Vehicle Power Contact Layout for Bidirectional Rail Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power transfer systems are limited by requiring precise alignment between vehicles and off-board power supply systems, such as pantographs, which can be challenging for operators, especially in rail vehicles, due to the need for precise orientation and positioning, leading to difficulties in aligning contacts for efficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power supply system with multiple contacts that can receive electrical power from an off-board system in both forward and reverse orientations, utilizing switch devices and a controller to adjust the role configuration of contacts for proper power transfer, allowing for bidirectional power transfer without physical reconfiguration of the vehicle or off-board equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vehicle contacts and off-board pantograph contacts are made about two feet in length, then the alignment precision requirement increases, but the ease of operation deteriorates as operators must stop the vehicle very precisely within a two foot tolerance range
Solution Approach 1:
The contact arrays are divided into multiple discrete contacts (first contact, second contact, third contact, fourth contact) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the system to tolerate misalignment by enabling partial contact engagement, where some contacts may connect while others remain disconnected, thereby reducing the precision stopping requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle contacts and off-board contacts are arranged in asymmetric patterns rather than simple linear arrays. The specific geometric arrangement creates overlapping engagement zones that accommodate positional variations, allowing the vehicle to stop within a broader tolerance range while still achieving proper electrical connection.
2Device complexity
If the system is designed to operate in only one prescribed orientation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as the vehicle cannot receive power when approaching in reverse orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The contact array is designed with multi-functionality to serve both forward and reverse orientation operations. The same physical contacts (first, second, third, fourth contacts) can establish proper electrical connections regardless of which end of the vehicle approaches the off-board power supply first, eliminating the need for separate contact sets for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different vehicle orientations through its symmetric contact arrangement. When the vehicle orientation changes from forward to reverse, the contact engagement pattern automatically adjusts, allowing the system to maintain functionality without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex switching mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the vehicle must stop precisely to align contacts, then the power transfer reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to difficult and time-consuming precise stopping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented contact array allows for progressive engagement of multiple contacts during the stopping process. This segmentation provides redundancy where partial contact engagement can still establish sufficient electrical connection for reliable power transfer, reducing the need for extremely precise stopping while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact array geometry is designed to create a cushioning effect that tolerates positional variations. The overlapping arrangement and spacing of contacts provide a buffer zone that compensates for imprecise stopping, ensuring that even with moderate alignment errors, the electrical connection remains reliable for power transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle power supply system and method may include plural vehicle contacts extending along a vehicle. At least three of the vehicle contacts may be power contacts that receive different phases of three-phase alternating current electrical power from an off-board power supply system to power the vehicle. A first power contact of the power contacts may receive a first phase of the three-phase alternating current and a second power contact of the power contacts may receive a second phase of the three-phase alternating current while the vehicle has a first orientation relative to the off-board power supply system. The first power contact may receive the second phase and the second power contact may receive the first phase while the vehicle has a second orientation relative to the off-board power supply system.