Hyperloop Tube Erection Using Dual Elevated Transport Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperloop construction methods face challenges in transporting and assembling large tube segments, especially on difficult terrains, and require energy supply and electrical certifications at each construction site, limiting accessibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the construction of a substructure composed of piers and girders that supports the transportation of heavy elements like girders and tube segments, allowing vehicles to circulate on a circulation loop without needing ground access, facilitating assembly on rough terrains by using a crane-supported girder launcher to position girders and tube segments alternately on two parallel pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tube segments are transported to construction site using existing methods, then assembly can proceed, but transportation becomes extremely difficult on steep or difficult terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The construction process is segmented into two independent pathways: one for transporting heavy elements (girders and tube segments) and another for vehicle circulation. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function, with the transportation pathway designed to handle heavy loads regardless of terrain difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by constructing elevated substructures with piers and girders that create transportation pathways above the ground. This dimensional change allows vehicles to access construction sites on difficult terrains without requiring ground-level road access.
2Ease of manufacture
If a moveable fabrication machine is used to assemble tubes on land, then tube assembly becomes possible, but the machine requires ground access and energy supply at each construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The substructure comprising piers and girders is constructed in advance to create the transportation pathway before tube assembly begins. This preliminary action establishes a permanent elevated infrastructure that eliminates the need for moveable fabrication machines requiring ground access.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated substructure acts as an intermediary between the ground and the tube assembly process. It provides a stable platform and transportation pathway that mediates the delivery and assembly of tube segments without requiring direct ground-level machine operations.
3Productivity
If tube segments are assembled on support structures extending between pillars, then hyperloop routes can be constructed, but new electrical certifications are required each time the machine moves
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated substructure with parallel pathways serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for tube segments, creates a transportation pathway for delivering construction elements, and establishes a permanent infrastructure that eliminates the need for repeated machine relocation and recertification.
4Ease of operation
If vehicles transport heavy elements along construction route, then assembly is facilitated, but vehicles need ground access which limits rough terrain construction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from ground-level transportation to elevated transportation by constructing piers and girders that create pathways above the terrain. This dimensional change allows vehicles to transport heavy elements across rough terrains without requiring ground-level road infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for erecting a portion of a transportation structure comprising two assemblies of tube segments, capable of being placed under low air pressure and through which pods may travel substantially free of air friction, the method comprising: (a) erecting a substructure comprising a first plurality of girders forming a first transportation pathway and a second plurality of girders forming a second transportation pathway, the erecting step comprising conveying with vehicle(s) the girders along one single transportation pathway, positioning them and having the vehicle(s) return along the other transportation pathway, (b) conveying, with vehicle(s), the tube segments along one single transportation pathway, positioning them and having the vehicle(s) return along the other transportation pathway. The invention also relates to the portion of transportation structure thereof.