Segmented Inductive Energy Supply for Trolley Chains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolley chain systems face challenges in ensuring a continuous and stable supply of energy, particularly in designs that rely on sliding contacts or inductive contactless transmission, which can be inefficient and complex, especially in curved sections and long routes.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a primary conductor with segmented sections and transmission heads that enable contactless inductive energy transfer to a closed bus line on the trolley chain, allowing for flexible distribution and reduction in the number of transmission heads, eliminating the need for continuous primary conductor mounting in curves, and enabling weight savings and simplified route planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sliding contacts or inductive contactless transmission are used for power supply, then energy can be transmitted to moving carriages, but the system becomes complex and inefficient, especially in curved sections and long routes
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley chain is divided into multiple carriages that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each carriage has its own transmission head that can independently receive power from the primary conductor, allowing the chain to be segmented into manageable units that are easier to manage in curved sections and long routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces sliding mechanical contacts with inductive contactless transmission. Transmission heads on the carriages inductively couple with the primary conductor to transfer power without physical contact, eliminating wear and complexity associated with sliding contacts while maintaining efficient energy transmission.
2Reliability
If continuous primary conductor mounting is used to ensure stable power supply, then energy transmission is reliable, but weight and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary conductor is divided into discrete segments rather than being a continuous long conductor. Each segment is positioned at specific locations along the track where carriages pass, allowing power to be transmitted in sections. This segmentation reduces the total weight and construction complexity while maintaining reliable power supply through multiple distributed transmission points.
3Reliability
If multiple transmission heads are used on each carriage to ensure continuous power supply, then energy transmission is stable, but the weight and cost of the trolley chain increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transmission heads are combined into a single integrated unit that can span across the primary conductor segment. This merged transmission head design provides continuous power reception capability while reducing the total number of separate components, thereby reducing weight and cost compared to having multiple independent transmission heads on each carriage.
4Area of stationary object
If the primary conductor spans the entire track length, then power supply coverage is complete, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The primary conductor is implemented as multiple separate segments distributed along the track rather than one continuous conductor spanning the entire length. Each segment can be independently installed and positioned at optimal locations for power transmission, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining complete power supply coverage through the distributed segment network.
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
This solution ensures a constant energy supply, reduces weight and construction complexity, allows for greater design freedom, and adapts to various voltage levels, resulting in cost savings and improved system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transfers electrical energy from a primary conductor to a secondary conductor, in this case a closed bus line, via contactless inductive coupling
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for supplying energy to a train chain, comprising: a train chain consisting of at least two coupled trains, wherein the train chain has a closed bus line; and a stationary energy conductor along a track of the train chain, wherein the stationary energy conductor consists of one or more successive segments spaced apart from one another; wherein the closed bus line has one or more transmission heads configured to supply the closed bus line with electrical energy from the stationary energy conductor without contacting the stationary energy conductor when they are within a predetermined distance from the stationary energy conductor;and wherein, during a journey of the train chain along the track, at least one of the transmission heads supplies the closed bus line with electrical energy from the stationary energy conductor at any given time.