Bow Collector and Pantograph

 Bow Collector 

Bow collectors and pantographs are roof-mounted apparatuses used on electric trains and trams to collect current from overhead lines. While bow collectors (early 20th-century tech) use a rigid, bow-shaped metal strip, modern pantographs utilize a flexible, articulated frame for high-speed, reliable contact. Pantographs have largely replaced bow collectors due to superior performance. 

Key Differences and Details:

Bow Collector: A simpler device, often seen on older trams, consisting of a fixed, bow-shaped rod (copper, aluminum, or carbon). They rely on springs to maintain pressure, and overhead wires are often "staggered" to prevent uneven wear.

PANTOGRAPH COLLECTOR

Pantograph: A, complex, articulated structure, often in a diamond or parallelogram shape, allowing vertical movement to maintain consistent contact at high speeds. Modern systems use replaceable carbon strips to reduce wear