Pantograph Rocker Bridge Sensor for Overhead Wire Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors for non-track-bound electrically or hybrid-electrically driven road vehicles face challenges in maintaining contact with overhead contact wires due to wind, road topology, and driver errors, leading to potential damage from contact wire misalignment and ice-induced conductivity issues with existing electric contact wire sensors.
Innovation Solution
A current collector with a pneumatic contact wire sensor using a pressurized fluid reservoir and pressure switch to detect contact wire presence, avoiding electrical conductivity issues and enhancing reliability by using non-conductive fluid and a pressure monitoring system to differentiate between contact forces and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrical conductivity sensor is used to detect contact wire presence, then the detection system is simple and reliable under normal conditions, but the system becomes vulnerable to ice-induced conductivity reduction and high voltage damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conductivity sensor with a pneumatic sensor system that uses pressurized air flow detection. Instead of measuring electrical conductivity, the system detects contact wire presence through changes in air flow pressure caused by the contact wire obstructing the air flow path. This mechanical/pneumatic approach eliminates vulnerability to ice-induced conductivity reduction and high voltage damage while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic sensor that uses compressed air flow to detect contact wire presence. A nozzle directs pressurized air toward the contact wire, and when the contact wire is present, it obstructs the air flow, causing a detectable pressure change. This pneumatic measurement system provides reliable detection without being affected by electrical conductivity issues or high voltage environments.
2Reliability
If the contact strips have a wide working area to compensate for tolerance and steering variations, then the contact maintenance capability is improved, but the risk of contact wire short circuit between contact rockers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pneumatic detection system that monitors contact wire position and alerts the control system when a contact wire approaches the boundary of the working area. This intermediary warning system allows the control system to take preventive action (such as adjusting contact strip position or alerting the driver) before a short circuit occurs, enabling the use of wider working areas without increasing short circuit risk.
3Reliability
If the contact rockers are pressed against contact wires with high pressure force to maintain sliding contact, then the contact stability is improved, but the risk of catching contact wires between contact rockers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where pneumatic sensors continuously monitor contact wire position and provide real-time information to the control system. When a contact wire approaches the boundary of the working area or shows signs of being caught between contact rockers, the sensor detects the position change and triggers an alarm or automatic adjustment, allowing the system to reduce pressure or reposition contact strips before damage occurs.
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 pneumatic contact wire sensor effectively detects contact wire presence without electrical interference, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational reliability by accurately distinguishing between contact forces and non-relevant forces, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure force acting on the rocker bridge through a resting contact wire opens the outflow opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pantograph (2) for a non-track-bound, electrically or hybrid-electrically powered road vehicle (1) for supplying electrical energy from a two-pole overhead contact line system, each contact pole having a contact wire (3, 3'). It comprises an erectable, articulated support frame (4) which carries two spaced-apart contact rockers (8), wherein at least one contact strip (9) for contacting the contact wire (3, 3') associated with the respective contact pole is resiliently mounted on each contact rocker (8). A rocker bridge (12) connecting the contact rockers (8) is arranged and designed such that a contact wire (3') running between the contact bridges (8) is protected from sagging below the contact strips (9) by resting on the rocker bridge (12).According to the invention, a contact wire sensor (22) for detecting a contact wire (3') resting on the rocker bridge (12) comprises a fluid reservoir (23) filled with a pressurized fluid, which has an outlet opening (24) operatively connected to the rocker bridge (12) such that a pressure force (F) acting on the rocker bridge (12) by a contact wire (3') resting on it opens the outlet opening (24), and a pressure switch for monitoring the fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir (23).