Overhead Line Laying Machine with Directional Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for laying catenary cables struggle to efficiently lay multiple cables in any working direction without material damage and with clear cable routing, as they often require complex guidance and are not designed for simultaneous laying of different types with precise tension.

Innovation Solution

A machine with independently pivotable support frames and deflection devices between guide rollers allows for flexible cable guidance, enabling the simultaneous laying of multiple catenary cables in any direction with gentle bending and clear routing, using space-saving storage drums and tension devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple catenary cables are laid simultaneously using existing machines, then productivity increases, but cable routing becomes complex and interference between cables occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous laying of multiple cablesVSAvoidcable guidance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine divides cable guidance into separate guide devices for different cable types (contact wire and support cable), with dedicated storage drums and tensioning devices for each cable. This segmentation prevents cable interference while maintaining simultaneous laying capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges storage drums and guide devices in the longitudinal direction of the machine rather than laterally, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to separate cable paths. This dimensional reorganization eliminates cable interference while preserving simultaneous laying productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If catenary cables are laid with tight bending radius, then space is saved, but material damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmaterial stress on cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Deflection devices are positioned before the cables enter the storage drums and guide rollers, pre-bending the cables in a controlled manner with sufficient bending radius. This preliminary action prevents sharp bends that would damage the cable material while maintaining compact machine dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection devices act as intermediary elements between the cable source and the storage drums, providing a transition zone that gradually bends the cable. This intermediary structure protects the cable from direct contact with sharp edges or tight bends, reducing material stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If storage drums and tension devices are arranged compactly, then machine size is reduced, but cable guidance becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine footprintVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the machine to arrange storage drums and guide devices in sequence along the travel direction, rather than spreading them laterally. This dimensional reorganization reduces the machine's lateral footprint while maintaining clear, simple cable routing paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide devices are designed with height-adjustable guide rollers that can accommodate different cable types and routing requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same basic guide device structure to handle various cable configurations without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the machine is designed for specific working direction only, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking direction flexibilityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine employs asymmetric arrangements of guide devices and deflection elements that are optimized for each working direction. Each guide device configuration is tailored to its specific direction, allowing the machine to handle cables efficiently in either direction without requiring a completely symmetric, overly complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame is designed to be pivotable about a horizontal axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the guide devices and storage drums relative to the machine frame. This dynamic capability enables the machine to adapt to different working directions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2922727B1Machine for laying overhead lines
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP2922727B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2922727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A machine (1) for laying overhead lines (2) of an overhead contact system (5) has a first guiding means (15) - provided for use in a first working direction (10) of the machine (1) - and a second guiding means (18) - provided for use in a second working direction of the machine (1). Each guiding means (15, 18) is equipped with cable pulleys (20), which are adjustable by means of height adjustment drives (19), for guiding the overhead lines (2), which are unwound from the storage drums (17). The storage drums (17) are arranged directly behind one another in relation to the machine longitudinal direction; tension devices (16) are arranged such that they adjoin said storage drums. Arranged between each storage drum (17) and the tension device (16) associated with said storage drum is a deflection means (21), which has a first wire-guiding unit (22), which is arranged above the storage drum (17) in relation to a vertical, for the first working direction (10) and a second wire-guiding unit (23), which is arranged below the storage drum (17) in relation to the vertical, for the second working direction.