Overhead Line Collector Guides for Serpentine Haul Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead line systems for construction machinery are unsuitable for serpentine routes due to the requirement of straight-line alignments, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, as current collectors like pantographs necessitate vehicle stops for alignment, disrupting mining operations.
Innovation Solution
An overhead line system with parallel lines of opposite polarity and guide aids that facilitate precise alignment of current collectors during vehicle movement, allowing continuous contact and reducing the need for stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pantographs are installed as current collectors for straight-line routes, then simple and fast mechanical contacting is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for serpentine routes with tight corners
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed with a dynamic articulation mechanism that allows it to change its orientation and follow the overhead line along serpentine routes. The articulation joint enables the current collector to pivot and adapt to varying route geometries while maintaining continuous electrical contact during vehicle movement.
2Measurement precision
If exact positioning of the construction machine below the overhead line is required for pinpoint alignment, then precise current collector alignment is achieved, but vehicle stops are enforced which prolong cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead line is equipped with guide aids positioned in advance that actively guide the current collector into the correct alignment position. These guide aids create a self-aligning mechanism that ensures precise contact without requiring the vehicle to stop for manual positioning, thereby maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide aids are designed to automatically align the current collector with the overhead line during vehicle movement. The system performs its own alignment function through the geometric design of the guide aids and current collector interaction, eliminating the need for external positioning interventions or vehicle stops.
3Measurement precision
If frequent braking and accelerating processes occur to enable alignment stops, then current collector positioning is achieved, but total energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous current collection during vehicle movement through the guide aids and articulated current collector design. By eliminating the need for stop-and-go alignment procedures, the useful action of energy transfer from the overhead line to the vehicle remains continuous, reducing energy losses associated with frequent braking and acceleration cycles.
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
Enables efficient energy transfer on serpentine routes by allowing continuous current collection, minimizing vehicle stops and enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the overhead line comprises at least one line pair that runs in parallel along the driving route, that carries current of opposite polarity, and that can be electrically connected by corresponding current collectors of at least one construction machine
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an overhead line system for supplying electricity to the drive of one or more construction machines for piece good or bulk material transport, wherein the overhead line comprises at least one pair of lines which extend parallel along the route, carry current with opposing polarity and which can be electrically contacted by corresponding current collectors of the construction machines, characterized in that each line is provided at the end with at least one guide forming a feed channel for receiving the head of the current collector, the feed channel converging in the direction of the associated line.