A novel multidisciplinary hierarchical collaborative optimization of the high-speed pantograph considering the uncertainty of joint clearances

The pantograph–catenary system is a critical subsystem of the train power supply system. However, the increasing train speed brings many challenges. In particular, the interaction impacts of different disciplines are intensified. To solve the optimization problem of the high-speed pantograph, a multidisciplinary hierarchical collaborative optimization (MHCO) method is proposed in this article. MHCO divides the subsystem-level optimization process of design variables into various layers based on the shared design variables between disciplines. At the overall system level, the consistency constraint condition is constructed to obtain optimal values according to the optimized subsystem-level results. Four optimization indicators [translational motion of the pantograph head, pantograph lightweighting, pantograph–catenary contact force (PCCF) and active control] are established to conduct he design optimization of a high-speed pantograph. Compared with the initial value, the four indicators have improved by 78.7076%, 16.6516%, 38.1037% and 15.5542%. MHCO provides a new method for designing complex mechanical systems.