Vehicle Current Collector With Adjustable Stops for Stable Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors for vehicles lack dedicated means to precisely control slider deflections, leading to unreliable contact with power supply devices and potential unintentional separation due to suspension processes and dimensional changes.
Innovation Solution
A pantograph with a drive featuring a vehicle control unit and computer program product that adjusts stop positions based on wheel wear and power supply device dimensions, allowing flexible limitation of slider deflections without the need for complex decoupling mechanisms, using electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drives, and incorporating position measuring devices for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no dedicated means for limiting slider deflections is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of contact between slider and power supply device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is made adjustable through a drive mechanism (electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic) that allows dynamic repositioning of the stop along the guide rail. This enables the system to adapt to varying conditions such as wheel wear and power supply device dimensional changes, maintaining reliable contact without requiring an overly complex fixed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the stop is changed as a variable parameter based on actual wear conditions and dimensional variations. The control unit receives input about wheel wear and power supply device dimensions, then adjusts the stop position accordingly, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that responds to operational conditions
2Reliability
If complex decoupling mechanisms are used to compensate for suspension processes, then the reliability of contact is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical decoupling mechanisms, the invention changes the parameter of stop position dynamically. The control unit adjusts the stop position based on suspension process effects and other varying conditions, achieving contact stability through parameter adaptation rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical decoupling mechanisms with a control system that uses sensors and an adjustable stop mechanism. Rather than mechanically isolating the pantograph from suspension effects, the system detects and compensates for these effects through electronic control and parameter adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stop position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to wheel wear and dimensional changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop position transitions from a fixed parameter to a dynamic one that can be adjusted in response to wheel wear and power supply device dimensional changes. The drive mechanism enables the stop to move along the guide rail, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback about wheel wear and power supply device dimensions, then uses this information to adjust the stop position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to wear and dimensional changes automatically
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a current collector for a vehicle comprising an actuating device (1), a first carrier (2) connectable to a vehicle, and a sliding piece (5) movably connected to the first carrier (2) and attachable to a power supply unit (4), wherein at least a first stop arrangement (18) with at least one stop (20) for limiting deflections of the sliding piece (5) is arranged between the sliding piece (5) and the first carrier (2), and wherein the at least first stop arrangement (18) comprises a drive (21) for adjusting the at least one stop (20). It is proposed that the drive (21) be connectable to a vehicle control unit (31) in which a computer program (35) is implemented, which is configured to generate setting commands for adjusting the positions of the at least one stop (20) by means of the drive (21).This enables a particularly secure contact between the sliding piece (5) and the power supply unit (4).