Hovering Vehicle Air Cushion Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail systems are costly and unsuitable for terrains with a mix of water, ice, and land, and other transportation methods are inefficient in transporting large amounts of material and passengers over long distances without significant infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered hovering vehicle system that generates an air cushion on a trackless lane with a substantially flat surface, using carbonized fossil fuel, solar energy, or thermal energy, and is guided by a guidance system to move over the air cushion between peripheries of the lane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rail systems are used, then transportation efficiency over long distances is improved, but infrastructure costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vehicle from traditional rail infrastructure constraints by enabling it to operate on conventional roads using only its own propulsion system. The vehicle is designed to be self-contained with onboard engines (diesel, electric, or hybrid) rather than relying on external rail power systems, thereby eliminating the need for complex rail infrastructure while maintaining transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rail-guided propulsion system with a self-propelled vehicle system that uses onboard engines and road wheels. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rail connections, overhead power lines, and complex signaling infrastructure, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to transport large amounts of material over long distances
2Quantity of substance
If conventional rail systems are used, then capacity for transporting large amounts of material is improved, but adaptability to diverse terrains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal vehicle platform that can operate on multiple terrain types (roads, snow, ice, water) using the same vehicle structure and propulsion system. The vehicle maintains its large transport capacity across different terrains by using sealed cargo compartments and propulsion systems that can handle varying surface conditions, thereby achieving both high transport capacity and terrain adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the vehicle's operational characteristics to adapt to different terrains. The propulsion system can adjust power delivery, the vehicle can change speed, and the suspension can modify its characteristics based on terrain conditions. This allows the vehicle to maintain its cargo capacity while adapting to diverse environments from frozen lakes to snowy roads
3Device complexity
If self-powered hovering vehicle is used, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but vehicle stability and control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guidance system as an intermediary between the vehicle operator and the vehicle's movement. This guidance system provides automated navigation, steering assistance, and stability control, making the self-powered vehicle easier to control and more stable on diverse terrains. The guidance system acts as a mediator that compensates for the challenges of operating a powerful vehicle without traditional rail constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the guidance system that continuously monitor vehicle position, speed, and terrain conditions. This feedback allows the control system to make real-time adjustments to maintain stability, optimize power delivery, and ensure safe operation. The feedback loop compensates for the lack of fixed rail guidance, thereby maintaining vehicle reliability while reducing infrastructure requirements
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
This solution reduces infrastructure costs and enables efficient transportation over diverse terrains, including water and ice, without the need for traditional rail systems, providing a cost-effective and efficient means to transport both passengers and materials.
Implementation Method 1
generating an air cushion between a bottom of the vehicle and a substantially flat surface of a trackless lane
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.