Pivoting Current Collector for Multi-Rail Power Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collectors for rail vehicles face challenges in efficiently switching between different energy supply systems, such as conductor rails and overhead wires, often requiring additional equipment and increasing the vehicle's cross-sectional area, which can lead to damage and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A current collector design featuring a carrying device, contact pressing device with a rocker unit and spring member, and a pivot mechanism that allows the sliding piece to move between a sliding contact position and a storing position, using a pivot mechanism to adjust the contact pressing force and position relative to the conductor rail, reducing the risk of collision with obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a current collector is equipped with additional equipment for different conductor rail systems or overhead wires, then the vehicle can utilize multiple railroads, but the cross section of the rail vehicle is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed with a movable structure that can dynamically adjust its position between a working position (for energy transfer) and a retracted position (reducing cross-sectional area). The carrying device includes a pivot mechanism that enables the contact pressing device to move relative to the vehicle, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector is divided into separable components: a carrying device mounted on the vehicle, and a movable contact pressing device that can be positioned as needed. This segmentation allows the contact pressing device to be retracted when not in use, reducing the vehicle's effective cross-section while maintaining the capability for multi-system operation.
2Productivity
If the current collector is disposed in the area of the rails, then energy transfer is enabled, but the current collector can be damaged easily when no conductor rail is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressing device is designed to be movable between an extended position (for energy transfer) and a retracted position (for safety). The spring member and rocker unit enable the sliding piece to automatically press against the conductor rail when in the working position, while the pivot mechanism allows the entire assembly to be retracted when no conductor rail is present, preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a pivot mechanism that can proactively retract the contact pressing device before potential damage occurs. By moving the contact pressing device away from the conductor rail area when not in use or when the rail is absent, the system prevents harmful contact in advance.
3Reliability
If the sliding piece is pressed against the conductor rail using contact pressing force, then reliable energy transfer is achieved, but the structure requires spring member and rocker unit
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is configured to automatically generate the contact pressing force when the sliding piece engages with the conductor rail. The rocker unit acts as a lever that amplifies this force, creating a self-regulating mechanism that maintains reliable contact without requiring external control systems or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker unit serves as an intermediary mechanical element between the spring member and the sliding piece. It translates the spring force into effective contact pressure on the conductor rail, providing mechanical advantage while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the rocker unit is moved between sliding contact position and storing position, then collision with obstacles is prevented, but the pivot mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying device incorporates a pivot mechanism that enables the rocker unit to dynamically reposition between a working position (for energy transfer) and a storing position (for obstacle avoidance). This dynamic reconfiguration reduces the vehicle's cross-sectional profile when the current collector is not in use, minimizing collision risks with overhead obstacles.
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
Enables reliable and flexible energy transfer across various rail networks by minimizing the collector's cross-sectional area, preventing collisions, and allowing vehicles to navigate through environments with diverse energy supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
the spring member being rotatable in such a manner that the sliding piece disposed on the rocker is moveable in one direction into the sliding contact position while generating the contact pressing force
Data Source
AI summary
A current collector and a method for transferring energy from a conductor rail to a vehicle by means of a current collector, the current collector comprising a carrying device, a contact pressing device and a sliding piece which forms a sliding contact surface, the carrying device for mounting the current collector being formed on a vehicle, the contact pressing device being formed such that by means of the contact pressing device, the sliding piece is moveable relative to a conductor rail and pressable against the conductor rail for forming a sliding contact with a contact pressing force in a sliding contact position, the contact pressing device comprising a rocker unit for generating the contact pressing force using a rocker and a spring member, the spring member being rotatable in such a manner that the sliding piece disposed on the rocker is moveable in one direction into the sliding contact position while generating the contact pressing force, the contact pressing device comprising a retaining element which connects the spring member to the carrying device, the carrying device having a carrying element and a pivot mechanism for positioning the contact pressing device on the vehicle, at least the rocker unit along with the sliding piece being moveable between the sliding contact position and a storing position away from the conductor rail by means of the pivot mechanism.