Concentric Conductor Rod Structure for Unsupported Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible coaxial cables used for powering heavy work machines are prone to deformation and performance degradation due to lack of support along their length, leading to safety issues and insufficient power delivery, especially when used in rugged terrain environments.
Innovation Solution
A conductor rod with concentric cylinder conductors and a barrel design, providing structural rigidity and electrical connectivity from a power rail to the work machine, using threaded connectors to secure the conductors and maintain a stable connection over unsupported distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible coaxial cables are used for power transmission, then the cable can be manipulated and installed easily, but the cable deforms under its own weight and dynamic forces, leading to performance degradation and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid rod design to a dynamic articulated arm system with multiple joints. The articulated arm can flex and adapt to movement while maintaining structural support, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for reliability and flexibility for ease of operation. Each segment can move independently to accommodate dynamic forces without deforming the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor rod is divided into multiple articulated segments connected by joints. This segmentation allows each segment to be lighter and more manageable (improving ease of operation) while the interconnected structure maintains overall rigidity and support (improving reliability). The segmented design distributes the load and prevents excessive deformation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the conductor is supported only at the ends, then the installation is simpler, but the unsupported length causes deformation and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm provides dynamic support along the conductor's length through multiple joints that can adapt to positioning requirements. This maintains shape stability without requiring complex fixed support structures, balancing installation simplicity with compositional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm acts as an intermediary support structure between the fixed end supports. It provides intermediate stabilization points through its joints while maintaining installation simplicity by requiring minimal fixed infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If overhead wires are used for power delivery, then the system can provide electrical power during movement, but the wires cannot provide sufficient electrical energy or current for heavy work machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the power transmission medium from thin overhead wires to a substantial articulated arm with integrated conductors. This increases the cross-sectional area and current-carrying capacity while maintaining the ability to deliver power during movement through its articulated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm combines structural support functions with high-capacity electrical conduction through integrated conductive elements. This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for heavy work machines and the electrical capacity for high-power delivery during movement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid conductor rod is used, then structural support and shape stability are improved, but the device complexity increases compared to flexible cables
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm design provides rigidity where needed while maintaining flexibility through controlled joints. This dynamic structure achieves shape stability without the complexity of a fully rigid rod, as the joints allow necessary movements while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the conductor into segmented articulated sections reduces the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall structural stability. Each segment can be simpler in design, but their interconnected nature provides the required rigidity and support.
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
The rigid conductor rod design ensures reliable and consistent power transmission to heavy work machines, reducing deformation and safety risks while enabling efficient charging of batteries, even over long distances in challenging terrains.
Implementation Method 1
a first cylinder conductor extending along a longitudinal axis of the conductor rod, the first cylinder conductor having a first inner diameter, a first outer diameter... providing electrical energy to the electric engine from a power source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a concentric conductor for conducting electrical power from a source to a receiving system or load. The concentric conductor includes one or more conducting tubes interior to an outer tube, extending concentrically around a central axis. The conducting tubes are affixed a head-end interface and a connector assembly at either end of the concentric conductors.