Elastic Clamping Mechanism for Rolling Stock Current Collection Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for electric current collection in rolling stock, such as third rail systems, are costly, require lengthy maintenance, and involve significant material loss due to the need for frequent replacement of the entire assembly, including the support and capture strip, which is not easily reusable and can be prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A support for the electric current collection strip featuring a bottom and walls forming a volume to receive the strip, with elastic means to press the strip against the bottom, and an adhesive means for secure attachment, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing material waste and maintenance time, and using electrically insulating materials to prevent overheating and maintain mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capture strip is fixed in an irremovable way on the stirrup, then good mechanical stability and electrical conductivity are ensured, but the entire assembly must be replaced when the strip wears, leading to material loss and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the assembly into separable components: the stirrup (support) and the capture strip. The stirrup remains fixed on the rolling stock while the capture strip can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the durable stirrup to be reused while only the worn strip is discarded, reducing material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the stirrup component. When the capture strip wears out, only the strip is discarded while the stirrup is retained and reused for the next strip installation. This recovers the valuable support structure material rather than losing the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If the capture strip is fixed in an irremovable way on the stirrup, then good electrical conductivity is ensured, but numerous dismantling steps are required, increasing maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrical connection system into the stirrup (with mounting hardware) and the capture strip (with contact surfaces). This allows the strip to be quickly detached and replaced while the stirrup remains installed, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining electrical conductivity through the connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirrup is pre-installed and prepared on the rolling stock with all mounting hardware in place. This preliminary action allows the capture strip to be quickly swapped without requiring repeated installation of the entire assembly, reducing maintenance time while ensuring proper electrical connection.
3Reliability
If the entire assembly is replaced frequently, then the worn capture strip is replaced, but the support is also discarded despite being reusable, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the assembly into the expensive, durable stirrup and the consumable capture strip. This allows the stirrup to be treated as a reusable component while the strip is replaced, reducing overall cost by avoiding repeated manufacturing and installation of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers the stirrup for reuse while discarding only the worn capture strip. This recovery approach eliminates the cost of repeatedly manufacturing and installing new stirrups, reducing overall maintenance costs while ensuring reliable current capture function.
4Reliability
If screws are used to secure the pad to the rolling stock, then reliable mounting is achieved, but the assembly/disassembly operation is relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the mounting function (stirrup with screws) from the consumable component (capture strip). The stirrup with its secure mounting remains fixed on the rolling stock, while only the strip is removed and replaced. This segmentation maintains mounting reliability while significantly reducing assembly time.
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 solution enables easier and more efficient assembly of the current collection strip, reduces material waste and maintenance time, and extends the lifespan of the support by allowing reuse, while maintaining good mechanical stability and electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
said support comprising at least one elastic means capable of pressing said strip against said bottom
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive means for secure attachment
Implementation Method 3
using electrically insulating materials to prevent overheating and maintain mechanical properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a medium (10) for a rolling stock (1) electric current collection strip (20), said medium (10) being suitable for holding said strip (20) and transmitting the current passing through the strip to the rolling stock (1), said medium (10) including a base (11) and at least two walls (12, 13) forming a space suitable for partially accommodating the strip (20), characterised in that the medium (10) includes at least one elastic means (40, 40') suitable for clamping said strip (20) against said base (11).