Modular Contact Rail Layout for Flexible Multi-Length Depot Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional charging infrastructure for battery-operated and battery-assisted vehicles requires fixed parking sequences and separate lanes for vehicles of different lengths, leading to increased space requirements and operational inflexibility in vehicle depots, making the transition to battery-powered vehicles more difficult.
Innovation Solution
A modular contact rail system with controllable switching elements and multiple charging conductors that can be dynamically extended to accommodate vehicles of varying lengths, allowing for independent charging sectors and flexible vehicle positioning, enabling regulated charging power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed parking sequences and separate lanes are used for vehicles of different lengths, then charging can be performed reliably, but space requirements increase and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact rail system is divided into multiple independently controllable contact rail elements that can be selectively activated. Each element can be independently switched on or off based on the vehicle's position and length, allowing the system to provide reliable charging contact while using only the necessary portion of the infrastructure, thereby reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact rail system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable configuration. Controllable switching elements allow the system to dynamically adjust which contact rail elements are active based on real-time vehicle positioning and dimensions, enabling reliable charging while optimizing space utilization and operational flexibility.
2Device complexity
If fixed parking sequences are required for charging, then charging infrastructure can be simplified, but operational flexibility of the vehicle depot decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs controllable switching elements that dynamically adjust the active contact rail elements based on vehicle characteristics and position. This dynamic adaptation allows the infrastructure to handle diverse vehicle lengths and parking configurations without requiring complex fixed sequences, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while managing infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which contact rail elements are active) based on vehicle-specific parameters such as length and position. This parameter-based control allows the infrastructure to adapt to different vehicle types and parking arrangements without requiring complex physical reconfiguration, maintaining both simplicity and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate parking lanes for different vehicle lengths are created, then charging can be performed for all vehicle types, but space requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact rail system is designed to serve multiple vehicle types and lengths through a single unified infrastructure. By using controllable switching elements that can selectively activate different contact rail elements, the system provides universal charging capability across various vehicle configurations without requiring separate dedicated lanes for each vehicle type, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular contact rail (50) for a movable contacting element (65) of a battery-operated and/or battery-assisted vehicle (61, 62, 63), with several vehicles (61, 62, 63) being able to be parked on a single-lane parking area (101 through 104) extending along a longitudinal axis (L).