Nested Sliding Conductors for Stable Power Rail Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing electrical power to heavy work machines, such as those used in mining, face challenges with overhead wires due to limited reach, instability, and inability to maintain connections over uneven terrain, leading to unreliable power supply and potential arcing or disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A conductive rod system with an extendable and retractable arm section and barrel section, featuring concentric tubular conductors with varying diameters, allows for adjustable length and secure electrical connection to a power rail, maintaining power delivery even over uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overhead wires are used to deliver electrical power, then power can be supplied to moving machines, but the wires cannot reliably provide sufficient electrical energy for heavy work machines during long movements and tolerates only small lateral movements before arcing or disconnection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor rod employs nested concentric tubular conductors where inner conductors are positioned within outer conductors. This nested configuration allows multiple electrical pathways while maintaining a compact structure that can extend and retract without tangling or excessive lateral movement, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and reach distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor rod is designed as an extendable and retractable mechanism that can dynamically adjust its length and position. This dynamic capability allows the conductor to maintain optimal contact with the power rail while accommodating lateral movements and varying reach requirements, simultaneously improving reliability and extending effective reach distance.
2Reliability
If a rigid charging arm of fixed length is deployed transversely from the vehicle, then electrical connection can be maintained, but the reach from the side of the vehicle is limited which limits the lateral movement available in steering
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor rod replaces the fixed-length rigid charging arm with a dynamic extendable structure. This allows the conductor to adapt its length in real-time, maintaining reliable electrical connection while providing the lateral movement capability needed for steering and navigating uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor rod is segmented into multiple concentric tubular conductors that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to flex and adapt to lateral movements while maintaining continuous electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and steering versatility.
3Reliability
If concentric tubular conductors are used with sliding engagement, then electrical conductivity can be maintained during extension and retraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested concentric tubular conductors where each inner conductor is housed within an outer conductor. This nested arrangement naturally maintains electrical conductivity through sliding engagement at the interfaces while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable, balancing reliability with controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tubular conductor serves multiple functions: it provides electrical conductivity, structural support, and sliding engagement surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 system ensures reliable and stable electrical power supply to heavy work machines by maintaining contact with power rails during movement, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the reliance on diesel engines.
Implementation Method 1
a first inner surface of the first cylinder conductor is slidably engaged to a first outer surface of the first piston conductor at a first conducting interface, a second outer surface of the second cylinder conductor is slidably engaged to a second inner surface of the second piston conductor at a second conducting interface
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine powered electrically by a conductor rod contacting power rails along a haul route. The conductor rod has a central passageway coupling a head to a tip. A barrel extending from the head and an arm extending from the tip have concentric tubular conductors radially offset from each other and slidably mated together. The concentric tubular connectors maintain physical and electrical contact as the conductor rod extends and contracts so that contact with electrical power is maintained despite lateral movements caused by steering or road conditions.