Pantograph Configuration for Voltage-Free Rest Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pantograph configurations for vehicles often remain under voltage in their rest position, posing a safety risk due to complex and costly isolation mechanisms, and existing solutions do not ensure a voltage-free condition effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pantograph configuration that connects a first internal electrical network to a second network grounded within the vehicle in its rest position, using movable contact means to establish a connection to the vehicle's mass, eliminating the risk of the pantograph being live during rest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex isolation mechanisms are used to ensure voltage-free condition in rest position, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex isolation mechanisms to prevent voltage in rest position, the invention inverts the approach by using simple contact means that automatically connect the pantograph to the first electrical network when in rest position. This passive connection approach eliminates the need for complex active isolation mechanisms while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact means are designed to automatically establish electrical connection between the pantograph and the first electrical network based on the pantograph's position. This self-acting mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems, isolation devices, or active switching mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If contactor or relay is used to isolate pantograph from internal energy source, then electrical isolation is achieved, but structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using active switching means like contactors or relays to isolate the pantograph from the internal energy source, the invention uses passive contact means that automatically establish connection based on position. This eliminates the need for complex switching mechanisms while achieving the desired electrical isolation effect through mechanical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact means automatically establish or break electrical connection between the pantograph and the first electrical network based on the pantograph's position, without requiring external control signals or complex switching mechanisms. This self-acting mechanism significantly reduces device complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If simple contact means are used to connect internal networks, then structural simplicity is achieved, but voltage-free condition in rest position cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The contact means are designed to dynamically establish electrical connection based on the pantograph's position. In rest position, the contact means automatically connect the pantograph to the first electrical network, ensuring voltage-free condition. During operation, the contact means disconnect, allowing electrical operation. This dynamic behavior achieves both structural simplicity and safety.
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 configuration ensures a safe, voltage-free condition in the rest position by creating a ground connection through the internal networks, preventing electrical hazards and simplifying the structural design, thereby reducing costs and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one contact means (12) and the second network (5) located internally within the vehicle a mating contact means (17), which in the rest position are connected to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A pantograph configuration for a vehicle has at least one pantograph embodied for at least temporary contact with an electrical network located externally outside the vehicle. The pantograph is movable from a contact position into a rest position. A first electrical network is located internally within the vehicle, which in the contact position is connected to the pantograph. A second electrical network located internally within the vehicle is connected to a ground or mass potential of the vehicle and in the rest position to the pantograph. In order to ensure that the pantograph is voltage-free in the rest position, the pantograph is connected to the first electrical network and the second electrical network in the rest position.