Section Insulator with Offset Conductive Runners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing section insulators for contact wires face challenges in maintaining constant contact with current collectors due to deformation from thermal influences, leading to spark formation and vibrations, which complicates alignment and increases the risk of electrical discharges.

Innovation Solution

The section insulator design features conductive and insulating runners disposed in mirror symmetry, connected by a linear insulating profile, with the conductive runners extending diagonally and connected to ramps, ensuring stiffness and preventing internal deformation from conductor rails, while maintaining a stable air gap for improved insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional section insulators with angled runners are used, then the current collector can enter gently, but the runners become deformed by thermal influences causing spark formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegentle entry of current collectorVSAvoidcontact stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs height-adjustable runners that can be adapted to different contact plane positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to compensate for thermal deformations of conductor rails while maintaining stable contact with the current collector, thus resolving the contradiction between gentle entry and contact stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the runners by providing multiple height adjustment positions. This allows optimization of the contact geometry to ensure stable electrical contact while accommodating thermal expansions of the conductor rails, thereby preventing spark formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If conductor rails are rigid, then structural strength is improved, but thermal deformation causes misalignment and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor rail strengthVSAvoidrunner alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces height-adjustable runners that can dynamically adapt to changes in the contact plane position caused by thermal deformation of the rigid conductor rails. This maintains proper alignment and prevents vibrations while preserving the strength benefits of rigid rails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the contact system into adjustable runner components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows compensation for thermal deformations of the conductor rails without compromising the overall structural integrity and strength of the rigid rail system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If runners are made height-adjustable, then alignment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidrunner adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides height adjustment in discrete predetermined steps, which balances adaptability with simplicity. This stepped adjustment mechanism offers sufficient flexibility to compensate for thermal deformations while avoiding the complexity of continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If conductor rails are spaced closely, then space efficiency is improved, but galvanic insulation becomes insufficient leading to sparks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing between conductor railsVSAvoidgalvanic insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces insulating runners as intermediary elements between the conductive runners and the opposing conductor rail. These insulating runners provide reliable galvanic insulation even when conductor rails are spaced closely, preventing spark discharges while maintaining compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9731626B2Device having two rigid conductor rails and a section insulator

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 FURRER FREY AG

AI summary

The section insulator for rigid conductor rails has conductive runners, a ramp and an insulating runner, each connected to one conductor rail. The conductor runners (7, 7′) and the ramps (11, 11′) are connected to one another at one end and at their other ends to the conductor rail, wherein the latter mentioned ends are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (3). The two conductor rails (1, 2) are rigidly and torsion-resistantly connected to one another by insulating profiles (5, 6). Insulating runners (14, 14′) are attached to the insulating profiles opposite the respective conductive runner, so that a current collector is properly guided when passing by. An insulating spacing is present between the ends of the conductive runners (7, 7′) and the ends of the closest insulating runner (14, 14′).