Pantograph Rocker With Modular Horn Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pantograph designs for rail vehicles lack flexibility in adapting to different overhead line infrastructures, as they can only adjust horns transversely and not change the shape contours, limiting their geometric flexibility and requiring multiple pantographs for various networks.
Innovation Solution
A rocker system with modular horn modules that can be movably connected to the bearing arrangement, allowing for adjustable and changeable geometry, enabling the formation or combination of different horn contours, and using existing fluidic actuators for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pantograph designs with fixed horn contours are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different overhead line infrastructures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker is divided into multiple independent horn modules (first horn module, second horn module, third horn module, fourth horn module) that can be selectively activated. Each module can be independently positioned to form different horn contours, allowing the same rocker structure to adapt to various overhead line infrastructure requirements without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The horn modules are designed with movable connections to the bearing arrangement, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the horn contour. The actuator arrangement allows the horn modules to be positioned in different configurations during operation, transforming the static rocker structure into a dynamically adjustable system that can adapt to different geometric parameters required by various rail networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pantographs with different rocker geometries are provided for cross-network traffic, then the adaptability is improved, but the vehicle mass increases and installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single rocker structure is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively activating different horn modules. The same rocker can generate different horn contours (first mold contour from first and second horn modules, second mold contour from third and fourth horn modules) to meet the geometric requirements of different rail networks, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pantographs and reducing vehicle mass.
3Stability of the object's composition
If horn modules are fixedly connected to the bearing arrangement, then the structural stability is high, but the geometric flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker is segmented into fixed horn modules (first and second) and movable horn modules (third and fourth). The fixed modules provide structural stability and form the base horn contour, while the movable modules can be repositioned using the actuator arrangement to modify the horn contour geometry. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stability while achieving geometric flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines fixed and movable connection types within the same rocker structure. Some horn modules are fixedly connected to provide stable reference points, while others are movably connected to enable geometric adjustment. The actuator arrangement coordinates the movable modules to work together with the fixed modules, merging stability and flexibility into a unified system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rocker arm for a vehicle's pantograph, comprising at least one first contact strip (12) coupled to a bearing arrangement, and a first approach horn module (28) arranged on a first side and a second approach horn module (29) arranged on a second side, which are fixedly or movably connected to the bearing arrangement by means of an actuator arrangement. It is proposed that at least one third approach horn module (30) arranged on the first side and a fourth approach horn module (31) arranged on the second side be movably connected to the bearing arrangement by means of the actuator arrangement, wherein the first approach horn module (28), the second approach horn module (29), the third approach horn module (30), and the fourth approach horn module (31) are connected to the bearing arrangement independently of the at least first contact strip (12). This results in a flexibly variable rocker arm geometry.