Shaped Blocks for Embedded Electric Lines in Roadways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadways for electric vehicle energy transfer are not robust and require high maintenance, as they are prone to corrosion and damage from dirt, water, and vibrations, especially when used by road vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A route design using pre-fabricated shaped blocks to position and hold electric lines, covered by a robust material like asphalt or concrete, which integrates the blocks and lines into a single layer, reducing maintenance needs and protecting against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric lines are laid directly in the roadway for inductive energy transfer, then energy transfer capability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to corrosion and damage from dirt, water, and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shaped blocks as intermediary elements that hold the electric lines at elevated positions above the roadway surface. These blocks act as a mediator between the electric lines and the harsh environment, preventing direct contact with dirt and water while allowing inductive energy transfer to proceed through the blocks to vehicles traveling on the roadway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the electric lines from a horizontal layout along the ground to a vertical arrangement where lines are positioned above the roadway surface on shaped blocks. This dimensional change elevates the electric lines away from harmful environmental factors while maintaining their functional relationship with moving vehicles.
2Ease of manufacture
If electric lines are exposed on the roadway surface, then installation and maintenance access is improved, but the system becomes prone to damage from vehicle traffic and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the roadway structure into distinct segments: the roadway surface, shaped blocks positioned vertically, and electric lines mounted on the blocks. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and maintained while providing protective separation between the vulnerable electric lines and the traffic-bearing roadway surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped blocks are pre-positioned vertically before the roadway surface is completed, creating a protected pathway for electric lines. This preliminary action ensures that the electric lines are already shielded from environmental damage and traffic effects before the full roadway structure is in place, facilitating future maintenance without requiring roadway disruption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a robust cover material is used to protect electric lines, then durability is improved, but the complexity of integrating blocks and lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shaped blocks and electric lines into a single integrated vertical assembly that functions as one unified structure. The blocks are designed with specific geometries that directly accommodate and secure the electric lines, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware or complex integration steps while maintaining durability against environmental factors.
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 provides a durable and low-maintenance energy transfer system for vehicles, allowing them to drive over the electric lines without disrupting the energy transfer, while protecting against dirt, water, and vibrations, enhancing the robustness and durability of the roadway.
Implementation Method 1
If an alternating electric current flows through the electric lines, an electromagnetic field is produced that induces an electric current in a receiver of a vehicle which is travelling on the driving way.
Data Source
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AI summary
Route for vehicles and method of building the route The invention relates to a route (19a) for vehicles driving on a surface of the route (19a), in particular for road automobiles, wherein: - the route (19a) comprises a plurality of shaped blocks (4) adapted to position and/or to hold a plurality of line sections of one or more electric lines (37a, 37b, 37c), - each shaped block comprises recesses (41, 42) forming spaces and/or projections delimiting spaces for receiving at least one of the line sections, - the electric line or lines (37a, 37b, 37c) extend(s) through the spaces, - the electric line or lines (37a, 37b, 37c) extend(s) along the surface of the route (19a) in and/or about the travelling direction of vehicles which are driving on the route (19a), - the shaped blocks (4) and the electric line or lines (37a, 37b, 37c) are supported by a base layer (31) of the route (19a), - the shaped blocks (4) and the electric line or lines (37a, 37b, 37c) are covered by a cover layer (35) of the route (19a), - the material of the cover layer (35) is also located in regions of the route sideways of the shaped blocks (4) so that the shaped blocks (4) and the cover layer (35) form an integrated layer on top of the base layer (31).