Current Collector Sliding Joint for Uniform Conductor Rail Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current collector systems face issues with inflexibility and mobility due to the use of heavy, non-flexible cables for high current transmission, leading to uneven wear and reduced mobility of sliding contacts.
Innovation Solution
A current collector system with a sliding contact joint that provides direct, wireless power transmission between the sliding contact and the pickup arm, eliminating the need for additional cables by using rotatable ball or cylindrical joints and spring elements for alignment and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cable is used to connect the sliding contact to the pickup arm for power transmission, then electrical connection is established, but the cable is not flexible and relatively heavy, impeding the free movement of the sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate cable from the system by establishing direct electrical contact between the sliding contact and the pickup arm through the conductor rail, eliminating the source of flexibility and weight problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical support structure by having the pickup arm directly contact the conductor rail, combining power transmission and structural support into a single integrated system
2Power
If a cable with relatively large diameter is used to carry high currents, then sufficient current capacity is achieved, but the cable is not flexible and impedes the free movement of the sliding contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable entirely from the system, replacing it with a cableless electrical connection through direct contact between the sliding contact and conductor rail, thereby achieving both high power transmission and full flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with a direct electrical contact system where the pickup arm and conductor rail establish electrical connection through controlled physical contact, eliminating the need for flexible cables
3Reliability
If the sliding contact is pressed strongly against the conductor rail on one side, then electrical contact is maintained, but the sliding contact wears out more quickly on one side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through the spring element and rotatable joint, allowing the sliding contact to automatically adapt its position and distribute contact pressure evenly across its surface, preventing localized wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact pressure parameter from fixed asymmetric pressure to dynamically adjustable symmetric pressure through the spring mechanism, ensuring uniform wear distribution and extended service life
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 enhances the mobility and uniform contact of sliding contacts, reduces wear, and eliminates cable-related constraints, allowing for efficient and flexible electrical power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding contact is movably and electrically conductively connected via a sliding contact joint to the electrically conductive collector arm
Implementation Method 2
spring elements for alignment and support
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a current collector (6) for supplying electrical power to an electrical load movable along a conductor rail (2), with at least one sliding contact (7) movable along the conductor rail (2) for sliding contact with an electrically conductive conductor profile (4) of the conductor rail (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the conductor rail (2), wherein the sliding contact (7) is arranged on a collector arm (14) arranged on a base (24) of the current collector (6) and is movable in a feed direction (Z) towards and away from the conductor rail (2), wherein the longitudinal direction (L) and the feed direction (Z) define a feed plane (E).and a conductor rail system (1) with a conductor rail (2) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) with an electrically conductive conductor profile (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and a current collector (6) for supplying electrical power to an electrical load movable along the conductor rail (2). The invention solves the problem of providing a simple electrical supply to the current collector and uniform contacting of the conductor rail by the sliding contact, by means of a current collector in which the sliding contact (7) is movably and electrically connected via a sliding contact joint (11) to the electrically conductive collector arm (14) or to an electrical conductor arranged in and/or on the collector arm (14), and by means of a conductor rail system (1) with such a current collector (6).