Contactless Vehicle Trajectory Control Through Tubular Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tubular transportation systems, controlling the direction of magnetically suspended vehicles through switches without contact and ensuring safe operation at high speeds is challenging due to the need for precise positioning and collision avoidance.

Innovation Solution

A method and control system that adjusts the lateral distance between the vehicle and guidance tracks based on received direction instructions, using electromagnetic modules to maintain safe distances and avoid collisions by ignoring instructions after a point of no return, and controlling distances within predefined intervals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic suspension is used to prevent contact between vehicle and tubing, then contactless operation is achieved, but precise directional control through switches becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoiddirectional control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based guidance systems with electromagnetic fields for both suspension and directional control. Electromagnetic modules on the vehicle interact with guidance tracks to enable contactless steering and position control through switches, resolving the contradiction by substituting mechanical interaction with field-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the vehicle and guidance tracks. This intermediary enables both contactless support and precise directional control by using magnetic and electric fields to transmit control forces without physical contact, addressing both reliability and ease of operation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If vehicles travel at high speeds through tubing, then transportation efficiency is improved, but safe control of vehicle positions becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidposition control safety

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback control by monitoring the position of vehicles relative to guidance tracks and switches at high speeds. The control system receives position data, compares it with target positions, and adjusts electromagnetic forces in real-time to maintain safe positioning, enabling both high speed operation and reliable position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for high-speed safe operation by pre-positioning vehicles at safe distances from switches before reaching them. The control system anticipates upcoming switches and adjusts vehicle position in advance, ensuring safe control is established before critical maneuvering points are reached, thus maintaining both speed and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If directional control is maintained at all times, then collision avoidance is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies directional control selectively rather than continuously at maximum capacity. The control system activates electromagnetic steering modules only when approaching switches or when position deviations are detected, rather than maintaining constant high-level control, thus achieving collision avoidance while reducing unnecessary system complexity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

Ensures safe and controlled direction changes at high speeds by maintaining safe lateral positions, preventing collisions and enabling smooth transitions through switches in tubular transportation systems.

Implementation Method 1

magnetically suspended vehicles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12485939B2Method of controlling a direction of a trajectory of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 HARDT IP BV

AI summary

A method comprises controlling at least one of a first distance between a first side of the vehicle and the first guidance track and a second distance between a second side of the vehicle and the second guidance track and receiving a direction instruction corresponding to one of the first side and the second side, the one side being a directional side. Having received directional instruction, a directional distance between the directional side of the vehicle and one of the first guidance track and the second guidance track provided at the directional side of the vehicle is controlled. With no contact between vehicle and a guiding track, for example comprising rails, the distance between the vehicle and the guiding tracks along the trajectory needs to be controlled, preferably at a safe distance. This concept provides such control.