Elevated Power Rail Support Structure for Rugged Terrain Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy work machines face challenges in maintaining a reliable electrical connection with power rails due to uneven terrain and safety risks, as existing systems do not account for modular support structures and safety concerns in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising dielectric posts and plates that elevate power rails above ground, using modular components like oblong bases and couplers to stabilize the rails, ensuring stable electrical connection and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power rails are mounted near the ground like trains and subways, then precise alignment can be achieved, but safety risks increase and debris can damage the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The power rails are elevated from the ground level to an elevated position using vertical support structures (posts and barriers). This dimensional change from ground-level to elevated positioning maintains alignment precision while eliminating safety risks and debris damage associated with ground-level rails.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conductors are embedded within roadside barriers as described in WO 2020/186296A1, then electrical power can be delivered to moving vehicles, but the system requires precise movement of retractable arms and does not address safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The conductors are extracted from embedded positions within roadside barriers and repositioned to elevated power rails. This extraction eliminates the need for precise retractable arm movements and addresses safety concerns by positioning conductors away from personnel and wildlife reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductors are moved from ground-level embedded positions to elevated rail positions. This dimensional change simplifies the interaction mechanism and improves safety while maintaining electrical power delivery functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If power rails are positioned at ground level, then installation is simpler, but the terrain can interfere with continuous connection and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power rails are elevated above ground level using vertical support structures. This elevation maintains installation simplicity while ensuring continuous connection by positioning rails above terrain irregularities and improving safety by removing rails from ground-level hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular structure supports elevated rail segments for delivering electrical power to a moving work machine, such as a hauler at a mining site. Opposite ends of a roadside barrier contain complementary tubular couplers arranged vertically. A lower end of a dielectric post positioned in one of the tubular couplers has opposing dielectric plates at an upper end. A top edge of each plate has a creepage concavity between a pair of rail recesses. Another dielectric post of similar configuration is positioned in the other of the tubular couplers. Holes within the couplers and the posts ensure alignment of respective rail recesses in which conductive rails are placed. Dielectric inserts frictionally lock the rails into the rail recesses.