Pantograph Current Collector Non-Positive Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current collector assemblies for overhead vehicles can uncontrollably detach from the upper line, causing significant damage to the vehicle body and trusses, as existing solutions do not effectively manage the forces acting on the non-positive connection between the current collector and holder during operation and threading.

Innovation Solution

A current collector assembly featuring a non-positive connection between the current collector and holder, which is designed to be releasable under a predetermined force and direction, utilizing a combination of static friction forces and screw connections to align and secure the current collector, allowing for controlled detachment without excessive damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the current collector is firmly connected to the holder, then the connection stability is improved, but the damage upon uncontrollable detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddamage upon detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection strength is made variable through a release mechanism that changes the connection parameters from strong (firm connection during operation) to weak (controlled detachment when force exceeds threshold). The non-positive connection with friction surfaces allows the connection to maintain stability under normal forces while enabling controlled release when force exceeds the friction threshold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the current collector is firmly connected to the holder, then the connection reliability is improved, but the availability of the vehicle deteriorates due to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The current collector is designed as a replaceable component with a non-positive connection that can be controlled to detach. When the collector becomes damaged or worn, it can be quickly replaced by releasing the friction-based connection, avoiding damage to the expensive holder and vehicle body, thus maintaining high vehicle availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a non-positive connection is used, then the controlled detachment is enabled, but the connection strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled detachment capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The non-positive connection uses friction surfaces that provide dynamic connection characteristics. During normal operation, friction maintains a strong connection. When force exceeds the friction threshold, the connection dynamically transitions to a released state, enabling controlled detachment while maintaining adequate connection strength during service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures controlled detachment of the current collector from the upper line, minimizing damage to the vehicle and overhead infrastructure by managing forces through static friction and screw connections, maintaining alignment and stability during operation.

Implementation Method 1

The non-positive connection of current collectors and current collector holder is designed such that it is releasable upon action of a force predetermined amount and direction... The static friction force prevents the relative movement of the friction surfaces of the current collector and the power collector holder involved in the non-positive connection.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3470255B1Current collector for a trolley car and trolley car
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP3470255B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3470255B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a pantograph arrangement (1) for an overhead line vehicle comprising a pantograph (3) and a pantograph bracket (4), wherein the pantograph (3) and the pantograph bracket (4) are positively connected to each other.