Boom Head Assembly With Movable Guide for Overhead Wire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom head assemblies for trolley buses face difficulties in coupling and uncoupling from overhead wires, and maintaining alignment, leading to inefficient power transfer and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A boom head assembly with a movable guide, comprising wings that aid in alignment and an actuator system to move the guide relative to the housing, allowing for automatic engagement and disengagement from overhead wires, utilizing a solenoid or rack and pinion mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cradle configuration with latching mechanism is used, then the collector can be securely connected to the overhead wire, but the coupling and uncoupling process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the guide movable rather than fixed. The guide can shift position dynamically during the coupling process to facilitate wire engagement, then stabilize during operation. This movable guide resolves the contradiction by enabling easy coupling/uncoupling while maintaining secure connection through its ability to adapt position during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the movable guide in advance to prepare for wire engagement. The guide is pre-configured to facilitate alignment and initial contact between the collector and overhead wire, making the coupling process easier before the actual connection is established.
2Device complexity
If a fixed guide structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the alignment between collector and overhead wire becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the guide movable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to maintain alignment between the collector and overhead wire. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures precise alignment without requiring an overly complex fixed structure, balancing simplicity with precision.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is required for alignment, then the system is simpler, but the power transfer efficiency decreases due to operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the movable guide to automatically perform alignment functions without manual intervention. The guide self-adjusts to maintain proper alignment between the collector and overhead wire, eliminating delays associated with manual operation and thereby improving power transfer efficiency while keeping the system relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient alignment and automatic connection/disconnection of the collector with overhead wires, improving power transfer efficiency and reducing manual intervention, while also providing a stowed position retention mechanism for the poles.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a solenoid or rack and pinion mechanism for smooth operation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a solenoid or rack and pinion mechanism for smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed a boom apparatus or boom head assembly being attachable to an electric or hybrid vehicle. The boom apparatus, comprising first and second poles being alignable with the respective wires of an overhead power line system, and respective boom head assemblies coupled to the first and second poles, including a collector configured to abut the first wire. The boom head assemblies each including a respective movable guide, comprising opposing wings that are positioned on either side of a respective collector, being configured to aid in the alignment of the collector with a respective wire. The connecting pole assembly, together with the connecting pole stowage mechanism applies equally to a single wire catenary and connecting pole application as would be the case of a conventional tram.