Width-Adjustable Current Collector Horn Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current collectors for rail vehicles are not compact and lightweight, requiring multiple brackets and actuating devices to adapt to different power transmission system widths, leading to increased weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A width-adjustable current collector with a bracket arrangement featuring horns that can be moved in opposite directions using a double-acting piston-cylinder unit or electromechanical drive, allowing adaptation to various power transmission systems without additional weight or complexity, and enabling adjustment of both the bracket and contact strip widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spaced-apart brackets with horns are provided to adapt to different power transmission system widths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple brackets and their associated actuating devices into a single integrated bracket arrangement. The bracket arrangement includes a single bracket with multiple horns that can be adjusted together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate brackets and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different power transmission system widths
Solution Approach 2:
The single bracket arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can adapt to different power transmission system widths by adjusting the horn positions, and it can also support the contact strip arrangement. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized components, reducing both complexity and weight
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spaced-apart brackets with horns are provided to adapt to different power transmission system widths, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brackets into a single integrated bracket arrangement, directly reducing the total weight by eliminating redundant structural components. The single bracket with multiple horns weighs less than multiple separate brackets while providing the same adaptability function
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket arrangement is designed to serve multiple purposes: adapting to different power transmission widths and supporting the contact strip arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components that would increase weight, achieving weight reduction while maintaining full functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic or hydraulic actuating devices are provided to adjust brackets and contact strips, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate actuating devices into a single actuating device that controls the entire bracket arrangement. This single actuating device adjusts all horns and contact strips simultaneously, reducing the number of actuators from multiple to one while maintaining the ability to adapt to different power transmission system widths
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating device is designed with multi-functionality to control both the bracket arrangement and contact strip arrangement. This universal actuator replaces multiple specialized actuators, reducing device complexity while preserving full adjustability capabilities
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 results in a more compact and lighter design capable of adapting to different power transmission systems, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining effective contact with overhead lines across various widths.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting device is formed by at least one double-acting piston-cylinder unit designed as a differential piston or at least one electromechanical drive unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The collector has a pantograph head with a contact strip and a strap arrangement (4), where the head is changeable in width. A strap (5) has a horns (6, 7) at ends, and the horns are movable by an adjusting device (9) e.g. screw drive, in opposite directions and are movable transverse to driving direction. The adjusting device is integrated in the strap and has a double side operating piston-cylinder unit (10, 11), which is formed as a differential piston, an electromechanical drive unit, a threaded spindle, and a spindle nut.