Intermodal Cabin Platform Exchange Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intermodal passenger transport systems lack efficient and comfortable solutions for seamlessly transitioning between different traffic modes, such as road and rail, resulting in time losses and inefficiencies for commuters.

Innovation Solution

An intermodal passenger transport system featuring a passenger cabin with a cabin interface and a drive platform with a platform interface, along with a coupling device, allows for seamless transfer between different traffic modes using a platform exchanger at transit nodes, enabling fully autonomous operation and minimizing time losses by combining private and public transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If passengers use traditional intermodal transport systems to switch between different traffic modes (road, rail), then they can access multiple transport infrastructures, but they experience time losses and inefficiencies due to the need to leave their vehicle and transfer between modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to switch between traffic modesVSAvoidtransit time during mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules: a passenger cabin and a drive platform that can be decoupled and reconnected. This segmentation allows the passenger cabin to remain stationary while the drive platform is exchanged at transit nodes, enabling mode switching without passenger displacement and eliminating transfer time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transit nodes serve as intermediary infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of drive platforms between different traffic modes (road, rail, air). These nodes provide the coupling and decoupling mechanisms, allowing seamless transitions between transport modes while the passenger cabin remains occupied by passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multifunctional automobile apparatus is designed to move freely in traffic and connect to different carrier systems, then it can cover large distances through form and technology standardization, but it remains unclear how people can be transported safely, time-efficiently and comfortably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different carrier systemsVSAvoidsafety and comfort of passenger transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Separating the passenger cabin from the drive platform allows each component to be optimized independently. The passenger cabin can be designed with high safety and comfort standards, while the drive platform can be exchanged based on traffic mode requirements, maintaining reliability across different transport modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized coupling interface enables the same passenger cabin to be used across multiple drive platforms and traffic modes (road, rail, air). This universal interface ensures consistent safety and comfort standards while providing adaptability to different carrier systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If passengers remain in their cabin while switching between traffic modes, then time losses are minimized and transit efficiency is improved, but complex coupling and decoupling mechanisms are required at transit nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime loss during mode switchingVSAvoidcoupling device at transit nodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A standardized universal coupling interface is designed that can accommodate different drive platforms and traffic modes. This single interface design simplifies the coupling and decoupling mechanisms at transit nodes, reducing device complexity while enabling rapid mode switching without passenger evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3659891A1Intermodal passenger traffic system
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 TC CONSULTING GBR
  • EP3659891A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3659891A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3659891A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5D

AI summary

The invention relates to an intermodal passenger transport system (1) comprising at least one passenger cabin (2) for accommodating at least one passenger, wherein the passenger cabin has a cabin interface (4), at least one first drive platform (100) with a first transport mode, comprising a first platform interface (104) corresponding to the cabin interface (4), at least one second drive platform (200, 300) with a second transport mode, comprising a second platform interface (204, 304) that corresponds at least substantially to the first platform interface (104), and at least one transit node (6). The invention further relates to a passenger cabin (4) and a drive platform (100, 200, 300).