Width-Adjustable Pantograph Bracket Horn Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pantographs for cross-border rail traffic face challenges in adapting to different clearance gauges and power transmission systems, leading to increased weight and complexity due to multiple brackets and actuating devices, which complicates compliance with various European standards.
Innovation Solution
A width-adjustable pantograph design featuring a rocker with a fixed contact strip and displaceable contact strips, where the bracket horns do not protrude laterally beyond the fixed contact strip in the retracted position, and protrude fully in the extended position, optimizing the clearance profile and reducing weight by using a single pair of brackets with specific horn angles and radii for optimal adaptation to 1,450 mm and 1,950 mm rocker widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spaced-apart brackets with horns are provided to adapt to different rocker widths, then adaptability to different power transmission systems is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple bracket functions into a single bracket arrangement that can accommodate different rocker widths. The single bracket integrates the structural support and width adjustment functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate brackets and their associated actuating devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bracket arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables width adjustment between 1450mm and 1950mm, and defines the clearance profile. This universal design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic or hydraulic actuating devices are added to displace brackets, then adaptability to different clearance gauges is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of actuating devices from multiple to a single device that controls the width adjustment of the bracket arrangement. This merging of actuation functions significantly reduces the weight of pneumatic or hydraulic components while maintaining the capability to adapt between different clearance gauges.
Solution Approach 2:
The design eliminates redundant actuating devices that would be required for multiple separate brackets. By using a single actuating device on a unified bracket arrangement, the patent discards unnecessary weight while preserving the essential adaptability function through the single device's ability to control the entire bracket arrangement.
3Shape
If bracket horns protrude laterally beyond the fixed contact strip in retracted position, then clearance profile definition is improved, but force components in Y-direction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the bracket horns. The horns are designed with specific angles and radii that create an optimized clearance profile while minimizing lateral protrusion. This local optimization allows the profile definition function to be maintained while reducing the harmful force components through precise geometric control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the bracket horns, specifically the horn angles and radii, to achieve the desired clearance profile with minimal lateral protrusion. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design maintains effective profile definition while reducing the force components acting in the Y-direction during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The current collector has a pantograph (1) having a contact strip (2) that is arranged in transverse direction with respect to travel direction. The contact strip comprises a fixed abrasive element (6) that is arranged transverse to the displaceable sliding piece (7) which is fixed to brackets (4,5). The strip rising horns (9) are provided at the ends of the contact strip. The bracket rising horns (8) are provided at the ends of the brackets respectively. The strip rising horns are not projected laterally beyond the contact strip when the brackets are in retracted position.