Magnetic Levitation Vehicle Sequential Magnet Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic levitation vehicles require high power for lifting and lowering processes due to the need for simultaneous activation of all supporting magnet units, leading to increased weight and costs, as well as additional charging cycles for on-board batteries.

Innovation Solution

Sequential activation and deactivation of individual support magnet units, reducing the power requirement by distributing the load across multiple steps, with each step requiring only a fraction of the total power needed for simultaneous activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If all supporting magnet units are activated simultaneously for lifting and lowering, then the lifting and lowering processes can be completed, but the power requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower requirementVSAvoidlifting and lowering efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the supporting magnet units into multiple groups that are activated or deactivated sequentially rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows the total power requirement to be distributed across time, reducing the peak power demand while maintaining the overall lifting and lowering functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic activation and deactivation of magnet unit groups during the lifting and lowering processes. By using multiple phases or steps with time offsets, the system achieves the required mechanical work through periodic power application rather than continuous full-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Weight of moving object

If all supporting magnet units are activated simultaneously, then lifting and lowering can be achieved, but on-board power supplies must be dimensioned larger increasing vehicle weight and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidpower requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the magnet unit activation into sequential groups, the patent reduces the peak power demand, allowing on-board power supplies to be smaller and lighter while still providing sufficient power for the lifting and lowering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent activates magnet units in a predetermined sequence before the actual lifting or lowering begins. This preliminary staged activation allows the system to prepare gradually, reducing the instantaneous power requirement and enabling smaller power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If all supporting magnet units are activated simultaneously, then lifting and lowering processes can be completed, but additional charging cycles are required for on-board batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging cycle durationVSAvoidpower requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic, multi-phase activation pattern reduces peak power consumption, allowing battery-powered systems to operate within available energy reserves for longer periods, thereby extending operational duration between charging cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the power consumption profile by varying the activation sequence and timing of magnet units. This dynamic power management optimizes energy usage during lifting and lowering operations, extending battery life and reducing charging frequency.

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

Significantly reduces the power requirement for lifting and lowering processes without compromising driving comfort, allowing for lighter and less costly on-board power supplies and enabling efficient energy management.

Implementation Method 1

all supporting magnet units are activated simultaneously in order to gradually lift the vehicle off the guideway

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the force of an electromagnet at the same amperage is the smaller the larger the air gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2195186B1Magnetic levitation vehicle and method for lifting and/or lowering said vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 THYSSENKRUPP TRANSRAPID GMBH
  • EP2195186B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2195186B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2195186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to a method for lifting said magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to lowering said magnetic levitation vehicle onto a roadway. According to the invention, the carrier magnetic units (38) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (11) are not all activated or deactivated at the same time but at different times in order to keep the current energy requirement from an external energy supply or main power supply to a minimum.