes several different deployed and deployed states. These states include: an extended state (in...) Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, in the extended state, the boom 210 extends outward in the horizontal direction from the mobile machine 140; in the retracted state, the boom is pulled inward to abut against the frame 150 of the mobile machine; and in the locked state, the boom is locked to the side of the frame in the retracted position by a locking pin 244. Figure 3 ).

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the boom 210 includes a housing 212 that provides protection to the internal components of the boom 210. The housing 212 may be substantially rectangular and made of a metallic material (e.g., steel), however, other suitable materials may also be used. The housing 212 also includes a plurality of maintenance openings 218 positioned along the length of the boom (also in... Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). Maintenance opening 218 allows easy access to the internal systems of the boom 210 without requiring complete removal of the boom 210 from the mobile machine 140. For example, maintenance opening 218 allows an operator or mechanic to replace components of the hydraulic system 220 or pneumatic system 260, and also ensures the proper connection of the busbar assembly 280 within the boom 210.

[0034] The interior of housing 212 includes an electronic control module (

[0035] The system includes an ECM 216, a hydraulic system 220, a pneumatic system 260, and one or more busbars 282 and 284. The ECM 216 is an embedded system within the boom 210, wherein the ECM 216 receives signals from sensors within the moving machine 140 and the track connector assembly 200, and generates commands to various components of the track connector assembly. For example, in the case of activating the hydraulic system 220 or the pneumatic system 260, the ECM generates an actuation command (e.g., an electronic signal) to the hydraulic system, or sends an actuation command to components of the pneumatic system.

[0036] A steering hydraulic system 220 controls the boom 210 to extend and retract horizontally from the moving machine 140 around the pivot joint 214. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the hydraulic system 220 includes a hydraulic power unit (

[0037] The system comprises an HPU 222, a hydraulic manifold 232, a hydraulic cylinder 234, and a plurality of hydraulic lines 248 for interconnecting the components of the hydraulic system 220. The HPU 222 pressurizes fluid and includes a fluid reservoir 226, a hydraulic pump 228, and a motor 230. An angular position or angle sensor 224 may be included as part of the hydraulic system 220 to provide a position reference of the boom 210 to the ECM 216, allowing the ECM 216 to control the HPU 222 based on signals from the sensor 224. The components comprising the HPU 222 together deliver pressurized fluid to the hydraulic manifold 232 via a pair of hydraulic lines 248. Figure 4 The hydraulic manifold 232 (which regulates the flow of pressurized fluid within the hydraulic system) distributes pressurized fluid (via hydraulic line 248) to (or from) the hydraulic cylinder 234 or the locking pin 244.

[0038] When boom 210 transitions from its retracted to its extended position, hydraulic cylinder 234 extends to pivot the boom outward, making it substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the frame 150 of the moving machine. Figure 3 As shown, hydraulic cylinder 234 has a first end that is connected (via frame connector 238) to the frame 150 of mobile machine 140. Hydraulic cylinder 234 has a second end that is connected (via housing connector 240) to the outer surface of housing 212 of boom 210. Hydraulic cylinder 234 also includes an actuating rod 236 that moves outward or inward based on a command provided by ECM 216.

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, the boom 210 may also include a lock receiver 242 for use with a locking pin 244. The lock receiver 242 is attached to the front outer surface of the housing 212 and defines a recessed space for receiving a locking portion of the frame 150. The lock receiver 242 also includes a through-hole for receiving and guiding the locking pin 244, such that the locking pin 244, when extended, is received in the recessed space through the lock receiver 242 and a portion of the frame 150. The portion of the frame 150 received by the receiver 242 may include a hole aligned with the hole in the receiver 242 for receiving the pin 244.

[0040] Lock sensor 246 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ECM 216 is attached to the frame 150 and provides proximity information related to the distance from the boom 210 to the frame 150 and to the ECM 216. When the boom 210 approaches the frame 150 (e.g., contacts a recess in the frame 150 shaped to receive the boom 210), the ECM 216 generates a locking command to the hydraulic system 220 to actuate the locking pin 244. The locking pin 244 is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic manifold 232 via a separate hydraulic line 248, thereby actuating the locking pin 244 via the lock receiver 242 to retain the boom 210 against the frame 150 of the moving machine. When the ECM 216 generates an unlocking command, the locking pin 244 is actuated to Figure 3 The open or free position is shown, allowing the boom 210 to be moved or manipulated by the operator. The process of actuating the locking pin 244 can be initiated by the operator or automated based on data obtained from the ECM 216.

[0041] Hydraulic system 220 may also include multiple system status sensors 250 for providing ECM 216 with position, pressure (e.g., pressure of the hydraulic fluid in system 220), and angle data, which can then correspond to the control of hydraulic components housed within the boom, the actuation of hydraulic cylinders, and the rotational movement of the boom. For example, system status sensors 250 may be attached to components such as hydraulic cylinder 234 and hydraulic manifold 232, or to hoses (not shown) for supplying fluid to these components, to obtain data on pressure levels in these structures. In some aspects, ECM 216 monitors pressure level data, calculates any changes required for transitions between various states, and generates commands to the hydraulic system accordingly. This may include commands that cause actuation of locking pin 244 or hydraulic cylinder 234.

[0042] Pneumatic system 260 controls the movement of tow arm assembly 400 and contactor assembly 450. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). refer to Figure 4The pneumatic system 260 includes a filter 262, a compressor 264, a dryer 266, a pneumatic canister 268, and a pneumatic valve 270. The components of the pneumatic system 260 are fluidly interconnected via multiple pneumatic tubes 272, thereby allowing fluid to pass within the system. While compressed air can be used in the pneumatic system, other suitable gases that can be pressurized may also be used alternatively.

[0043] Filter 262 is directly connected to compressor 264 to prevent foreign particulate matter from entering the pneumatic system. Compressor 264 pressurizes the system gas, which is then passed to dryer 266 to remove moisture. Dryer 266 is connected to pneumatic canister 268 via a first pneumatic line and to pneumatic valve 270 via a second pneumatic line. Pneumatic canister 268 is also fluidly connected to pneumatic valve 270 and acts as a storage unit for pressurized gas until it is released via valve 270.

[0044] Figure 4 A pair of pneumatic tubes 272 are further illustrated at the distal end of the boom 210, connected to a pneumatic valve 270. Once released by valve 270, pressurized gas is carried through the pair of pneumatic tubes 272 to the trailing arm assembly 400 and the contactor assembly 450. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This adjustment of downstream pressure within the track connector assembly 200 may include pneumatically extending or retracting an extendable brush in the tow arm assembly 400 or the actuation contactor assembly 450 to disengage from the plurality of conductor tracks 122.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, busbar assembly 280 includes a first busbar 282, a second busbar 284, and a plurality of housing connectors 286. Busbar assembly 280 is electrically connected (via a first set of cables 296) to the mobile machine 140 at the proximal end of boom 210 and (via a second set of cables 296) to the tow arm assembly 400 at the distal end of boom 210. Using this electrical connection, electrical energy is directed from contactor assembly 450 along the length of the first busbar 282 and the second busbar 284 to the tow arm assembly 400 and then to the mobile machine 140. For conducting electrical energy, each busbar 282, 284 includes a conductive end portion 306 located at either end of the respective busbar. Between each conductive portion 306, the outer surface of the remaining length of each busbar 282, 284 includes an insulating coating (e.g., anodized polishing) that covers the conductive interior of the busbar 282, 284. The conductive material of busbars 282 and 284 can be aluminum or copper, but can also be made of other suitable materials.

[0046] Figures 3 to 6The diagram depicts a first busbar 282, a second busbar 284, multiple housing connectors 286, and multiple busbar connection assemblies 288. (As shown...) Figure 4 As shown, the first busbar 282 (e.g., typically a cylindrical device) and the second busbar 284 (e.g., also typically a cylindrical device) are parallel to each other along the length of the boom and are designed to carry different polarities. For example, the first busbar 282 is attached to a cable 296 carrying a positive charge, and the second busbar 284 is attached to a cable carrying a negative charge. Figure 4 As shown, multiple housing connectors 286 are distributed along the lengths of the first busbar 282 and the second busbar 284 equally, thereby maintaining the parallel spacing between the busbars.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each busbar 282, 284 includes a pair of busbar connection assemblies 288 for connecting cable 296 to busbar 282, 284. The first busbar connection assembly 288 ( Figure 5 The second busbar connection assembly 288 is formed at the distal end of busbar 282 (adjacent to the trailing arm assembly 400). Figure 6 The cable 296 is attached to the end of the busbar 284 and the housing connector 286 (near the mobile machine 140). Each busbar connection assembly 288 includes a plurality of aperture openings 290 configured to connect the cable 296 to the busbar assembly 280. The busbar connection assembly 288 also includes a pair of retaining slots 292 configured to receive retaining rods 294 that secure the connecting pin 298 within the busbar connection assembly, as described below.

[0048] Each of the cables 296 includes: a separate connecting pin 298 located at the end of the cable 296; and an end connector 302. Figure 3 The end connector is located at the distal end of the cable. To connect each individual cable 296 to the connecting pin 298, the pin 298 is mechanically pressed onto the end of the cable. Each connecting pin 298 is also inserted into a hole opening 290, which is configured to receive the connecting pin 298 in a mating relationship.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, each connecting pin 298 includes a recessed (e.g., chamfered) distal end 300 with a rounded head 308. The recessed portion of the distal end 300 is narrower than the outer diameter of the rounded head 308 and is capable of receiving a retaining rod 294 at any point along its periphery. When inserted into a separate bore opening 290 of the busbar connection assembly 288, the proximal pin is sized such that the chamfered distal end 300 aligns with a pair of retaining slots 292 within each busbar connection assembly.

[0050] The distal end 300 is shaped such that when a pair of fragile retaining rods 294 are inserted into the retaining slot 292, the retaining rods 294 are received within a recess in the distal end, thereby supporting the pin within the assembly. The fragile retaining rods 294 are made of plastic or metal and are designed such that, under a large force, the retaining rods break along a predetermined break point. This breakage allows the cable 296 to quickly detach from the busbar assembly 280 (e.g., due to falling under gravity) and electrically disconnect from the busbars 282 or 284, thereby improving safety. It should be noted that, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each busbar can be connected to four (or more) cables 296 for redundancy, wherein at least one pair of cables is connected to a first busbar connection assembly 288 at the far end of the busbar, and at least one pair of cables is connected to a second busbar connection assembly at the near end of the busbar.

[0051] Industrial applicability

[0052] The aspects of the pivoting boom disclosed above can be used to deploy rail connector assemblies in industrial work sites and to charge freely steerable mobile machines using conductive rail systems. For example, drawings typically depict the boom and a system located within a manufactured housing, including a hydraulic system for extending and retracting the boom, a pneumatic system for controlling downstream components of the rail connector assembly, and a busbar assembly for conducting electrical energy along the length of the boom.

[0053] To operate the mobile machine 140, the mobile machine is remotely controlled by an operator or controlled by an operator residing in the operator compartment 160. When approaching the conductive orbital system 120, the orbital connector assembly 200 is deployed. This deployment can be a result of operator initiation or can occur proactively via signals generated due to the mobile machine's geographic location (e.g., a location identified by a Global Navigation Satellite System) and its proximity to orbit 122.

[0054] Once initiated (whether autonomously or by an operator), a signal is sent to the ECM 216 located in boom 210 for deploying the track connector assembly 200. Upon receiving a signal from mobile machine 140, ECM 216 generates a command to hydraulic system 220 to unlock boom 210 from frame 150 of mobile machine 140. Starting from the reservoir 226 of HPU 222, hydraulic pump 228 (driven by motor 230) generates hydraulic pressure, which is directed to hydraulic manifold 232 to actuate locking pin 244 from the locked position to the open or free position. Boom 210 remains in the retracted position against frame 150 of mobile machine when unlocked.

[0055] Once ECM 216 receives feedback from system status sensor 250 that locking pin 244 has been actuated, ECM generates another command to hydraulic system 220, instructing hydraulic system 220 to extend boom 210 outward from frame 150 of mobile machine 140 around pivot joint 214. HPU 222 can then generate appropriate level of pressure to extend hydraulic cylinder 234. Since hydraulic cylinder 234 is attached to mobile machine 140 at frame connector 238 and boom 210 at housing connector 240, the extension of hydraulic cylinder 234 causes boom 210 to rotate outward from frame 150. Once boom 210 has been partially or fully extended, ECM 216 receives feedback signals from one or both of system status sensor 250 and angle sensor 224. In response to this feedback, ECM 216 generates a cut-off command to hydraulic system 220 to stop operation.

[0056] Following the cut-off command, ECM 216 receives a command from the operator or autonomous system to extend the tow arm assembly 400. In response, ECM 216 generates a command to the pneumatic system 260 to initiate the extension. In the case of an air-based pneumatic system, air passes through filter 262 and enters air compressor 264 for pressurization, and any residual moisture is removed in dryer 266. To extend the tow arm assembly 400, pneumatic valve 270 is actuated to release pressurized air into multiple telescopic links (not shown) of the tow arm assembly 400. The multiple telescopic links act as multiple interconnected piston rods, and the pressurized air extends the tow arm assembly 400 from a collapsed state (not shown) to an extended state (not shown). Figure 1 The tow arm assembly 400 extends vertically (towards the ground 10) when the mobile machine 140 is moving or stationary. The tow arm assembly 400 then contacts the conductive track system 120 and rotates rearward relative to the direction of travel of the mobile machine 140. The contactor assembly 450 is aligned with and connected to the plurality of conductor tracks 122.

[0057] The contactor assembly 450 and the tow arm assembly 400 can be retracted by explicit operator command, or they can retract autonomously due to problems such as aligning the contactor assembly with the conductor rail 122, the conductor rail's inability to provide power, or poor grounding. To retract the tow arm assembly 400, the ECM 216 generates a command to the pneumatic system 260 to actuate a plurality of extendable brushes (not shown) housed within the base of the contactor assembly 450. Once disengaged from the conductor rail system 120, the ECM generates a pneumatic system command to create negative pressure on the system, thus retracting the tow arm.

[0058] According to this disclosure, the pivoting boom of the mobile machine allows for the integration of several systems into a robust housing and simplifies several systems. The pivoting boom is lightweight and adaptable to any type of mobile machine to assist in mobile charging. Furthermore, the boom's hydraulic and pneumatic systems allow for the rapid deployment of rail connector assemblies and their engagement with the conductive rail system. Finally, the busbar assembly allows for the safe transfer of electrical energy along the length of the boom, ultimately to the mobile machine's battery system.

[0059] 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 boom (210) for connecting a mobile machine to a conductive track system (120), the boom comprising: The housing (212) is pivotally attached to the frame (150) of the mobile machine (140) at a pivot point at the proximal end of the housing. A busbar assembly (280) is attached to the inner surface of the housing (212) and configured to connect to a plurality of cables (296) that electrically connect the mobile machine (140) to the conductive track system (120) via the busbar assembly (280). Hydraulic system (220), the hydraulic system (220) including hydraulic power unit, hydraulic cylinder (234) and hydraulic manifold (232); and A pneumatic system (260) located within the housing (212).

2. The boom according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic power unit (222) includes a reservoir (226) and a hydraulic pump (228) actuated to pivot the boom (210) outward from the mobile machine (140).

3. The boom according to any of the preceding claims, the boom further comprising a locking pin (244) located on the outer surface of the housing (212) at the distal end of the boom (210), wherein the locking pin (244) is fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold (232) via a separate hydraulic fluid conduit (248).

4. The boom according to claim 3, wherein the locking pin (244) is configured to be actuated between an unengaged state and an engaged locked state. When the boom (210) pivots outward from the moving machine (140), the locking pin (244) is configured to be in an unengaged state, and When the boom (210) is in a retracted state against the frame (150) of the mobile machine (140), the locking pin (244) is configured to be in an engaged locking state, thereby preventing the boom (210) from pivoting outward from the frame (150).

5. The boom according to any of the preceding claims, the boom further comprising an angle sensor (224) positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the housing (212).

6. The boom according to any of the preceding claims, the boom further comprising a proximity sensor (304) mounted to the surface of the boom (210).

7. The boom according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bus assembly (280) further includes a plurality of connecting pins (298) for attaching the plurality of cables (296) to the bus assembly (280), wherein the plurality of connecting pins (298) are secured to the bus assembly (280) by a plurality of insert pins.

8. The boom according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of insert pins (298) are configured to break along a predetermined break point, thereby preventing damage to the busbar assembly (280).

9. The boom according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pneumatic system (260) comprises a plurality of pneumatic tubes (272), an air compressor (264), an air dryer (266), a pneumatic canister (268), and a pneumatic valve (270).

10. The boom according to claim 9, wherein the pneumatic valve (270) controls the fluid pressure within the pneumatic system (260) and the movement of the trailing arm (400) connected to the distal end of the boom (210).

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