Conductor Ramp Assembly for Self-Aligning Rail Power Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for mobile industrial machines, such as overhead lines, are not practical for remote and uneven environments, and pose challenges in aligning and coupling power conducting lines for proper energy transfer, leading to project delays and machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A conductive rail assembly and ingress/egress ramp assemblies are used to provide a secure and efficient method for connecting and disconnecting a rail connector assembly of a free-steering mobile machine to a conductive rail assembly, utilizing non-conducting rails that guide the contactor assembly onto or off the conducting rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If overhead electricity-conducting lines are used to power mobile machines, then electricity can be supplied to the machine, but it becomes difficult to align and couple the power conducting lines to the machine for proper energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ramp assembly as an intermediary component between the overhead conducting rails and the machine's contactor assembly. The ramp includes a capture section with non-conducting rails that guide and align the contactor assembly, facilitating proper coupling without requiring direct manual alignment between the power source and the machine
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp assembly performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the actual electrical connection is made. The non-conducting rails of the capture section pre-position the contactor assembly onto the conducting rails, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before electrical contact occurs
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional power systems are used in remote and uneven environments, then power can be supplied, but the system becomes impractical due to terrain challenges and alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly is designed to be movable and adaptable to uneven terrain. The ramp can be positioned and adjusted on the ground to create a stable pathway from the overhead rails to the machine, accommodating varying terrain conditions while maintaining the power supply function
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the overhead conducting rails, the ramp assembly with capture section, and the machine's contactor assembly. This segmentation allows the ramp to be independently positioned and adjusted to suit different terrain conditions, improving environmental adaptability
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual alignment and coupling of power conducting lines is performed, then electrical connection can be established, but project delays and machine downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp assembly enables the contactor assembly to self-align and self-couple with the conducting rails. The non-conducting rails of the capture section automatically guide the contactor into proper position, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and reducing the time required to establish electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp assembly for guiding an electrical conductor system for a mobile machine onto a conductive rail assembly. The ramp assembly may include an ingress ramp assembly with a variable width, located at one end of the conductive rail assembly, and extend to a height above the conductive rail assembly, where a transition section guides the electrical conductor system onto the conductive rail assembly. The ramp assembly may also include an egress ramp for removing the electrical conductor system from the conductive rail assembly.