Current Collector Pressure Control for Stable Contact Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling pneumatically actuated current collectors lack precision and reliability in managing contact forces between the collector and overhead wires or rails, leading to wear and arcs due to inadequate force control, and do not account for non-measurable operating conditions or potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a contact force controller, two pressure controllers (one electropneumatic and one mechanopneumatic) connected in a redundant system, using sensors like strain or optical fiber Bragg grating sensors to measure and adjust contact forces dynamically, ensuring a minimum pressure is maintained even with defects, and allowing for rapid response to contact force fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure controller is used to control contact force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and precision of contact force control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a redundant pressure controller system where a second pressure controller serves as a backup to the first pressure controller. This redundancy ensures that if the primary controller fails, the system can maintain contact force control through the backup controller, thereby cushioning against potential failures and maintaining reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure parameters through two independent control pathways. The first pressure controller handles normal operation while the second pressure controller provides backup control with adjustable pressure settings. This parameter-based redundancy allows flexible control strategies without requiring complete system duplication
2Ease of operation
If aerodynamic forces are used to set contact forces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision and reliability of contact force control deteriorates due to non-measurable operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors continuously monitor the actual contact force and feed this information back to the pressure controllers. This closed-loop feedback enables precise measurement and adjustment of contact forces, compensating for variations in aerodynamic conditions and ensuring accurate control despite changing operating parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely aerodynamic force setting with a hybrid approach that uses pneumatic pressure control supplemented by mechanical or electronic pressure controllers. This substitution allows for measurable and controllable contact forces through pressure regulation rather than relying solely on难以测量的 aerodynamic forces
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 provides precise and reliable control of contact forces, reducing wear and maintenance needs, allowing for extended intervals between servicing, and enabling real-time monitoring and detection of damage, while ensuring continuous operation even with sensor failures.
Implementation Method 1
first pressure controller, a second pressure controller... wherein the second pressure controller has a port for an actual pilot pressure from the first pressure controller
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor that is connected to a contact force controller of the control system... can be arranged on the current collector
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for controlling a pneumatically actuated current collector for a vehicle, wherein the device includes a controlled system having a first pressure controller, a second pressure controller, and an actuation device, where at least one sensor, which is connected for signal conduction to a contact force controller of the controlled system, can be advantageously arranged on the current collector, the first pressure controller is coupled to the contact force controller, the second pressure controller and a pressure supply for signal conduction, the second pressure controller having a connection point for an actual pilot pressure from the first pressure controller, and signal-conducting connections are provided between the second pressure controller and the pressure supply and between the second pressure controller and the actuation device such that rapid adaptation of a contact force to variable operating conditions is enabled.