Capacitive Rail Power Transfer With Insulated Walls for Local Carts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire power supply systems for traveling bodies pose a risk of electric shock to workers due to the presence of live metal rails, which can conduct high-frequency AC power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical insulator on the vertical walls of the metal rails and the use of capacitive coupling between metal rails and wheels to transfer power, ensuring that the rails remain electrically insulated and reducing the risk of electric shock, even if a worker touches them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high frequency AC power is supplied to metal rails for tire power supply, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to electric shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical insulator is introduced as an intermediary material between the metal rail and the external environment. The insulator covers the vertical wall surfaces of the metal rail, allowing the rail to conduct high-frequency AC power for efficient power transfer to the tire, while preventing direct contact between workers and the charged rail, thus eliminating electric shock risk.
2Power
If metal rails are used as power supply rails, then power supply capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to direct electrical contact risk
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical insulator is applied selectively to specific regions of the metal rail - specifically covering the vertical wall surfaces while leaving the horizontal travel surfaces exposed. This localized application maintains the metallic contact interface necessary for power transfer to the tire while providing insulation protection against worker contact, achieving both power supply capability and safety.
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 significantly reduces the risk of electric shock to workers by maintaining the metal rails in an insulated state, enhancing safety while allowing efficient power transfer to the traveling body's motor, and allows for easier manufacturing and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the first metal rail and the first wheel define a first capacitor and the second metal rail and the second wheel define a second capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The frame track includes an electrical insulator covering at least a portion of vertical wall surfaces of the first metal rail and the second metal rail
Data Source
AI summary
In a local cart traveling system, a frame track includes first and second metal rails each with an L-shaped cross section and facing each other. A local cart is within the frame track, and includes a first electricity receiving tire and a second electricity receiving tire to travel on horizontal travel surfaces of the rails. A voltage supplier supplies an AC voltage to the travel surfaces, so that the first metal rail and a first electricity receiving tire define a first capacitor and the second metal rail and the second electricity receiving tire define a second capacitor. The local cart includes a power receiver to receive AC power, and a travel motor that receives power after the AC power is rectified. The frame track includes a connecting plate as an electrical insulator covering portions of the surfaces of vertical walls of the first metal rail and the second metal rail.