Flexible Current Collector for Model Trains Reduces Noise
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors for model locomotives generate high noise due to rigid components, are costly due to multiple parts, and may not ensure contact security, especially when navigating curved tracks or crossing points.
Innovation Solution
A current collector arrangement featuring a strip-shaped sliding contact with a convex shape at rest, which deforms to adapt to track contacts, reducing noise and contact resistance, and includes a two-part support element and spring clip for secure attachment and reduced height, along with a linkage part for lateral movement to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sliding bracket or sliding contact is used, then structural stability is improved, but noise level increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible sliding contact strip with elastic properties instead of a rigid sliding bracket. The strip can deform and adapt to the track surface, reducing impact noises while maintaining electrical contact. The flexibility allows the contact to nestle into point contacts without generating the high noise levels associated with rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the sliding contact from rigid to elastic by selecting appropriate material properties and geometric dimensions. The elastic modulus and cross-sectional area are optimized to provide sufficient contact force while allowing deformation that reduces noise generation during operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a resilient contact plate with two-state shape capability is used, then noise development is reduced, but device height increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current collector into distinct functional components: a support element for mounting, a resilient retaining bracket for holding, and a sliding contact strip for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing the overall complexity compared to a monolithic two-state shape design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically flexible sliding contact strip that continuously adapts to track conditions through elastic deformation, replacing the static two-state shape mechanism. This dynamic approach achieves noise reduction through continuous adaptation rather than discrete state changes, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If a resilient sliding contact is used to adapt to point contacts, then contact security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses material parameter selection (elastic modulus, damping characteristics) and geometric parameter optimization (cross-sectional area, length) to create a sliding contact strip that provides sufficient compliance for accommodating dimensional tolerances in track manufacturing while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient sliding contact strip performs self-adjustment through elastic deformation, automatically compensating for dimensional tolerances and misalignments without requiring high manufacturing precision. The elastic properties enable the contact to self-nestle into the point contacts, reducing the stringency of manufacturing tolerance requirements.
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 reduces noise, minimizes part count and height, ensures secure contact, and prevents short circuits, making it suitable for various track widths and sizes while maintaining operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a strip-shaped sliding contact which runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is angled at the longitudinal ends and has a first elasticity
Implementation Method 2
a holding bracket which is electrically connected to the sliding contact on its side facing away from the track and which has a second elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The current collector assembly has a sliding contact (1), which has a loop form (4) in each case by longitudinal end bending. The loop-ends pointing to each other, which have two finger-shaped spaced projections for guiding the ends of the retainer (2). The retainer, which has plate (7) shaped in the middle area to fix the fastening plates (3) by bending or crimping. The spring clip (27), which have a shorter length than the distance between retainer in the middle range and sliding contact. An independent claim is also included for a linkage for current collector assembly, involves linking, which is related to the direction of motion of the vehicle.