Vehicle Power Coupling Control for Catenary Contact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with external power sources like catenary lines due to lateral movement, requiring manual operator intervention to adjust coupling locations, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system with sensors and a controller that automatically adjusts the coupling location between the vehicle and an external power source by controlling the vehicle's movement based on sensor data, ensuring optimal contact and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator intervention is used to monitor and adjust coupling location, then the system can maintain contact with the catenary line, but the operation complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system automatically monitors coupling location using sensors and adjusts its position without operator intervention. The controller receives sensor data, determines coupling location, and controls vehicle movement to maintain optimal contact, enabling the system to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously detect coupling location data and feed this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and automatically adjusts vehicle position to maintain proper contact with the catenary line, creating a closed-loop control system
2Reliability
If visual observation by operator is used to determine coupling location, then the system can detect coupling status, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation with automated sensor-based detection. Sensors objectively measure coupling location and transmit data to the controller, eliminating the imprecision of human visual estimation and manual assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system creates an accurate digital representation (copy) of the physical coupling location. This digital data provides precise measurement information that can be processed by the controller to determine exact coupling status and make accurate adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle system drifts away from the catenary line, then lateral movement occurs, but the coupling contact is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor coupling location and provide feedback to the controller. When the vehicle drifts laterally causing coupling location to deviate from optimal position, the controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts vehicle position to restore proper contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively counteracts lateral drift by continuously monitoring coupling location and making preemptive adjustments. The controller anticipates potential loss of contact and adjusts vehicle position in advance to maintain consistent coupling with the catenary line
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes an interface device having a body extending between a first end and a second end and that provides power to a vehicle system from an external power source. Sensors may be coupled with the interface device and detect sensor data associated with the coupling of the external power source with the interface device. A controller receives the sensor data from the sensors and determines a coupling location at which the external power source is coupled with the interface device. The coupling location may be at a first position between the first end and the second end of the interface device. The controller controls movement of the vehicle system to change the coupling location between the external power source and the interface device from the first position to a second position between the first and second ends of the body.