Linear Motor Electric Vehicle with Retractable Magnet Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicles are limited by their propulsion systems, as conventional motors restrict travel to pre-positioned roadways and energy consumption becomes a concern when flexibility is desired, and there is a need for an efficient method to recharge batteries while in motion.
Innovation Solution
An all-electric vehicle equipped with a battery-powered electric motor/generator and a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) that can operate in both motor and generator modes, allowing the vehicle to be propelled by either system, with the LSM recharging the battery as it moves over an embedded power segment in the roadway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses a battery-powered electric motor, then it can travel without pre-positioned components, but energy consumption becomes a concern when flexibility is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle recovers electrical energy during LSM propulsion by using the electric motor as a generator to recharge the battery. This energy recovery mechanism reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining travel flexibility across different environments
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is propelled by an LSM, then it can efficiently use external power sources, but it requires embedded power segments in the roadway
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically switches between LSM propulsion (when on railway sections with embedded power segments) and battery-powered electric motor propulsion (when on regular roadways). This dynamic operation allows the vehicle to capitalize on energy-efficient LSM propulsion when infrastructure is available while maintaining independence when it is not
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 vehicle achieves flexible travel and efficient battery recharging by selectively using either propulsion unit, optimizing energy use and maintaining contact with the roadway, while being easy to manufacture and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
electric motors and generators can be respectively used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and mechanical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a conductor is located in a magnetic field and an electrical current is passed through the conductor. Consequently, the magnetic field will exert a force on the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An all-electric, wheeled vehicle has a magnet array that can be selectively moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, to respectively operate in a motor mode or a generator mode. When in the motor mode, with its magnet array retracted, wheel rotation to move the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery. Alternately, in the generator mode with the magnet array deployed, the vehicle is powered by a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). Specifically, the deployed magnet array interacts with a multiple-phase winding (i.e. LSM) embedded into the roadway on which the vehicle travels. Further, rotation of the wheel during vehicle movement in the generator mode recharges the battery.