3. Catchment and protection

3.1 Pantograph

Trains running on overhead catenary lines are equipped with a current collector called a "pantograph", an old name derived from the similarity with the lozenge-shaped drawing machine of yesteryear. The first pantographs were indeed shaped like a deformable rhombus.

The pantograph's functions are both electrical and mechanical.

3.1.1 Electrical functions

The total current absorbed by the traction unit must be captured with the minimum contact resistance...