Cable Car Current Collector Merging Multiple Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable car systems face challenges in efficiently supplying electrical energy to multiple circuits within vehicles due to limited space on coupling devices, requiring multiple current collectors and power rails for each circuit, which is impractical and prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single common current collector and power rail for multiple circuits, with each circuit connected to a common return line, reducing the need for multiple pairs of collectors and rails and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current collectors and power rails are provided for each circuit, then each circuit can be supplied with electrical energy independently, but the space required on the coupling device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple circuits share a common return line and common current collector, merging the return path functionality. This reduces the number of separate current collectors and power rails needed, thereby saving space on the coupling device while still enabling independent power supply to multiple circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single common current collector and power rail serve multiple circuits simultaneously, making these components multi-functional. This universal approach allows one current collector pair to support multiple circuits rather than requiring dedicated pairs for each circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current collectors and power rails are provided for each circuit, then electrical energy can be supplied to multiple circuits, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return path functionality into a single common return line that serves multiple circuits. This consolidation reduces the total number of current collectors and power rails required, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the capability to supply power to multiple circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The common current collector and power rail are designed to serve multiple circuits universally, reducing component proliferation. This multi-functional design decreases system complexity by having fewer discrete components that need to be managed, connected, and maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current collectors and power rails are provided for each circuit, then each circuit has dedicated power supply, but the risk of corrosion increases due to more contact points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple return paths into a single common return line, the patent reduces the number of current collector-contact points from multiple pairs to just one common current collector pair. Fewer contact points mean fewer locations where corrosion can occur, reducing maintenance needs and improving reliability.
4Area of moving object
If a single common current collector and power rail are used for multiple circuits, then space requirements are reduced, but the current collector must handle current for multiple circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution function: the common current collector handles the aggregate return current from multiple circuits, while individual feed lines distribute power to each circuit. This segmentation allows the common current collector to be designed with appropriate current handling capacity for the total load, optimizing the balance between space efficiency and electrical performance.
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
This solution allows for efficient and reduced-corrosion electrical energy supply to multiple circuits within vehicles, minimizing space requirements and maintaining stable contact, while supporting both direct and alternating current loads.
Implementation Method 1
a single further current collector and a power rail assigned thereto are thus necessary for each further circuit, said power rail being guided to the power source assigned to this circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A cable car system has vehicles which are coupled to a conveying cable between stations. The vehicles are decoupled from the conveying cable in the stations and are moved through the stations along guide rails. The vehicles are formed with current collectors and the stations have associated power rails. In at least one of the vehicles there is located a circuit with at least one electrical load which is supplied with electrical energy via the current collector and the power rails. At least one second circuit with at least one further electrical load is located in at least one vehicle. The second circuit is supplied with electrical energy via a single further current collector and a power rail assigned thereto. The two circuits are connected to a common current collector to which a single power rail is assigned.