Multi-unit Electric Vehicle Neutral Zone Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles with multiple units experience jerky movements and discomfort when crossing neutral zones in power supply systems due to fluctuations in power collection, leading to potential passenger discomfort and increased wear on the supply rail.
Innovation Solution
A method for electric vehicles to switch between operating modes based on power availability, allowing all units to synchronize their operation and maintain a homogeneous dynamic, using communication between units to adapt to changes in power collection, thereby ensuring consistent traction and reducing jerky movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electric vehicle uses contact shoes to collect power from ground-based power supply segments, then electrical power can be captured during normal operation, but the vehicle cannot collect power when passing through neutral zones where conductive segments are not powered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from exclusively external (ground-based power supply) to a combination of external and internal (battery) power sources. When the vehicle enters a neutral zone, the control system detects the loss of external power and automatically switches to battery power, maintaining continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is pre-charged before entering the neutral zone, and the control system is pre-programmed to detect neutral zone conditions and initiate the power source switching sequence in advance, ensuring seamless transition without affecting vehicle operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units of the electric vehicle switch to alternative operating modes independently when entering neutral zones, then each unit can adapt to power loss, but the vehicle experiences jerky movements and homogeneous dynamic is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control systems of all units are merged into a coordinated operation through a central control architecture. When one unit detects entry into a neutral zone and switches to alternative operating mode, this information is shared with other units, ensuring they switch simultaneously to maintain homogeneous dynamic and prevent jerky movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements real-time feedback communication between units. Each unit monitors its own operating status and power collection state, and this information is fed back to the central control system, which coordinates the switching of all units to maintain synchronized operation and stable vehicle dynamics.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If insulating segments are used at crossings to reduce wear on feed rail segments, then rail wear is reduced, but the vehicle cannot collect power at crossing locations creating neutral zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power collection function from the ground-based power supply system at crossing locations by using insulating segments, and compensates for this extraction by providing alternative power from onboard batteries, thus preserving the rail while maintaining power availability.
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
The method ensures smoother vehicle operation by maintaining consistent traction and reducing passenger discomfort during neutral zone crossings, while also minimizing battery stress and extending battery life by using internal power only when external power is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
a battery suitable for delivering internal electrical power
Implementation Method 2
capable of collecting electrical energy from the supply rail by means of at least one, or even a pair, of contact shoes
Data Source
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AI summary
This method is carried out by an electric vehicle, each unit of which comprises: a motor; a friction device (11, 13, 14, 16) collecting external electrical power; and a battery delivering internal electrical power. Each unit is in an operating mode selected from a primary mode in which the motor uses external electrical power; and at least one alternative mode in which the motor does not use external electrical power. Upon crossing the neutral zone (24), when at least one unit of the vehicle (10) detects that it is unable to collect external electrical power, said at least one unit switches to the alternative mode and transmits information to the other units of the vehicle indicating this switchover. Upon receiving this information, each of the other units switches to said alternative mode.