Bogie-Mounted Kinetic Energy Converter for Self-Powered Utilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic transportation systems require significant electric power for onboard utilities, and existing power supply systems like current collectors and overhead wires are costly and prone to wear, with potential disruptions during external power unavailability.

Innovation Solution

A kinetic energy converter that transforms wheel kinetic energy into electric energy using an electric generator, which can be coupled or uncoupled via a clutch system, allowing full-time or part-time operation and potentially replacing conventional power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional power supply systems (current collectors, overhead wires) are used, then electric power can be supplied to onboard utilities, but wear and potential disruptions occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidwear on power collection systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle serves itself by converting its own kinetic energy into electrical energy through the generator coupled to the drive wheels. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for external power collection systems, thereby eliminating wear on current collectors and overhead wires while ensuring continuous operation without disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical power collection system (current collectors and overhead wires) with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. The generator converts mechanical kinetic energy from the wheels into electrical energy, substituting the worn-prone mechanical contact system with a wear-free electromagnetic conversion system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If kinetic energy converter operates full-time, then energy efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidconverter system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kinetic energy converter is merged with the existing drive wheel system. The generator is directly coupled to the drive wheels through the existing axle and transmission components, combining the propulsion function with the energy generation function in a single integrated system, thereby minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive wheels serve dual functions: providing propulsion through the propulsion plate interaction and simultaneously driving the generator to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality allows the system to generate power during normal operation without requiring separate dedicated components, thus improving energy efficiency while limiting complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If kinetic energy converter is used during braking or descending grades, then regenerative energy recovery is achieved, but power supply continuity during normal operation may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregenerative energy recoveryVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator is continuously coupled to the drive wheels during all operating conditions - acceleration, constant speed, braking, and descending grades. During acceleration and constant speed, the generator provides continuous electrical power. During braking and descending grades, it captures regenerative energy. This continuous operation ensures both power supply continuity and maximum energy recovery throughout the entire vehicle cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances energy efficiency, reduces wear on power collection systems, and ensures continuous utility operation during power outages by harnessing kinetic energy, especially during braking or descending grades.

Implementation Method 1

The kinetic energy converter for bogies of pneumatic propulsion vehicles for passengers and cargo object of this invention is capable of transforming kinetic energy of the rotating wheels preferably into electric energy using an electric generator as a mean to feed onboard utilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12534113B2Kinetic energy converter for a pneumatic transportation system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 AEROM SYST DE TRANSPORTE SA

AI summary

The kinetic energy converter is coupled to a bogie of a pneumatic propulsion vehicle for a transportation system of passengers and cargo. The kinetic energy converter (6) is mounted in at least one of the axle sets (4) of the bogie structure (1). The kinetic energy converter (6) is comprised of an electric generator provided with a housing (10) where an electric generator rotor (16) spins, provided with a rotor pulley (15) moved by a belt (11) driven by a freewheel pulley (14) mounted on a drive shaft (13) provided with shaft ends (25) which are mounted onto wheel hubs (24) of the bogie structure (1). The axle set (4) is comprised of guide tubes (7) whose internal ends have flanges (8) which are connected to the supports (9) of the electric generator housing (10).