Segmented Graphite Earthing Contact for Rail Vehicle Axle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grounding contacts for rail vehicles require a large installation space to transmit high electrical currents, which is inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A grounding contact with a graphite contact element designed in the shape of a segment of a circle, allowing for radial contact with the rotor part, enabling the contact element to be partially or fully inserted into the axle, reducing installation space while maintaining a large sliding contact area for current transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large sliding contact surface is used to transmit high currents, then the current transmission capability is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element transitions from axial contact (conventional) to radial contact (invention), utilizing the radial dimension of the axle to achieve both compact installation and sufficient contact area. The contact element is inserted radially into the axle, allowing the sliding contact surface to be formed on the radial outer surface while maintaining a small axial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed with a curved radial outer surface that matches the radial inner surface of the axle, creating an annular sliding contact interface. This curved geometry allows for optimal contact pressure distribution and sufficient contact area within a compact radial space.
2Volume of stationary object
If the contact element is inserted into the axle to save space, then the installation space is reduced, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding contact system is divided into modular components: the contact element, the holding device, and the spring device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, simplifying the overall mounting process despite the radial insertion requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the radial insertion and secure positioning of the contact element into the axle. It provides a structured interface that guides the assembly process and ensures proper alignment, reducing mounting complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If a radial contact configuration is used, then the installation space is reduced, but the contact force application becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically applies radial contact force to the contact element, utilizing elastic deformation to maintain constant pressure between the contact surfaces. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external force application systems while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device transforms axial spring force into radial contact force through the geometric configuration of the holding device. By changing the force application direction and utilizing elastic material properties, the system achieves simple radial contact force application without complex mechanisms.
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 allows for the efficient transmission of high currents, such as up to 250 A, with a significantly reduced installation space, ensuring long-term functionality and ease of mounting without compromising the axle's strength or increasing the installation space.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the contact element is used by means of a spring device of the holding device to form an electrically conductive sliding contact
Implementation Method 2
the contact element being predominantly made of graphite, the contact element for forming an electrically conductive sliding contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an earthing contact (10) and to a method for dissipating electric currents from a rotor part (17), which is formed with an axis, of a vehicle, in particular of a rail vehicle or the like, into a stationary stator part (13) of the vehicle, comprising a holding apparatus (12) and a contact element (11), wherein the holding apparatus can be electrically conductively connected to the stationary stator part of the vehicle, wherein the contact element is arranged on the holding apparatus and is electrically conductively connected to said holding apparatus, wherein the contact element is formed predominantly from graphite, wherein, by means of a spring device (47) of the holding apparatus, the contact element can be acted on by a contact force for the purpose of forming an electrically conductive sliding contact (22) between a sliding contact face (21), which is provided for forming the sliding contact, of the contact element and a contact face (20) of the rotor part, wherein the contact element is formed at least in sections with a cross section in the form of a segment of a circle, wherein an outer face of the cross section forms the sliding contact face at least in sections, wherein the sliding contact face is designed to bear radially against the contact face of the rotor part.