Predictive Suspension for Contactless Traction Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transportation vehicles using contactless traction engines face challenges in maintaining optimal separation distance from traction surfaces to avoid damage and vibration, as existing suspension systems have limited reaction time and are ineffective in predicting surface unevenness at high velocities.

Innovation Solution

A predictive suspension system that collects and processes data on traction surface profiles to provide advance control of traction engines and suspension actuators, combined with a coupled suspension system that dynamically adjusts traction engine position and power based on real-time sensor readings, and a torquing vehicle system that allows for orientation adjustments along roll, pitch, and yaw axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the separation distance between traction engine and traction surface is reduced to improve traction force, then the traction force increases, but the risk of damage from surface unevenness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction forceVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The predictive suspension system performs preliminary scanning of the traction surface to identify upcoming irregularities before the vehicle reaches them. This advance detection allows the control system to prepare appropriate suspension adjustments, maintaining optimal separation distance while avoiding damage from surface unevenness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the actual separation distance between the traction engine and traction surface using sensors, and feeds this information back to the control system. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of the separation distance to maintain optimal traction while preventing damage from excessive proximity to uneven surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the separation distance is increased to avoid damage from surface unevenness, then the reliability improves, but the traction force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage avoidanceVSAvoidtraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system dynamically adjusts the separation distance between the traction engine and traction surface based on real-time surface conditions and vehicle state. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain close proximity for optimal traction on smooth surfaces while increasing separation when surface irregularities are detected, thus avoiding damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional suspension systems are used with limited reaction time, then the system complexity is low, but the system cannot effectively predict surface unevenness at high velocities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension system complexityVSAvoidprediction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The predictive suspension system performs preliminary scanning of the traction surface using sensors positioned ahead of the traction engine. This advance scanning provides early warning of upcoming surface irregularities, giving the control system sufficient reaction time to adjust the suspension and maintain optimal separation distance even at high velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of surface conditions and vehicle response, allowing real-time adjustments to suspension parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing surface conditions and maintain effective control at high speeds where traditional systems would be too slow to respond.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution reduces energy consumption, minimizes vehicle vibration, and enhances safety by anticipating obstacles and surface irregularities, while maintaining proximity to the traction surface, thereby improving passenger comfort and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

the vertical levitation traction engines are configured to provide levitation through vertical attraction with the first traction surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Implementation Method 2

the lateral levitation traction engines are configured to provide electrodynamic lateral forces through lateral attraction with the lateral traction surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrodynamic forces: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

the at least one torquing traction engine is configured to provide electrodynamic torque through attraction with at least one of the lateral traction surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrodynamic torque: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20220111735A1Vehicle for travelling along a linear route guideway

Publication Date: 2022.04.14 TRANSPOD INC

AI summary

A transport system has: a vehicle; a contactless traction motor secured to the vehicle; a traction surface engageable by the contactless traction motor; an active suspension system operatively connected to the vehicle and operable to vary a distance between the traction surface and the contactless traction motor; and a controller operable to control the contactless traction motor and the active suspension system to control movements of the vehicle along the traction surface.