Modular Pantograph Mounting Structure for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mounting structures for pantographs in electric vehicles are cumbersome due to their weight, size, and complexity, obstructing the operator's field of view and complicating transportation, installation, and uninstallation, and the cantilever-type connection causes inconvenience during vehicle motion.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure comprising a bottom support structure with primary and secondary legs, a deck, and a top platform, where components are coupled via welding and fastening connections, reducing weight and complexity, and allowing for modular assembly and disassembly for easier handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mounting structure with multiple bars is used to support the pantograph, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the weight of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate modular components including a base structure, vertical posts, and horizontal arms that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining overall structural strength through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and removable elements that allow the structure to adapt between different configuration states. The dynamic assembly and disassembly capability enables weight reduction by removing unnecessary components when not in use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complicated mounting structure with multiple bars is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mounting structure is segmented into standardized modular components with simple geometric shapes. Each module performs a specific function and connects to others through standardized interfaces, reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure uses universal connection elements and standardized components that can serve multiple functions. The same base structure and connection mechanisms are used throughout, simplifying the design while ensuring structural stability across different configurations.
3Strength
If a heavy and large mounting structure is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of transportation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separable modules that can be transported independently. This allows the heavy structure to be broken down into manageable pieces that are easier to handle and transport, while maintaining full structural strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates quick-connect and quick-release mechanisms that enable rapid assembly and disassembly. This dynamic capability allows the structure to transition between transported state (disassembled) and operational state (assembled), improving ease of operation without compromising strength.
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 the weight and complexity of the mounting structure, improves operator visibility, and simplifies transportation and installation by enabling easier modular assembly and disassembly, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of primary front legs, the first horizontal arm, and the pair of supporting legs are coupled to each other by a welding connection
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure for supporting one or more pantographs in a machine is disclosed. The mounting structure includes a bottom support structure and a middle support structure removably mounted on the bottom support structure. The middle support structure includes a pair of secondary front legs removably coupled to the pair of primary front legs. The middle support structure includes reinforcement members for removably connecting the top portion of one of a secondary front leg and a rear leg with a deck. The mounting structure includes a top platform removably mounted on the middle support structure for supporting the pantographs. The top platform includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member. Each of the first supporting member and the second supporting member is supported along a first side arm and a second side arm of the deck, respectively.