Current Collector Cam Locking for Secure Storage Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current current collectors for rail vehicles face challenges in securely locking the contact piece device in a storage position to prevent unintentional transfer back to the sliding contact position, especially under operational loads.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a cam and anti-rotation mechanism, where the cam is rotated to secure the contact piece device in the storage position by blocking movement relative to the busbar, and the anti-rotation device positively locks the shaft's rotational movement to maintain the cam in the locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact strip device is left unsecured in the storage position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the contact strip device may unintentionally transfer back to the sliding contact position under operational loads, compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the existing rocker unit and cam mechanism to achieve self-locking functionality. The cam is integrated into the rocker unit, and the locking action is achieved through the natural rotational movement of the rocker, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms while ensuring reliable securing in the storage position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device employs a dynamic cam mechanism that changes position based on the rocker's rotational state. The cam transitions between engaged and disengaged positions with the detent mechanism, allowing the system to automatically lock or unlock based on operational conditions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the contact strip device, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking functionality is merged with the existing rocker unit structure. The cam is integrated into the rocker unit, and the locking action is achieved through the natural rotational movement of the rocker, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms while ensuring reliable securing in the storage position.
3Device complexity
If the cam mechanism is used for locking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent wear on contact strips deteriorates under high operational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device applies a preliminary locking action before operational loads are applied. By engaging the cam with the detent mechanism in the storage position, the system prevents any unintended movement or wear on the contact strip that could occur during operation, counteracting potential harmful effects before they manifest.
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
Effectively secures the contact piece device in the storage position, preventing unintended movement back to the sliding contact position and ensuring stability under operational loads, thus reducing wear and enhancing the versatility of rail vehicles across different energy supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cam rests on the current collector, preferably on a rocker unit of the current collector, with a first contact surface in such a way that movement of the contact strip device relative to the conductor rail is blocked
Implementation Method 2
the rotational movement of the shaft is positively locked by means of the anti-twist device
Implementation Method 3
a compressive force is generated on the contact strip device arranged on the rocker by means of a pivotable rocker of the rocker unit and a spring device of the pressure device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for securing a contact strip assembly of a current collector, movable between a storage position and a sliding contact position relative to a busbar, in a storage position, wherein the locking device comprises a cam (31), a rotatably mounted shaft (32) and an anti-rotation device (33), wherein the cam (31) is arranged non-rotatably on the shaft (32) and the cam (31) can be moved from a release position to a locking position by rotating the shaft (32), and wherein the cam (31) in the storage position of the contact strip assembly can be brought into contact with a first contact surface on the current collector, preferably on a rocker unit of the current collector, by moving it into the locking position, such that movement of the contact strip assembly relative to the busbar is blocked.and wherein a rotational movement of the shaft (32) to secure the cam (31) in the release position or the locking position is positively locked by means of the anti-rotation device (33).