Retractable Trailer Current Collector for Fast Overhead Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles face challenges in efficiently supplying electrical energy to trailers due to slow charging processes and height limitations, which are exacerbated by long driving times and short rest periods.
Innovation Solution
A trailer for road vehicles equipped with a current collector that can extend from a retracted position to an extended position, allowing it to receive electrical energy from an external power supply, either conductively or inductively, while being housed below the upper edge of the end wall to avoid height restrictions and mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If charging electronics are arranged in the motorized commercial vehicle, then the charging system is compact and protected, but the energy supply to trailers becomes a bottleneck and charging speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging system into two independent parts: charging electronics in the towing vehicle and energy storage systems in both the towing vehicle and trailer. This segmentation allows the trailer to have its own energy storage capacity while the towing vehicle provides charging capability, enabling faster combined charging without overloading a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements high-speed charging by providing multiple energy storage systems (in both towing vehicle and trailer) that can be charged simultaneously at high rates. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve excessive charging speed capability that exceeds traditional single-system limitations, enabling rapid replenishment during short rest periods.
2Ease of operation
If a current collector is positioned above the upper edge of the end wall to facilitate contact with overhead power supply, then electrical contact is easier, but the trailer exceeds height restrictions and encounters mechanical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is designed as a movable component that can dynamically extend above the upper edge of the end wall during charging operations and retract below the edge during transport. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve easy electrical contact when needed while maintaining compliance with height restrictions during normal operation, eliminating the need for a permanently elevated structure.
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 solution enables rapid and efficient energy transfer to trailers, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operation by utilizing a compact design that avoids wind resistance and mechanical interference.
Implementation Method 1
allowing it to receive electrical energy from an external power supply, either conductively or inductively
Implementation Method 2
allowing it to receive electrical energy from an external power supply, either conductively or inductively
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer, in particular a utility trailer, for road vehicles on which an extendable current collector or an electrical contact element for an inverted current collector is placed.