Segmented Current Collector for Variable Tunnel Height Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle feeding systems for underground applications, such as mining vehicles, face challenges due to varying tunnel heights and road surface irregularities, which can cause quick changes in the distance between the vehicle and the slotted electric conductor, leading to instability in electrical contact.
Innovation Solution
A system with a current collector comprising two serially arranged arm segments, where a first arm segment with a resilient forcing means handles smaller deviations and a second arm segment with an actuator handles larger deviations, ensuring consistent electrical contact by adjusting the position of the contact element relative to the slotted electric conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rigid collector arm is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot handle quick variations in distance between the vehicle and the slotted element
Solution Approach 1:
The collector arm is divided into two serially arranged segments: a first arm segment with forcing means for handling small quick variations in distance, and a second arm segment with an actuator for handling larger variations in distance. This segmentation allows each segment to specialize in different types of distance compensation, improving adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, multi-segmented structure with independent degrees of freedom. The first arm segment can move independently to absorb quick distance variations, while the second arm segment adjusts for larger position changes, enabling the system to adapt to varying tunnel heights and road surface irregularities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tunnel height varies, then the system must adapt to different environments, but the distance between the vehicle and the slotted element varies substantially causing contact instability
Solution Approach 1:
The collector arm is divided into two serially arranged segments: a first arm segment with forcing means for handling small quick variations in distance, and a second arm segment with an actuator for handling larger variations in distance. This segmentation allows each segment to specialize in different types of distance compensation, improving adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, multi-segmented structure with independent degrees of freedom. The first arm segment can move independently to absorb quick distance variations, while the second arm segment adjusts for larger position changes, enabling the system to adapt to varying tunnel heights and road surface irregularities.
3Reliability
If known current collectors are used, then the system is simple, but they cannot handle quick variations in distance due to bumps and depressions
Solution Approach 1:
The collector arm is divided into two serially arranged segments: a first arm segment with forcing means for handling small quick variations in distance, and a second arm segment with an actuator for handling larger variations in distance. This segmentation allows each segment to specialize in different types of distance compensation, improving adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, multi-segmented structure with independent degrees of freedom. The first arm segment can move independently to absorb quick distance variations, while the second arm segment adjusts for larger position changes, enabling the system to adapt to varying tunnel heights and road surface irregularities.
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 system maintains stable electrical contact across varying distances, ensuring efficient power transfer and reducing the need for high battery capacity, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first arm segment is provided with forcing means arranged to, when said first arm segment is within a working distance from the elongated slotted element, provide a force towards the elongated slotted element such that the contact element connects with the corresponding electric conductor
Implementation Method 2
The second arm segment is provided with at least one actuator configured to act on the second arm segment to displace the first arm segment to a position within said working distance
Data Source
AI summary
System for electrically feeding electrically powered vehicles comprising at least one suspended elongated slotted element having electric conductor(s) arranged in slot(s) and at least one current collector co-acting with the slotted element. The current collector(s) comprises contact element(s) and collector arm(s) supporting the contact element(s) at its first end and is adapted to connect to an electrically powered vehicle with its second end. The collector arm(s) is formed by at least two serially arranged arm segments. A first arm segment is provided with forcing means arranged to, when the first arm segment is within a working distance from the slotted element, provide a force towards the slotted element such that the contact element connects with the corresponding electric conductor. The second arm segment is provided with at least one actuator acting on the second arm segment to displace the first arm segment to a position within the working distance.