Guidance system for alignment with a power source

The alignment guidance system addresses the challenge of maintaining alignment between electric machines and power systems by using a rotation sensor and indicator to provide real-time feedback, enhancing power transfer reliability and reducing misalignment-related issues.

WO2026128109A1 Publication Date: 2026-06-18CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING EQUIPMENT LLC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING EQUIPMENT LLC
Filing Date
2025-10-30
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

⚠Technical Problem

Existing systems fail to provide effective guidance for maintaining alignment between electric machines and power systems, leading to unreliable power transfer and potential damage due to misalignment.

⚗Method used

An alignment guidance system with a rotation sensor, controller, and indicator that provides real-time feedback on the distance and angle of misalignment between the electric machine's power collecting arm and the power rail, allowing operators to adjust for optimal alignment.

🎯Benefits of technology

Enhances the reliability of power transfer by minimizing misalignment, reducing the risk of disconnection, and ensuring consistent power delivery to electric machines.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A guidance system to assist in alignment between an electric machine (102) and power rails (118) from which the electric machine (102) draws electrical power is disclosed. The power may be drawn by the electric machine (102) from the power rails (118) via an arm (120) having a rotating joint (212) and a rotation sensor (216) that measures the level of rotation of the rotating joint (212). A controller (112) may receive signals indicative of the rotation angle of the rotating joint (212) and indicate, on a display (400), the direction and / or magnitude of misalignment between the electric machine (102) and the power rails (118). The operator of the electric machine (102) can observe the indication of misalignment and use that information to steer the electric machine (102) to the left or the right to better align the electric machine (102) to the power rails (118). The indication of misalignment may be overlayed on a real-time video display of a path in front of the electric machine (102).
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