Pantograph Contact Detection via Circuit Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for ensuring contact between a pantograph and an overhead line are not effective in preventing the overhead line from slipping off, which can lead to damage to the pantograph, the overhead line, and potentially the vehicle, especially when the vehicle exceeds a maximum permissible lateral offset during travel.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize end contact elements connected to a measuring device, which detects the electrical state variable such as voltage or current to determine if the pantograph is within the permissible lateral offset, allowing for early detection of impending loss of contact and enabling corrective measures to maintain contact through a circuit closure or actuation of the pantograph control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional complex sensor units are used to detect contact between pantograph and overhead line, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contact detection function from complex sensor units and implements it using the existing electrical circuit components (end contact elements, measuring device, and circuit closure detection). The measuring device detects contact by monitoring circuit closure between end contact elements, eliminating the need for additional complex sensor units while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical circuit components (end contact elements and measuring device) perform the dual function of both electrical connection and contact detection. The system uses its own inherent electrical characteristics to detect contact status, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor units.
2Reliability
If complex sensor units are deployed to detect contact issues, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact detection function with the existing electrical circuit components. The end contact elements and measuring device that originally served only for electrical connection now simultaneously perform contact detection by monitoring circuit closure, thereby improving reliability without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device and end contact elements are designed to serve multiple functions: electrical connection and contact detection. This multi-functionality approach ensures reliable contact detection while avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensor units, thus maintaining system simplicity.
3Device complexity
If corrective measures are delayed until contact is lost, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of contact status using the measuring device that continuously monitors circuit closure between end contact elements. By detecting contact issues before complete loss of contact occurs, the system enables timely corrective actions, preventing damage to the pantograph and overhead line.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device provides continuous feedback on contact status by monitoring circuit closure. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to detect contact degradation early and initiate corrective measures before contact is completely lost, reducing response time and preventing damage.
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
Prevents the overhead line from slipping off the pantograph by detecting contact issues without additional complex sensor units, allowing for timely corrective actions to maintain a functional connection and prevent damage.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring device for detecting an electrical state variable... Depending on the detected state variable, it is determined whether the end contact elements are in contact with the overhead line
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for testing whether there is contact between a current collector (2) and a contact wire (10) of an overhead line (8), the current collector (2) being located on a motor vehicle (1) driven by an electric motor, and the contact wire (10) extending in a direction of travel (F), wherein the current collector (2) has two contact regions (16) oriented transversely to the direction of travel (F) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel (F) and on each of which an end contact element (20) is located. A pair of end contact elements (20) located on the same side is connected to a measuring device (22) and an electrical state variable is detected by means of the measuring device (22). Subsequently, it is determined in accordance with the detected state variable whether the pair of end contact elements (20) is in contact with with the overhead line (8).