Patent ID: 11859370
Assignee: CATERPILLAR INC.
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E  H | IPC E  H

Claim 15:
16. A work machine, comprising:
an electric engine;
a battery;
traction devices configured to cause movement of the work machine when powered by the electric engine;
a conductor rod configured to convey electrical energy to the work machine during a movement of the work machine, the conductor rod having a first end and a second end, the conductor rod comprising:
a rigid outer tube having an outer diameter and a longitudinal center defining an axis between the first end and the second end; and
a plurality of tubular conductors successively arranged concentrically around the axis and separated, at least in part, by air;
a head-end interface at the first end of the conductor rod, wherein the first end of the conductor rod is attached to an internal surface of the head-end interface, the head-end interface comprising:
a first tier at an outer surface of the head-end interface, the first tier having a first diameter as measured through a central axis of the head-end interface and a first height as measured from a base of the head-end interface, wherein the rigid outer tube is affixed to the first tier at the internal surface of the head-end interface using a first set of terminal connectors;
a second tier at the outer surface of the head-end interface, the second tier having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter as measured through an axial length of the head-end interface and a second height as measured from the base of the head-end interface, wherein a first tubular conductor of the plurality of tubular conductors is affixed to the second tier at the internal surface of the head-end interface using a second set of terminal connectors, wherein the second height is greater than the first height; and

a third tier at the outer surface of the head-end interface, the third tier having a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and the second diameter as measured through the axial length of the head-end interface and a third height as measured from the base of the head-end interface, wherein a second tubular conductor of the plurality of tubular conductors is affixed to the third tier at the internal surface of the head-end interface using a third set of terminal connectors, wherein the third height is greater than the first height and the second height.