Pantograph-based vehicle guidance system and method

A method comprising:

• receiving, at a controller comprising one or more processors, one or more sensor signals generated by at least one guidance sensor configured to be mounted on a pantograph along a lateral width of the pantograph, the pantograph configured for installation on a vehicle and thereby to conduct electrical energy from a conductive pathway as the vehicle travels along a route;
• determining, via the controller, a lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph based on the one or more sensor signals that are received;
• and
• determining that the lateral position of the conductive pathway is within a designated proximity of a first edge or an opposite second edge of the pantograph along the lateral width of the pantograph;
• and, in response, one or more of:
• controlling a spindle drive assembly of the pantograph to change an amount of force exerted by the spindle drive assembly;
• generating an alert to notify an operator;
• electrically disconnecting the pantograph from an electrical system onboard the vehicle;
• or
• retracting the pantograph away from the conductive pathway.

A vehicle guidance system comprising:

• a pantograph that is configured to by mounted on a vehicle and to receive electrical energy from a conductive pathway as the vehicle travels along a route;
• guidance sensors mounted to the pantograph and spaced along a lateral width of the pantograph;
• and
• a controller comprising one or more processors, the controller configured to receive sensor signals generated by the guidance sensors and to determine a lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph based on the sensor signals, the controller configured to control a display device to present a visual indicium to an operator of the vehicle based on the lateral position of the conductive pathway relative to the pantograph,
• wherein the controller is further configured to receive one or more updated sensor signals generated by the guidance sensors and to modify one or more of a location, a shape, a color, a timing, or an intensity of the visual indicium based on a detected a change in the lateral position based on the one or more updated sensor signals.