Conductor Line with Integrated Slotted Waveguide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductor rail systems face disruptions in data transmission due to energy transmission at current-carrying conductor rail contacts, requiring increased space and structural complexities, especially when conductor rails are vertically oriented, leading to issues with moisture and dirt accumulation and limited accessibility for slotted waveguides.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a signal transmission device with an elongated slotted waveguide into the grounding conductor profile, where the sliding contact and antenna are designed as a structural unit, allowing for a compact and material-saving design that compensates for travel deviations and maintains reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slotted waveguide is routed at a distance from the current-carrying conductors to prevent interference, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slotted waveguide for data transmission with the grounding conductor profile into a single integrated structure. The waveguide is formed by creating a longitudinal slot in the grounding conductor profile, eliminating the need for separate mounting of the waveguide and grounding conductor. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining data transmission reliability through the integrated design that properly positions the waveguide relative to current-carrying conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding conductor profile serves multiple functions: it provides electrical grounding and simultaneously forms the slotted waveguide structure for data transmission. By making the grounding conductor profile multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission through the integrated structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the T-shaped slotted waveguide is tilted by 90° with horizontal opening slot to prevent antenna contact, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but moisture and dirt accumulation increases and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the waveguide horizontally as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by maintaining a vertically oriented slot in the grounding conductor profile. The antenna engages the slot from the side rather than from below, preventing moisture and dirt accumulation while still allowing for tolerance compensation through the vertical orientation and side engagement geometry.
3Device complexity
If the slotted waveguide is integrated into the grounding conductor profile, then device complexity and material usage are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted waveguide is merged with the grounding conductor profile by forming a longitudinal slot directly in the grounding conductor. This integration eliminates separate components and reduces device complexity. The manufacturing precision is managed through the specific geometry of the slot and its positioning in the grounding conductor profile, which provides inherent alignment features that facilitate precise integration during manufacturing.
4Reliability
If the longitudinal slot is narrow to achieve good data transmission, then data transmission quality is improved, but the tolerance for antenna deviation from center path is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the antenna's longitudinal position. The spring allows the antenna to move forward and backward, automatically compensating for deviations from the center path of the longitudinal slot. This dynamic positioning maintains optimal engagement between the antenna and the narrow slot, ensuring high-quality data transmission while providing tolerance for positioning variations through the spring's mechanical compliance.
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 solution enables a compact, fault-tolerant, and cost-effective conductor rail system with improved data transmission reliability, reduced material usage, and simplified installation, while minimizing disruptions from energy transmission and environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
the signal transmission device comprises a longitudinally extending, elongated slotted waveguide with a longitudinal slot for data transmission to and from the consumer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a conductor line (6) for supplying at least one electric load which can be moved on the conductor line in the longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor line, comprising at least one conductor strand (15; 30; 38; 45) which runs in the longitudinal direction (L) and which comprises an electrically conductive profiled conductor section (16; 31; 39; 46) for contacting a sliding contact (22; 23; 33; 43; 56) of the load and at least one signal transmission device (19; 35; 40; 47) which runs in the longitudinal direction (L). The invention also relates to a current collector (3) for the load with at least one sliding contact (22; 23; 33; 43; 56) for contacting the profiled conductor section (16; 31; 39; 46) of the conductor strand (15; 30; 38; 45) of the conductor line (6) and with at least one antenna (21; 37; 44; 49) for transmitting data to a conductor line (6) signal transmission device (19; 35; 40; 47), which moves in the longitudinal direction (L). The invention also relates to a conductor line system. The aim of the invention is to allow a compact and material-saving design as well as a good fault-tolerant transmission. This is achieved by a conductor line (6) in which the signal transmission device (19; 35; 40; 47) and the profiled conductor section (16; 31; 39; 46) are designed as one component, by a current collector (3) in which the sliding contact (22; 23; 33; 43; 56) and the antenna (21; 37; 24; 49) are designed as one component, and by a conductor line system comprising such a conductor line (6) and such a current collector (3).