Wheel-In-Track Guideway Switching With Neutral And Switch Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid transit systems face complexity in switching mechanisms, leading to increased costs, reduced reliability, and limited speed and braking ability due to the use of steered wheels and complex switching rails.
Innovation Solution
A guideway and vehicle system with a bogie that utilizes neutral and switch guide rails, allowing vehicles to switch tracks smoothly through a switch guideway, ensuring continuous coupling and preventing derailments, with the bogie's switch axle engaging neutral or switch rails for seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steered wheels are used for switching, then vehicles can switch from track to track, but design complexity increases and speed/braking ability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of steering the wheels to change direction, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the wheels fixed and steering the track itself through switch rails. The vehicle's wheel assembly remains stationary relative to the vehicle body, while the rail configuration changes to guide the vehicle onto different tracks, thereby reducing vehicle complexity while maintaining switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switch rails as an intermediary element between the vehicle and the track system. These switch rails act as a mediator that redirects the vehicle by changing their own configuration rather than requiring the vehicle to actively steer, thus simplifying the vehicle's mechanical complexity while enabling track switching
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching rails are used, then track switching is enabled, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching system is segmented into modular components: fixed wheel assemblies on the vehicle, neutral guide rails for normal operation, and switch rails for track changing. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, dedicated function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the track, guide the vehicle during normal operation, and form switching paths when configured as switch rails. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby lowering system complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex switching systems are used, then track switching is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism operates passively through the vehicle's momentum and the mechanical configuration of the rails. The vehicle's weight and motion automatically engage the appropriate switch rail configuration, eliminating the need for complex active control systems, motors, or sensors, thereby significantly improving reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid transit system with wheel in track design includes a guideway, a vehicle that includes a vehicle bogie or chassis that couples to the guideway, and one or more terminals and/or intermediate stations. The guideway may include a first guideway and a second guideway, with a switch guideway interposed thereinbetween that allows the vehicle to move from the first guideway to the second guideway or vice versa. The vehicle may be coupled to the guideway via the vehicle bogie. The bogie may have a first axle, a second axle, and a third axle. First and second sets of guidewheels propel the vehicle forward or backward. The first set of switch wheels and/or the second set of switch wheels may be engaged and interact with one or more first or second neutral rails or first and second switch rails to move the vehicle from guideway to guideway.