Parallel Conductive Tracks with Dedicated Drainage Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically propellable vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently managing power supply and water drainage along roadways with parallel electric conductors, particularly in ensuring continuous energy supply and preventing water penetration into conductive tracks.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates multiple parallel tracks with conductive surfaces, where at least one track is positioned closer to the highest point of the roadway to collect water, and the tracks are designed with channels to allow water to pass, using insulating layers and conductive materials to manage power distribution and water drainage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric conductors are placed in tracks on the roadway surface, then power supply to vehicles is enabled, but water penetration into the conductive tracks occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The roadway is divided into multiple parallel tracks, with at least one dedicated drainage track positioned adjacent to the conductive tracks. This segmentation allows water to be channeled away from the conductors through separate pathways, preventing water penetration while maintaining power supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage track acts as an intermediary element between the conductive tracks and the roadway surface. This intermediate structure collects and redirects water away from the conductors, serving as a protective barrier that maintains electrical reliability while managing water drainage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple parallel tracks are added for water drainage, then water penetration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage track serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the roadway, manages water drainage, and acts as an insulating barrier between conductive tracks and the road surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is merged into the track structure itself rather than being a separate system. The tracks are designed to simultaneously support conductors and manage water flow, combining structural and drainage functions into a unified structure that minimizes overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If conductors are exposed on the roadway surface, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different tracks have different functional qualities: conductive tracks have exposed surfaces for efficient power transfer, while drainage tracks provide covered channels for water management. This local differentiation allows each track to optimize its specific function while the overall system maintains safety through the protective drainage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage track serves as a safety intermediary that separates water-prone areas from conductive tracks. This intermediate structure prevents direct contact between water and exposed conductors, reducing safety hazards while allowing the conductive tracks to remain exposed for efficient power transfer.
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 reduced water penetration into the conductive tracks, maintaining efficient power supply and energy transfer to vehicles while effectively managing water drainage, enhancing the reliability and safety of the system.
Implementation Method 1
the drainage track (51a) is shaped and disposed with its upper edge portion (500e) being angled in the direction of the roadway (2) via said edge portion (500e) to thereby connect to a virtual portion (500g) of the roadway (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement adapted for letting water pass by electrical conductors and their contact surfaces related to a track of a system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be supplied with current and put under voltage. At least two or three tracks are disposed parallel to each other in a common rail structure, with at least two of these tracks being adapted to support and contain individual electrical conductors with contact surfaces put under voltage, and wherein at least one track is disposed closer to the highest point of the roadway and adjacent to a track containing one of said conductors with contact surfaces, which may be put under voltage.