Model Car Racetrack Inductive Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Model car racing tracks experience interruptions in electrical energy supply due to centrifugal forces causing contact loss between the power rail and pantograph during cornering, leading to inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A transformer arrangement with a primary element as the power rail and a secondary element on the model car for contactless energy transmission, allowing for continuous energy supply and control signal transmission without the need for complex track modifications or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contactless energy transmission is implemented, then reliability of energy supply is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power rail and pantograph system with an inductive coupling system using transformer arrangements. The primary transformer is integrated into the track structure, while the secondary transformer is mounted on the model car, enabling contactless energy transmission through electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates wear and contact interruptions inherent in mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides contactless power transmission and simultaneously enables bidirectional communication between the control unit and the model car. The same inductive coupling mechanism that transfers energy also carries control signals, reducing the need for separate communication hardware and offsetting the added complexity.
2Reliability
If transformer arrangement is added, then reliability of energy supply is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission and communication functions into a single transformer arrangement. The primary transformer on the track and secondary transformer on the car form an integrated system that handles both energy transfer and signal communication, reducing the number of separate components that would need to be manufactured and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses frequency modulation to encode control signals within the power transmission electromagnetic field. By varying the frequency or phase of the electromagnetic induction, the system transmits both power and control information through the same physical medium, simplifying the manufacturing requirements compared to adding separate communication channels.
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
Ensures uninterrupted electrical energy supply and control signal transmission, enhancing the stability and performance of model cars by eliminating contact interruptions and allowing for a simple, unchanged track structure.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer arrangement with a primary element and a secondary element for contactless energy transmission from the roadway to the model car, with the primary element of the transformer arrangement being the power rail and the model car being the secondary element of the transformer arrangement for coupling in the energy generated by the primary element has electromagnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a model car racetrack (2), comprising at least one model car (10) which is guided along a lane (6a, 6b), a roadway (4) which defines the lane (6a, 6b), wherein the roadway (4) has at least one busbar (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which extends in the direction of the lane (6a, 6b), and a transformer arrangement (16) comprising a primary element (18) and a secondary element (20) for contact-free energy transmission from the roadway (4) to the model car (10), wherein the busbar (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) is the primary element (18) of the transformer arrangement (16) and the model car (10) comprises the secondary element (20) of the transformer arrangement (16) for coupling in the electromagnetic field which is produced by the primary element (18).