Insulated Current Collector Spacer for Short-Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors with two arms in construction machines are prone to mechanical and electrical contact, leading to potential short circuits and damage to the electrical system, especially during derailments or actuator malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spacer designed to prevent mechanical and electrical contact between the two current collector arms, which is adjustable and provides insulation to ensure safe operation and reduce the risk of short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical protection mechanisms (diode/recuperation circuits) are integrated into the vehicle to prevent short circuits, then the reliability of the electrical system is improved, but the cost and weight of the vehicle increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function from the vehicle's electrical system and relocates it to the current collector assembly. By placing insulating spacers at the current collector heads, the protection against short circuits is achieved externally, eliminating the need for heavy diode circuits and recuperation systems within the vehicle, thus reducing vehicle weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulating spacers as intermediary elements between the two current collector heads. These spacers act as physical mediators that prevent direct contact and potential short circuits between the current collectors, providing passive protection without requiring active electrical protection mechanisms in the vehicle
2Reliability
If electrical protection mechanisms are integrated into the vehicle, then the reliability of the electrical system is improved, but the overall efficiency of the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the need for complex electrical protection circuits from the vehicle, the patent reduces energy losses associated with these protective mechanisms. The passive mechanical/insulative solution at the current collector level does not consume vehicle power, thereby maintaining overall vehicle efficiency while still providing reliable protection
3Device complexity
If no protection mechanism is used, then the cost and weight of the vehicle are reduced, but the risk of short circuits and damage to the electrical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by pre-installing insulating spacers on the current collector heads before operation. This preventive measure ensures that even if the pantograph arms derail or malfunction, the short circuit risk is already mitigated by the physical insulation barrier, providing reliable protection without requiring complex vehicle-level systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive insulating spacers as the protection mechanism. These are basic insulating components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing effective protection at minimal cost compared to complex electrical protection systems
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 spacer effectively reduces the occurrence of mechanical and electrical contacts between the current collector arms, thereby minimizing the risk of short circuits and protecting the electrical system, while also being cost-effective and lightweight, maintaining the vehicle's efficiency and freedom of movement.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer is designed and arranged to prevent mechanical and/or electrical contact between the two current collector arms
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a current collector with two current collector arms, wherein the current collector has a spacer which is designed and arranged to prevent mechanical and/or electrical contact between the two current collector arms.