Ice Breaking Pantograph with Vibrator for Overhead Line De-icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing ice and snow from overhead train and tram power lines are inefficient, expose operators to harsh conditions, and are either costly or not designed for their intended purpose, failing to ensure quick and efficient operation during harsh weather.
Innovation Solution
An ice breaking pantograph with a sliding element and arched surfaces that vibrates when in contact with the power line, using a pneumatic or electric vibrator to efficiently break and drop ice and snow deposits, while being adjustable for different speeds and ice types, and compatible with high-voltage lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual telescopic rods are used to shake the wires, then ice can be broken, but the method is slow, inefficient, and exposes operators to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a pneumatic or electric vibrator that generates oscillations transmitted to the sliding element and overhead line, causing ice deposits to break and detach efficiently, replacing manual shaking methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the train or tram vehicle itself to perform ice removal operations, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention and allowing operators to simply drive the vehicle while the pantograph automatically removes ice
2Ease of operation
If electromotive pantographs are used to slide on cables and remove ice, then operator safety is improved, but the ice and snow removal is not entirely efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibrator that generates mechanical oscillations transmitted through the sliding element to the overhead line, significantly enhancing ice breaking efficiency compared to simple sliding motion alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sliding element's mechanical contact function with the vibrator's oscillation function in a single integrated system, merging ice removal and ice breaking actions into one operation
3Productivity
If heated cables are installed on overhead power lines to melt ice, then ice removal is efficient, but the installation cost is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field approach (heated cables) with a mechanical field approach (vibration-induced ice breaking), achieving ice removal through mechanical oscillations rather than thermal heating
Solution Approach 2:
The pantograph with vibrator serves multiple functions: it removes ice from overhead lines while being a standard component of railway vehicles, eliminating the need for specialized heated cable installations on each line
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 pantograph efficiently and quickly removes ice and snow, safeguarding operator conditions by allowing them to operate vehicles, and is versatile for use in various transport sectors, ensuring rapid restoration of railway and tram operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator (10) operating on the sliding element (2)... the vibrator (10) is rigidly connected to the sliding element (2) so as to vibrate it. Such vibration is transmitted to the cable and facilitates the breaking and the subsequent dropping of the deposit of snow and ice.
Implementation Method 2
Each arched element (3) has a respective contact surface (3a) with the overhead power line... The sliding element (2) comprises two arched elements (3)... In the operative position the sliding element (2) is at contact with the electrified cable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An ice breaking pantograph comprises a sliding element (2) moveable between an operative position wherein it is engaged to an overhead train or tram power line and a non-operative position wherein it is separated from said overhead power line; at least one arm (5), having a first end (5a) which can be hinged to a train or tram vehicle and a second end (5b) connected to said sliding element (2); an active actuator on said arm (5) to move it so as to move said sliding element (2) between said operative position and said non-operative position; a vibrator (10) operating on the sliding element (2) and activatable in the operative position of the sliding element (2) to remove ice and/or snow from said overhead power line.