Subway Current Collector Spring Damping for Stable Third-Rail Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current third-rail current collectors for subway vehicles face issues due to the lack of damping in single-stage spring pre-tightening systems, leading to fluctuations in contact force, fatigue, and instability in current collection, resulting in wear, economic losses, and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A two-series spring damping type current collector is designed, featuring a tension steel spring with a built-in rubber block, symmetrically mounted to provide bidirectional damping, stabilizing the contact force between the collector shoe and the third rail, and ensuring stable and safe current collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage spring pre-tightening system is used, then the structure is simple, but the contact force fluctuates and causes fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The single-stage spring system is segmented into two series-connected springs with different stiffness coefficients. The first spring has a larger stiffness coefficient while the second spring has a smaller stiffness coefficient, allowing each spring to handle different phases of contact force requirements and reduce overall fluctuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spring stiffness by using two springs with different stiffness coefficients in series. This parameter variation allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain more stable contact force throughout the compression cycle
2Force
If a steel spring is used for pre-tightening, then the contact force is provided, but the spring experiences fatigue and has short service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steel spring material with rubber damping material to create a composite spring system. The rubber component absorbs energy and reduces fatigue stress on the steel spring, thereby extending service life while maintaining contact force
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber damping element is incorporated into the spring structure to provide beforehand cushioning against fatigue loads. This cushioning effect protects the steel spring from repeated stress cycles that would otherwise cause premature failure
3Force
If pre-tightening is applied, then contact force is maintained, but arc discharge occurs causing wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact force parameters by using two springs with different stiffness coefficients, creating a more gradual and controlled force application. This reduces sudden force spikes that cause arc discharge and subsequent wear of the collector shoe and third rail
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 two-series spring damping system effectively reduces fluctuations in contact force, prolongs the service life of the tension steel spring, enhances the safety and stability of current collection, and reduces maintenance costs by preventing fatigue and arc discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring assembly arranged on one side of the mounting plate, wherein the spring assembly includes a rubber block and a tension steel spring
Implementation Method 2
The tension steel spring is internally provided with the rubber block in a shape of cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a two-series spring damping type current collector for subway vehicles including an insulating back plate connected to one side of each of second tooth-shaped plates through a corresponding one of first tooth-shaped plates arranged at two lateral portions of the insulating back plate, and an other side of the second tooth-shaped plates is connected to a mounting plate. One end of the tension steel spring is connected to a first spring connecting piece, an other end of the tension steel spring is connected to a second spring connecting piece, the tension steel spring is internally provided with the rubber block in a shape of cylinder, a diameter of the rubber block is equal to that of an inner cavity of the tension steel spring, a length of the rubber block is equal to that of the tension steel spring in a pre-tightened state.