Current Collector Lateral Positioning with Remote and Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lateral positioning of a collector relative to a set of conductive segments are slow and inaccurate, leading to inefficiencies in electrical energy collection during vehicle travel, particularly at high speeds, and can result in misalignment of the vehicle with the conductive segments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a combination of proximity sensors and remote sensors, including magnetic, passive, and active sensors, to quickly and precisely determine the lateral position of the collector, enabling rapid and accurate alignment with the conductive segments using a motorized arm for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two magnetic proximity sensors are used to locate the conductive segments, then the localization process can be performed, but the process becomes very slow and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning process is divided into two distinct phases: a rapid coarse positioning phase using remote sensors (camera, laser) to bring the collector within proximity, and a precise fine positioning phase using magnetic proximity sensors once the collector is close to the conductive segments. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the speed of remote sensors for initial alignment and the precision of magnetic sensors for final positioning, thereby reducing overall positioning time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote sensors (camera and laser sensor) perform preliminary positioning by locating the conductive segments and moving the collector to an intermediate position before the magnetic proximity sensors are engaged. This preliminary action brings the collector into proximity with the conductive segments, enabling the magnetic sensors to then perform accurate fine positioning more efficiently, thus reducing the total time spent on localization.
2Measurement precision
If the collector is moved slowly to ensure accurate positioning, then alignment precision improves, but charging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement and positioning process is segmented into two phases: a fast movement phase to an intermediate position using remote sensor guidance, and a slow precise positioning phase only when necessary for final alignment. This segmentation allows the system to minimize the time spent in slow positioning mode, thereby maintaining alignment precision while maximizing charging efficiency by reducing the overall positioning duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote sensors perform preliminary alignment to bring the collector close to the conductive segments before the slow precise positioning phase begins. This preliminary action ensures that the collector is already roughly aligned, reducing the magnitude of adjustments needed during the slow positioning phase, thereby maintaining precision while minimizing time loss and improving charging efficiency.
3Reliability
If magnetic proximity sensors are positioned far from the conductive segments, then the sensors can detect the segments, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote sensors (camera and laser) perform preliminary positioning to bring the collector into close proximity with the conductive segments before the magnetic proximity sensors are used for fine positioning. This preliminary action enables the magnetic sensors to operate at optimal distances, ensuring both reliable detection and high positioning precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and positioning precision.
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 rapid and precise alignment of the collector with conductive segments, reducing the time spent on positioning and enhancing electrical energy collection efficiency during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
The set of conductive segments is connected to a magnetic field source
Implementation Method 2
measures the magnetic field to locate the set of conductive segments using two magnetic distance sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for lateral positioning of a collector and comprising the following successive steps: - initial localization (104) of the vehicle (1), - displacement (110) of the collector (30) from its retracted position to an intermediate position, - measurement (120) of a magnetic field by at least one proximity sensor (65) disposed above the conductive segment of the assembly (12), - determination (140) of the lateral position of the collector (30) relative to the conductive segment of the assembly (12) from the measured magnetic field, and - displacement (150) of the collector (30) relative to the vehicle (1) from the intermediate position to the collection position from the determined lateral position, characterized in that, the position of the vehicle (1) relative to the conductive segment of the assembly (12) is determined from representation information of the conductive segment of the assembly (12) provided by at least one remote sensor (74, 76).