Space Vehicle Tram Coils for Continuous Motion on Conducting Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic drive systems for space vehicles, such as those used in satellites and spacecraft, face complexity due to the need for either exposed magnets or complex coil systems when applying linear motors to trams on nested rings, which are inefficient and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A movable tram system using field coils instead of magnets, with a DC field excited three-phase AC linear motor, that generates magnetic flux for propulsion and includes control electronics for operation, and mechanical systems for clamping and holding onto conducting tracks, allowing for power and data transfer and device mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If permanent magnets are used in the tram system, then motion capability is improved, but device complexity and stray magnetic fields increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent magnets with an electromagnetic field generation system consisting of a primary coil and motor coils. This substitution eliminates the need for complex magnet arrangements while maintaining motion capability through electromagnetic interaction between the coils and conducting track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the permanent magnets from the system, replacing them with a coil-based electromagnetic drive system. This removal reduces device complexity and stray magnetic fields while preserving the essential motion function through controlled electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If coils are placed on one side and magnets on the other, then electromagnetic drive function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to large number of exposed magnets or complex coil systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive functionVSAvoidcoil and magnet arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple coils into a coordinated system where the primary coil and motor coils work together. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the electromagnetic drive function, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical arrangement of magnets and coils with a simplified electromagnetic system where coils generate the necessary fields interactively with the conducting track, eliminating the need for physical magnets and complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If traditional linear motors are used, then electromagnetic drive is achieved, but continuous motion capability and power efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic driveVSAvoidcontinuous motion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous motion by using a conducting track that extends continuously and coils that can be sequentially activated along the track. This allows the tram to maintain continuous electromagnetic interaction and motion without interruption, improving duration of action compared to traditional linear motor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of the primary coil and motor coils to optimize power consumption and maintain efficient operation during continuous motion. The system can adjust coil activation patterns to match motion requirements, improving overall power efficiency and continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides efficient, continuous motion for trams on space vehicles, reducing stray magnetic fields and enabling power and data transfer while minimizing complexity and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

A DC field excited three-phase AC linear motor tram system using field coils instead of magnets, with a primary coil and motor coils wound around armature teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

DC field excited three-phase AC linear motor tram system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

control electronics configured to perform motor commutation and control operation of the movable tram

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical commutation:

Implementation Method 4

a mechanical system configured to hold the tram on the conducting track when the primary coil and the motor coils are not powered on

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS12617558B2Tram systems for space vehicles

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Tram systems for space vehicles are movable thereon. When the space vehicle is a nested ring cell, for example, the structural ring portion of the design may be mostly or completely passive and contain conducting parts, such as electrical steel. The moving trams may use field coils instead of magnets to generate the magnetic flux to propel the tram. Additional coils on the tram may steer the magnetic flux to generate the forward or reverse thrust forces. These coils may also add the overall motive flux.