Current Collector Rocker Linkage for Overhead Wire Height Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing current collectors for non-track-bound, electrically driven vehicles with two-pole overhead line systems face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with contact wires due to restricted twist angles, which lead to variable height differences and inefficient energy transfer, especially when the vehicle encounters uneven road surfaces or when one contact wire is not properly aligned.
Innovation Solution
The current collector incorporates an adjustable lower arm with a lift drive, rotatable upper arms, coupling rods, and a compensating rocker with end stop elements and sensing elements that allow for variable radial spacing and movement, enabling continuous restriction of height differences between contact rockers across different setting angles, ensuring uniform movement and maximum height difference control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a constant twist angle restriction is applied to the upper arms, then the height difference of the contact assemblies is restricted, but the restriction becomes variable and decreases as the height position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the twist angle restriction dynamic rather than constant. The end stop elements are positioned at different radial distances from the rocker joint axis, creating variable restriction that adapts to different setting angles of the lower arm. This allows the system to maintain appropriate height difference control across the full range of motion, resolving the contradiction between constant restriction and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of twist angle restriction from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on the setting angle of the lower arm. By positioning end stop elements at different radial spacings, the system modifies the restriction parameter dynamically, allowing optimal height difference control at each operating position rather than a single constant restriction.
2Device complexity
If the radial spacing between end stop element and rocker bar is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the height difference restriction varies with lower arm setting angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different radial spacings at different locations around the rocker joint axis. Instead of a uniform structure, the end stop elements are positioned at specific radial distances tailored to their local requirements, ensuring consistent height difference control across different setting angles while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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
This design ensures consistent and efficient energy transfer by allowing for continuous adjustment of the height difference between contact rockers, maintaining optimal contact with the overhead wires regardless of vehicle position or road conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of energy feeding.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment takes place via a lift drive embodied as an air spring bellows
Data Source
AI summary
A current collector for a non-track-bound, electrically driven vehicle for feeding electrical energy from a two-pole overhead line system with two contact wires. Two upper arms are rotatably connected to an adjustable lower arm by toggle joints. Each upper arm carries a contact rocker for contacting the contact wires. Coupling bars are rotatably connected to the upper arms and articulated so that adjustment of the lower arm forces adjustment of the upper arms. A compensating rocker compensates for a height difference between the contact rockers with a rocker stand and a rocker beam. The rocker stand can be rotatably connected to the vehicle and the rocker beam is connected to the coupling bars by way of compensating joints on either side of the rocker joint. At least one stop element limits a rotational movement of the rocker beam about a rocker joint axis of the rocker joint.