Vehicle Current Collector Locking Spring for End-Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors for rail vehicles lack a reliable and efficient mechanism to securely hold the slider in end positions, leading to unnecessary actuator wear and potential position errors due to operational loads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a locking spring connected to the force translator and the first carrier, which is tensioned and then relaxed at defined spring deflections, allowing the slider to be securely held in end positions without continuous actuator engagement, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator remains continuously engaged to hold the slider in end positions, then the slider positioning reliability is improved, but the actuator wear increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the slider position. When the slider reaches an end position, the locking spring's geometry causes it to automatically lock without requiring continuous actuator engagement. The system serves itself by using the motion of the force translator to trigger the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous powered holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is pre-configured with specific geometric features (inclined surfaces, locking lugs) that prepare it to engage automatically when the force translator reaches certain positions. The spring is preliminarily positioned and tensioned so that upon reaching the end position, the locking action occurs automatically without requiring additional actuator force or continuous engagement.
2Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are added to secure the slider in end positions, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring performs multiple functions: it provides the primary locking action at end positions, absorbs operational loads that try to displace the slider, and automatically engages/disengages based on position. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require separate locking mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing force translator and actuator system. The locking spring is integrated into the motion path of the force translator, combining the positioning, locking, and load-absorbing functions into a unified system rather than adding separate independent locking mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator is designed to compensate for operational loads continuously, then the slider positioning stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases and actuator wear worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring automatically absorbs and compensates for operational loads once engaged. The spring's elastic properties allow it to take up displacement forces without requiring continuous actuator intervention. The system self-regulates by using the spring's mechanical energy storage to counteract loads, eliminating the need for continuous powered compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator only needs to provide energy periodically to move the slider between end positions, not continuously to maintain position. Once the slider is locked by the spring, the actuator can remain inactive until the next position change is required. This periodic action pattern dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous engagement.
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 solution provides a robust and simple end position safety mechanism that reduces actuator wear, maintains its tightness over time, and ensures reliable slider positioning, enabling a longer service life and redundant securing of the slider in both end positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking spring connected to the force translator and to the first carrier, the at least one locking spring and the force translator being set in such a way that when the force translator moves, a spring tension of the at least one locking spring is first increased and then, when a defined spring deflection of the locking spring is reached, is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a current collector for a vehicle, comprising an actuating device (5), a first support (1) connectable to a vehicle, and a second support (2) movably connected to the first support (1), to which a sliding piece (4) is connected. The actuating device (5) has an actuator (13) connected to the first support (1), a force multiplier (21) connected to the first support (1) and coupled to the actuator (13), and a contact piece (25) connected to the second support (2), on which the force multiplier (21) is guided. It is proposed that the sliding piece (4) be held securely in the first end position by means of a first torque acting on the force multiplier (21), which is formed by a first contact force (29) between the force multiplier (21) and the contact piece (25).This ensures reliable end-position protection of the current collector, relieving the actuator (13).