Pantograph Rocker Torsion Spring Bearing for Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rockers for electric vehicle current collectors lack mobility and deformation compensation, requiring complex bearing arrangements that are cumbersome and prone to wear under high loads and dynamic forces.
Innovation Solution
A rocker design featuring a torsion spring connected to a lever arrangement and a bearing device, functioning as both a torque transmission and spring device, which decouples longitudinal and transverse forces, allowing for adaptive load compensation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex bearing arrangements with shafts and springs are used between the rocker and upper arm, then the rocker can withstand loads, but the device complexity increases and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing function and spring function into a single integrated bearing device that incorporates both bearing elements and spring elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate shafts and springs, reducing device complexity while maintaining load bearing capacity and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides bearing support, spring suspension, and torque transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring the rocker can withstand various loads including vertical, longitudinal, and transverse forces.
2Weight of moving object
If the rocker is designed to be lightweight and compact, then mobility is improved, but the ability to withstand dynamic loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are designed with adjustable spring rates that can be optimized for different load conditions. The bearing device parameters can be modified to balance weight reduction with load bearing capacity, allowing the rocker to be lightweight while still withstanding dynamic loads effectively.
3Strength
If separate shafts and springs are used in the bearing arrangement, then load bearing is improved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spring elements directly into the bearing device, the patent eliminates separate shafts and springs that would otherwise be subject to wear. The integrated design reduces the number of moving parts and contact surfaces, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
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
This design results in a lightweight, compact, and robust current collection system that reduces the load on the rocker, prevents damage from high-frequency loads, and simplifies assembly and maintenance, while minimizing the risk of overloading and excessive wear.
Implementation Method 1
a first torsion spring (21) which is simultaneously a torque transmission device and spring device between the first lever arrangement (15) and the first bearing device (18)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a rocker for a current collector of a vehicle, having at least one first contact strip (13) which is connected to a first lever arrangement (15), which is coupled to a first bearing device (18), and to a second lever arrangement (16), which is coupled to a second bearing device (19), wherein the first bearing device (18) and the second bearing device (19) are connectable in an articulated manner to a current collector linkage (1). It is proposed that a first torsion spring (21) is fixedly connected to a lever of the first lever arrangement (15) and non-rotatably via a displaceable bearing to the first bearing device (18) or is connected non-rotatably via a displaceable bearing to a lever of the first lever arrangement (15) and fixedly to the first bearing device (18), wherein the first torsion spring (21) is at the same time a torque transmission device and a spring device. A lightweight, compact and nevertheless robust arrangement for collecting current is thereby obtained.