Segmented Current Collector Arm for Variable Tunnel Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle feeding systems for underground mining applications face challenges in maintaining consistent electrical contact due to varying distances between vehicles and suspended slotted elements, particularly caused by bumps and depressions in the road surface, which current collectors are unable to handle effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a current collector with two serially arranged arm segments, where a first arm segment with a resilient forcing mechanism handles smaller deviations and a second arm segment with an actuator maintains the first arm within the working distance, ensuring continuous electrical contact with the slotted element, even as the vehicle encounters height variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a current collector with a single rigid arm is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot handle quick variations in distance between the vehicle and the slotted element caused by road surface bumps and depressions
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector arm is divided into two serially arranged segments: a first arm segment with forcing means for quick response to distance variations, and a second arm segment with an actuator for maintaining the first arm segment within working distance. This segmentation allows each segment to perform a specific function, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector system incorporates dynamic elements including forcing means (such as springs) on the first arm segment for rapid adjustment to distance changes, and an actuator on the second arm segment for active control. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to varying distances while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the height of mine tunnels varies, then the system must adapt to different working conditions, but the distance between the vehicle and the slotted element varies substantially making electrical contact difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The forcing means (such as springs) are pre-configured on the first arm segment to automatically respond to distance variations before electrical contact is lost. This preliminary action ensures that the contact element maintains reliable electrical contact with the slotted element even when tunnel height varies, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator on the second arm segment operates based on feedback from the position of the first arm segment, actively adjusting to maintain the contact element within working distance of the slotted element. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable electrical contact while adapting to varying tunnel heights and road surface conditions.
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 effectively maintains electrical contact with the slotted element across varying distances, ensuring reliable power supply to electric vehicles by using a combination of resilient and actuated mechanisms to adjust the collector arm segments, thus addressing the issue of distance variations in underground mining environments.
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
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.