Rotating Passenger Cabin Stabilization for Power-Failure Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger transport systems in rotating cabins face instability issues when the stabilization motor or its power supply fails, leading to undesirable cabin inclinations and discomfort for passengers.

Innovation Solution

A stabilization system incorporating a reversible permanent magnet synchronous machine and a switching circuit that connects the machine to either a power supply for driving or a dissipative ohmic circuit for braking, combined with a friction brake and a coupling mechanism, allows the cabin to return to a stable horizontal position using gravity in case of motor or power failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilization motor is used to control cabin rotation, then the cabin can be stabilized in horizontal position, but the system becomes vulnerable to failure modes that cause significant inclination and passenger discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin horizontal stabilityVSAvoidstabilization system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a friction brake that can be activated in advance to slow down cabin rotation, and by designing the synchronous machine to automatically function as an electromagnetic brake when power is lost. These preventive measures ensure that even if the stabilization motor fails, the cabin's inclination is limited and passengers remain comfortable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of power loss into a beneficial automatic braking function. When electrical power is interrupted, the synchronous machine automatically operates as an electromagnetic brake, converting the potential harm of uncontrolled rotation into a useful deceleration mechanism that maintains cabin stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a friction brake is added to slow down cabin rotation, then safety is improved during motor failure, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during failureVSAvoidstabilization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the synchronous machine to perform multiple functions: it acts as a motor during normal stabilization operation and automatically functions as an electromagnetic brake when power is lost. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate braking components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the braking function with the existing synchronous machine structure. The friction brake is integrated into the stabilization system, and the synchronous machine's electromagnetic characteristics are utilized for braking without requiring a completely separate system, thereby combining multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the synchronous machine is used as an electromagnetic brake during power failure, then automatic stabilization is achieved, but the switching circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic stabilization on failureVSAvoidswitching circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the synchronous machine to automatically transition to electromagnetic braking mode when electrical power is interrupted, without requiring complex control circuits. The machine's inherent electromagnetic characteristics enable it to self-regulate and function as a brake during power failure, eliminating the need for additional switching complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the reference axis is positioned above the cabin floor, then the stabilization system can effectively control cabin orientation, but the cabin design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin orientation controlVSAvoidcabin structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies taking out by extracting the reference axis from the traditional position above the floor and relocating it to the cabin ceiling. This repositioning simplifies the cabin structure by allowing the reference axis to be integrated into the ceiling framework, while maintaining the effectiveness of the stabilization system through the ceiling-mounted ring gear and pinion arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 passenger safety by automatically stabilizing the cabin floor close to horizontal even during motor or power supply failures, reducing passenger discomfort and maintaining operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

a reversible permanent magnet synchronous machine and a switching circuit capable, in a first stage t of switching, in connecting the windings of the synchronous machine to an electric power supply for driving use of the synchronous machine and, in a second switching state, in connecting the windings of the synchronous machine to a dissipative ohmic circuit for use dissipation of the synchronous machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a friction brake to slow down the rotation of the cabin around the axis of reference with respect to the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

use the electromagnetic brake formed by the synchronous machine for gradual braking while the sub-mobile assembly returns to its stable position by gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3862062B1Mobile sub-assembly for receiving and transporting at least one passenger and associated entertainment system
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 POMAGALSKI
  • EP3862062B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3862062B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3862062B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A mobile sub-assembly (30) for receiving and conveying at least one passenger includes a support (20), a cabin (22) and a guide (32) of the cabin (22) relative to the support (20) rotating about a horizontal reference axis (200). The moving sub-assembly (30) is equipped with a stabilization system (36) comprising at least one toothed ring (38) fixed to the support (20), at least one pinion (40), a motor (66) comprising a drive shaft rotating about an axis fixed relative to the cabin (22), a kinematic chain for transmission between the drive shaft and the pinion (40), and a coupling mechanism for guiding the pinion between an engagement position with the toothed ring, in which the first pinion is able to mesh with the first toothed ring (38), and a disengaged position in which the first pinion (40) is at a distance and disengaged from the first toothed ring (38).