Multi-layered Transport Network Design for UAM Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating a new Urban Air Mobility (UAM) transport network into existing multi-layered transport networks in densely populated regions poses challenges in designing a physical network structure that offers efficient and reliable transportation for passengers and goods, while ensuring robustness and efficiency of the multimodal transport network.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that optimizes the multimodal communicability measure by adapting active edges of at least one layer of the transport network, thereby generating an optimized transport network design that integrates a new UAM network layer with existing transport systems, enhancing robustness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a new UAM transport network layer is integrated into existing multi-layered transport networks, then transportation efficiency and reliability are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport network is divided into multiple independent layers (ground transport layer and air transport layer), each operating with its own edges and nodes. This segmentation allows the new UAM layer to be integrated without completely redesigning the existing network, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding an air transport layer above the existing ground transport layer. This dimensional expansion provides additional transportation pathways without disrupting the ground-level infrastructure, enabling improved efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through vertical separation.
2Reliability
If multiple transport layers are integrated to maximize available routes, then robustness is improved, but the risk of cascading errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into independent layers with separate edge sets, failures in one layer (e.g., ground transport disruptions) cannot automatically propagate to other layers (e.g., air transport). This segmentation isolates errors and prevents cascading failures while maintaining multiple routes for robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary connection points between layers that allow controlled interaction. These intermediaries enable route diversification and robustness through multiple pathways while acting as buffers that prevent direct transmission of errors between layers, thereby reducing cascading failure risks.
3Device complexity
If single-path routes are used to simplify network design, then device complexity is reduced, but bottleneck risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the simplicity-versus-robustness contradiction by adding a vertical dimension through the air transport layer. This provides alternative pathways (shortest path vs. alternative paths) without requiring complex multi-layer ground networks, thereby avoiding bottlenecks while maintaining relatively simple layer designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the topological parameters of the network by introducing new edges and nodes in the air transport layer. This parameter modification creates diverse routing options (multiple paths between origin and destination) that eliminate single-path bottlenecks while keeping individual layer designs simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for designing a multimodal transport network, the method comprising steps of generating an optimized transport network design by optimizing a multimodal communicability measure by adapting active edges of at least one of the layers of the transport network; and outputting the optimized transport network design.