Switchable Busbar Guide for Feed Wagon Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed wagon systems with power rail systems are limited to a single predetermined movement path, which restricts flexibility and causes wear on the current collector carriage due to frequent transitions between conductor rails.
Innovation Solution
A switch mechanism with adjustable tongue elements allows the current collector carriage to be guided from a first current rail to one of two or three continuing rails, minimizing transitions and ensuring stable connection of busbars, thereby reducing wear and allowing flexible movement paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the feed wagon is restricted to a single predetermined movement path, then the power supply structure is simple, but the system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power rail system is divided into multiple segments including straight sections and curved sections, allowing the feed wagon to navigate different path configurations while maintaining continuous power supply through modular rail segments
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates switchable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the power rail paths, enabling the feed wagon to selectively follow different movement routes (first, second, or third movement paths) while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the current collector carriage frequently transitions between conductor rails, then path flexibility is improved, but wear on the current collector carriage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple complete movement paths (first, second, and third paths) with integrated power supply connections, allowing the feed wagon to complete full cycles without intermediate rail transitions, thereby reducing wear on the current collector carriage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements and switchable contacts that smoothly bridge different conductor rail segments, reducing abrupt transitions and mechanical stress on the current collector carriage during path changes
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 enables the feed wagon to move along various paths while protecting the current collector carriage from damage and wear, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply through reduced transitions and stable conductor rail connections.
Implementation Method 1
the tongue element rests against either one or the other outer guide inside and thereby forms the respective opposite inner guide of the continuing path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
System (1) comprising a feed cart (10) and a conductor rail system (30) for supplying power to the feed cart (10) along a track (F), wherein the feed cart (10) comprises at least one current collector carriage (20) for drawing current from the conductor rail system (30), characterized in that the conductor rail system (30) comprises a switch (50) to guide the current collector carriage (20) from a first conductor rail (40a) selectively to one of two further conductor rails (40b, 40c), and that the switch (50) for guiding the current collector carriage (20) comprises two fixed and diverging outer guides (51, 52) with an intermediate tongue element (53) which is adjustable such that it bears against either one or the other outer guide (51, 52) on the inside and thereby forms the respective opposite inner guide of the further track (R1, R2).