Charging Contact Positioning Arm for Variable Bus Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning units for electric vehicles, such as buses, face challenges in maintaining a secure electrical connection due to varying vehicle heights and loads, requiring complex and costly adjustments to ensure a defined contact force, especially when vehicles tilt or lower for accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A positioning unit with an articulated arm device and a drive device that includes an adjusting drive and a contact spring in a mechanical series connection, allowing for a consistent contact force to be applied regardless of vehicle height, using a tension spring and a buffer battery for emergency retraction, and a magnetic brake for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the positioning unit is designed for a defined contact height, then the contact force can be controlled, but the positioning unit cannot adapt to varying vehicle heights and loads
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning unit employs a dynamic design where the articulated arm device can move between a retracted position and a contact position, and the spring device provides adaptive contact force. The system automatically adjusts to varying vehicle heights through the mechanical interaction between the adjustment drive and spring device, eliminating the need for fixed design configurations for different vehicle types.
2Reliability
If sensors and control systems are used to adjust contact force, then contact reliability improves, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning unit utilizes the self-service principle by employing a spring device that automatically generates and maintains contact force without requiring external control systems or sensors. The mechanical interaction between the adjustment drive and spring device creates a self-regulating system that adapts to varying conditions, ensuring reliable contact while minimizing complexity and maintenance requirements.
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
Enables secure and consistent electrical connections across varying vehicle heights and loads without the need for frequent adjustments or complex sensor systems, reducing manufacturing and operational costs while ensuring reliable power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the drive device has an adjustment drive for forming an adjustment force acting on the articulated arm device and a spring device that mechanically interacts with the adjustment drive
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic brake for stability
Implementation Method 3
using a tension spring and a buffer battery for emergency retraction
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 1b~2b
Figure 1c~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning unit (10) and a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle, in particular an electric bus or the like, and a charging station, wherein the positioning unit is designed such that it can be arranged above a vehicle, wherein an electrical charging contact of the charging station can be moved relative to a contact area of the vehicle and can make contact with said contact area by means of the positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit has an articulated arm apparatus (11) and a drive apparatus (12) for driving the articulated arm apparatus, wherein the drive apparatus has an adjusting drive (29) for forming an adjusting force, which acts on the articulated arm apparatus, and a spring device (31) which mechanically interacts with the adjusting drive, wherein the spring device comprises at least one contact spring (32), wherein the adjusting drive and the contact spring are coupled to one another in a mechanical series circuit (53) in such a way that a contact force onto the contact area can be formed by the adjusting drive and the contact spring.