Spring-Loaded Current Collector Shoe Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current current collector systems for trackless electrically powered vehicles face challenges in automatically aligning contact shoes parallel to overhead lines, especially during vehicle movement and under varying environmental conditions, leading to difficulties in maintaining consistent electrical contact and operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A wiring device with spring-loaded rods and a swiveling guide bracket system that automatically aligns the contact shoe parallel to the catenary, utilizing a lifting and lowering unit with a spring-loaded mechanism to pivot the guide bracket from horizontal to vertical and back, ensuring proper alignment and centering, and incorporating a post-lift mechanism to maintain contact despite road irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional current collector system is used, then the vehicle can operate on overhead lines, but the contact shoe cannot automatically align parallel to the overhead line during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bracket is designed to be pivotable relative to the rod, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. When the contact shoe contacts the overhead line, the guide bracket automatically pivots to align parallel to the overhead line, enabling automatic alignment during vehicle movement and maintaining reliable electrical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact shoe is fixed on the vehicle, then the structure is simple, but it cannot compensate for height differences caused by road irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and lowering unit enables the contact shoe to move vertically relative to the rod. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the contact shoe to compensate for height differences caused by road irregularities such as bumps and potholes, while the spring-loaded mechanism provides automatic height adjustment without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lifting and lowering unit automatically adjusts the height of the contact shoe in response to road irregularities. The spring mechanism self-regulates the contact force and height compensation without requiring external control, simplifying the system while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide bracket remains in initial position during contact, then the structure is stable, but it cannot center the contact shoe on the overhead line
Solution Approach 1:
The guide bracket is designed to pivot automatically when the contact shoe contacts the overhead line. This dynamic movement centers the contact shoe on the overhead line by allowing the guide bracket to rotate into the correct orientation, achieving precise centering through the natural contact force rather than complex positioning mechanisms.
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
Enhances the ease and reliability of the wiring process, improves operational safety, and extends service life by ensuring consistent electrical contact and preventing derailment, even under stressful conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting and lowering unit (7) has a spring-loaded mechanism by which the guide bracket system (5) pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical position via its axis (6) when the current collector is disconnected.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Wire-mounted device for current collector shoes on contact wires, which are connected to spring-loaded rods mounted on the vehicle so as to be movable vertically and laterally, wherein the current collector shoes are provided with these projecting pivotable guide brackets, wherein the current collector shoe (4), which is equipped with a pivotable guide bracket system (5), is connected to the rod head (2) of the current collector rod (1) by means of a lifting and lowering unit (7).