Pantograph Sensor Feedback for Lateral Conductor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of vehicles equipped with pantographs have difficulty determining the state and alignment of the pantograph relative to a conductive pathway, leading to potential misalignment and damage due to obstructed views, and existing systems lack effective guidance for maintaining proper electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A pantograph-based vehicle guidance system that includes guidance sensors mounted along the lateral width of the pantograph, a controller to process sensor signals, and a display device to provide visual indicia to the operator, enabling determination of the pantograph's position and status, and automatic control actions to maintain alignment with the conductive pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator relies on direct visual observation of the pantograph, then the operator can see the pantograph structure, but the operator cannot determine the lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph due to obstructed view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices mounted on the pantograph to detect the lateral position of the conductive pathway. These sensors convert physical position information into electrical signals that can be processed by the control system, enabling the operator to obtain alignment information without direct visual observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation method with an electronic sensing and display system. Instead of relying on the operator's direct line of sight, the system uses sensors to detect position and a display device to present the information, substituting electronic measurement and visualization for mechanical visual inspection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle moves laterally relative to the conductive pathway to adapt to route variations, then the vehicle can follow the route, but the pantograph may become misaligned with the conductive pathway causing power transfer interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph. The control system receives this position information and generates control signals to adjust the vehicle's lateral position or the pantograph's orientation, ensuring the pantograph remains aligned with the conductive pathway while following the route.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the vehicle's lateral position or the pantograph's orientation in response to real-time position feedback. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain proper alignment between the pantograph and conductive pathway while adapting to route variations and lateral movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle guidance system and method includes at least one guidance sensor configured to mount on or adjacent to a pantograph along a lateral width of the pantograph. The pantograph installs on a vehicle and conducts electrical energy from a conductive pathway as the vehicle travels along a route. The vehicle guidance system and method includes a controller that receives one or more sensor signals generated by the at least one guidance sensor and determines a lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph based on the one or more sensor signals.