Dual Arm Current Collector Device for Electric Road Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collector devices for electric road systems face challenges in achieving lightweight, robust, and modular designs while ensuring electrical isolation and durability in harsh environments, with a need to reduce weight and packaging space while maintaining effective power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A dual arm current collector device with elongated arms made of electrically conducting material, where the arms act as electrical conductors and eliminate the need for power cables, allowing for modular replacement of parts and improved weight distribution, and featuring actuators for controlled displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single mechanical structure with power cables is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical support structure and electrical conduction function into a single integrated component. The current collector arms are made of electrically conducting material, eliminating the need for separate power cables and reducing overall device weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector arms serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support, enable controlled movement through actuators, and conduct electrical current. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If power cables are routed from pick-up head to vehicle, then electrical connection is maintained, but mechanical integrity is compromised in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the electrical conduction function into the mechanical arm structure itself, the patent eliminates vulnerable cable routing through harsh environments. The conducting material in the arms provides a protected electrical pathway that moves with the mechanical structure.
3Ease of repair
If a non-modular design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but replacement of worn parts requires complete device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current collector device into separate modular components: a base, multiple current collector arms, and pick-up heads. This segmentation allows individual arms or heads to be replaced if worn or damaged, rather than replacing the entire device.
4Area of stationary object
If cable attachment points are at pick-up heads, then electrical connection is achieved, but packaging space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conduction function into the arms themselves, eliminating the need for separate power cables and their attachment points. This reduces packaging space requirements and eliminates cable-related costs.
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 dual arm structure provides a lightweight, robust, and modular current collector device with enhanced electrical isolation and reduced maintenance needs, improving power transmission efficiency and durability in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated current collector arms are made of an electrically conducting material and arranged to conduct electrical current from conductors located in the surface of a road and the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a current collector device (420) arranged mounting on a vehicle (100) to transmit electric power between current conductors (140) located in the surface of a road (110) and the vehicle (100). The current collector device (420) comprises, a first and second elongated current collector arm (150a, 150b) that are in operable connection with a base (170), the first and second elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b) are spaced apart from each other, and a first and second current collector pick-up heads (161, 162) are attached to the first and second elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b), respectively, and the elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b) are made of conducting material and arranged to conduct electrical current from conductors (140) located in the 10 surface of a road (110) and the vehicle (100).