Rail-Integrated Waveguide for Secure Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rail-guided vehicle systems are limited in handling higher and more complex data streams, and existing data transmission methods are not secure against eavesdropping and require additional effort.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a slotted waveguide area within the rail part for data transmission, allowing data streams from vehicles to be coupled and decoupled securely through antennas, with the rail part also serving as a monorail system and incorporating a secondary winding for inductive energy supply, reducing friction and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio waves or leaky waveguide are used for data transmission, then data can be transmitted, but the transmission is not secure against eavesdropping and requires additional infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is integrated directly into the rail part, combining the mechanical support function with the data transmission function. The rail part serves dual purposes: supporting the vehicle mechanically and guiding electromagnetic waves for secure data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for separate waveguide infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail part is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical support structure for the vehicle and as a waveguide for data transmission. This universal structure reduces device complexity by eliminating dedicated data transmission infrastructure while maintaining security through waveguide confinement.
2Productivity
If separate waveguide infrastructure is added for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide functionality is merged into the existing rail part structure. By forming the waveguide area within the rail part itself, the patent achieves high data transmission capability without requiring separate waveguide installation, thereby reducing device complexity and installation effort.
3Speed
If rolling contact is used between wheels and rail, then vehicle can be moved, but friction increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rolling contact with magnetic levitation. The vehicle is suspended magnetically above the rail part, eliminating physical contact and friction. This substitution maintains vehicle movement capability while significantly extending service life by removing wear-related degradation.
4Duration of action of moving object
If inductive supply is used for energy transmission, then friction is reduced, but mutual interference with data stream can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rail part into functionally separated areas: a first waveguide area for data transmission and a second area for inductive energy supply. This spatial segmentation prevents mutual interference between data and energy streams while maintaining the benefits of frictionless magnetic levitation and inductive power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rail part are assigned different functions with optimized local properties. The waveguide area is designed with electromagnetic wave guidance characteristics for secure data transmission, while the energy supply area is configured for efficient inductive coupling, ensuring each function operates without interfering with the other.
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
Enables secure, efficient, and continuous data transmission from vehicles to stationary units without additional infrastructure, reducing service interference and maintaining functionality in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide area with a closed profile and continuous through the rail part in the direction of the rail is integrally formed for data transmission by excitation of at least one mode of the waveguide area
Implementation Method 2
a data stream coming from the vehicle is coupled into the slot waveguide area via the antenna part protruding into the slot
Implementation Method 3
the rail part includes rolling areas for wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system with a track-guided vehicle (13), at least one waveguide area being integrally formed on the rail part, in particular, in order to transfer data by exciting at least one mode of the waveguide area.