Dual-Mode Road-Rail Vehicle with Side Stabilizer Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation systems face challenges such as high environmental impact, inefficiencies in fuel and energy use, and the need for improved safety and convenience, particularly in transitioning between road and rail travel modes, while also addressing the limitations of existing autonomous vehicles and commuter vehicle disposal and procurement issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode transportation system with tracks featuring support rails and side stabilizers that allow vehicles to transition seamlessly between road and rail travel, using dual-flanged wheels or side rollers for lateral guidance, and incorporating power provision through the tracks for electric operation, enabling autonomous control and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vehicles operate only on roads, then ease of operation is maintained, but environmental damage increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with dual-mode capability, incorporating both road wheels and rail wheels that can engage with either road surfaces or rail tracks. This multi-functional design allows the same vehicle to operate on both roads and rails, reducing environmental damage through efficient rail travel while maintaining the flexibility to use roads when necessary.
2Use of energy by moving object
If vehicles transition between road and rail modes, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a dynamic wheel assembly where rail wheels can be raised or lowered relative to road wheels. When on roads, only road wheels contact the surface; when transitioning to rails, the rail wheels are lowered to engage with the track. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables energy-efficient rail travel while managing structural complexity through controlled mobility of wheel components.
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are deployed, then productivity increases, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle incorporates self-stabilization mechanisms including gyroscopic sensors and automated balance control systems that continuously monitor and adjust the vehicle's position. When transitioning between road and rail modes, the system autonomously manages wheel engagement and body orientation, ensuring safety through self-correcting mechanisms while maintaining high transportation productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for transporting people and goods with two support rails plus a side stabilizer mechanism associated with one or both rails. The side stabilizer is employed to provide lateral stability and keep a vehicle's rail wheels on the support rails. The side stabilizer may be a protruding bar or a recessed groove. This track system enables vehicles to change support rails at a junction with stationary non-switching rails. Rail wheels roll over the support rails and support the weight of the vehicle while on the rails. Interior side rollers contact the interior of the bar side stabilizer and maintain the vehicle's rail wheels centered over the support rails. Exterior side rollers contact an exterior of one of the bar side stabilizers and forces the vehicle to stay on the current track or to change to a different track. Recessed grooves and dual-flange wheels can alternately provide side stabilization. At track junctions the vehicle can change direction, pass other vehicles, change lanes, turn-around, and load or unloading passengers or freight. This track system may be integrated with a conventional road system or with a controlled-access (autobahn/interstate) highway system. Optional road wheels allow the vehicle to exit the track system and travel on conventional roads, or dual-mode road/rail wheels can be used for travel on both track and pavement. An automatic traffic control system controls traffic on the track system and enables self-driving vehicles. Powering for the vehicles can be provided by the track system. The system can be miniaturized and used for the model/toy market.