Hydraulic Synchronization for Maglev Levitation Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicles with magnetic levitation systems face complexity in design due to the need for synchronization mechanisms like swing-arms and cables, which constrain the body's design and complicate the connection between the levitation device and the body, especially on curved tracks.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydraulic rams and a fluid-flow circuit to synchronize the movement of levitation modules relative to the body, allowing lateral movement and simplifying the routing of synchronization components by eliminating the need for cables and swing-arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If swing-arms and cables are used to synchronize module movement, then the modules can be synchronized relative to the body, but the design complexity increases and the body design is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-swingarm synchronization system with a magnetic field-based synchronization system. The body and modules each carry magnets, and the magnetic attraction forces automatically synchronize the modules' positions relative to the body without requiring complex mechanical linkages. This eliminates cables, swing-arms, and associated routing passages while maintaining synchronization reliability through magnetic field interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydraulic synchronization system where a hydraulic cylinder connected to the body and modules transmits synchronized movement through hydraulic fluid. When one module moves relative to the body, the hydraulic fluid transmits this movement to synchronize the other modules, replacing the need for complex mechanical cable systems while maintaining reliable synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If cables and swing-arms are used for synchronization, then module orientation can be synchronized, but the body must accommodate cables and routing passages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule orientation controlVSAvoidbody design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for cable routing passages and swing-arm mounting points in the body by replacing the mechanical synchronization system with magnetic fields. The magnets carried by the body and modules create automatic synchronization without requiring the body structure to accommodate complex cable routing, thereby restoring design flexibility to the body shape and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the body is rigid, then structural strength is maintained, but the body cannot follow the curvature of curved rails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody structural strengthVSAvoidcurvature adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the connection between the rigid body and the levitation modules dynamic by allowing the modules to move and rotate relative to the body. The synchronization mechanism (whether magnetic or hydraulic) enables the modules to automatically adjust their positions to follow the curvature of the rails while the rigid body maintains its structural strength. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to navigate curved sections without compromising body integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the connection between the body and the levitation device, reduces design constraints, and enhances the reliability of the synchronization system, allowing smoother operation on curved tracks without the need for complex cable routing.

Implementation Method 1

a first hydraulic ram between the first module and the body; a second hydraulic ram between the second module and the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic ram: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a fluid-flow circuit connecting the first and second rams to synchronize the actions of the rams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid-flow circuit: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a device for levitating the body on the rail... the levitation modules are magnetic levitation modules comprising magnetic means adapted to cooperate with complementary magnetic means of the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Data Source

PatentUS7458323B2Vehicle adapted to move along a rail

Publication Date: 2008.12.02 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS

AI summary

This vehicle comprises a body and a levitation device, the body bearing in operation on the levitation device which comprises a first levitation module and a second levitation module connected to the body, and capable of moving to allow the modules to turn relative to the body. The vehicle comprises means for synchronizing movement of the levitation modules comprising a first hydraulic ram between the first module and the body, a second hydraulic ram between the second module and the body, and a fluid-flow circuit connecting the first and second rams to synchronize the actions of the rams. Application to magnetic levitation rail vehicles, for example.