Patent Description:
When traveling at low speeds or stopped, hyperloop vehicles do not levitate, but are instead supported by a wheeled support system. Like aircraft landing gear, the support system reciprocates between a retracted (stowed) position and an extended (deployed) position. When the vehicles are levitated, the support system is retracted, and the wheels do not contact the ground. When the vehicles are traveling at low speeds or stopped, the support system is extended so that the wheels of the support system contact a ground surface to support the vehicles.

Because the low-pressure environment required by a hyperloop vehicle is not suitable for passengers and some cargo, either (<NUM>) the hyperloop vehicle must be provided with an ambient pressure (pressurized) environment when loading or unloading, or (<NUM>) a passageway must be provided between the hyperloop vehicle and an ambient pressure area, i.e., an area outside of the evacuated docking station. Moving the hyperloop vehicle from to an ambient pressure area of the station and then returning the hyperloop vehicle to an evacuated area is inefficient. Similarly, pressurizing and then evacuating the docking station is also inefficient and time-consuming. Exemplary embodiments of docking station for hyperloop vehicles are disclosed in <CIT> the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Providing a passageway is problematic because a rigid connection is required between the passageway and the hyperloop vehicle in order to prevent pressurized air in the passageway and the vehicle from venting into the docking station. However, because the hyperloop vehicle is a "sprung" mass, i.e., the interface between the hyperloop vehicle and the ground includes spring and damper elements, the hyperloop vehicle tends to rise and fall with changes to the overall mass of the hyperloop vehicle. Such changes in mass can occur due to passenger loading/offloading, cargo loading/offloading, servicing various components of the hyperloop vehicle, or other events or combinations thereof.

<CIT> discloses a chamber comprising at least one sealable doorway located on its side, and two ends each having a sealable opening <NUM>, <NUM> for permitting passage of a vehicle <NUM>. The pressure in the chamber may be variable. The chamber may connect two air evacuated low-pressure passageways, have sealable doorways on each of two of its sides, and be elongate and cylindrical.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic suspension conveyor system, this system includes: magnetism floats module, track, linear electric motor and passive form maglev train, and wherein, magnetism floats the module, includes: be the permanent magnet module of concave arc shape structure down, the top surface and the bottom surface of concave arc shape structure have lower concave arc shape face down, and the side is vertical face, the quantity that magnetism floated the module is two sets of, and two sets of magnetism float module setting in passive form maglev train's bottom, linear electric motor includes: linear electric motor stator, linear electric motor active cell, the linear electric motor stator, along passive form maglev train's advancing direction, the road surface central point who installs railway roadbed in as ready capable tunnel puts, orbital quantity is two sets of, and the both sides at the linear electric motor stator are evenly arranged to two sets of tracks.

<CIT> discloses a be provided with vomitorium's vacuum high speed train system, including vacuum pipe, high speed train, access & exit, telescoping device and with telescoping device through connections's atmospheric pressure regulator, the telescoping device includes sealed flexible passageway, and the drive sealed flexible passageway with high speed train's the accurate seals and docking's of door mouth drive arrangement, the access & exit of the lateral wall of vacuum pipe with high speed train's door mouth all is provided with sealing door.

The subject matter disclosed herein provides a reliable method of docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle that prevents uncommanded vehicle motion relative to the docking platform. This, in turn mitigates the potential that a sudden loss of sealing occurs between the pressurized interior of the passageway/hyperloop vehicle and the evacuated docking station environment.

A first representative embodiment of a method for docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle in a station includes the step of extending a support system to a first position, wherein the support system engages a surface to support the hyperloop vehicle at a first elevation. The method further includes the steps of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position and engaging a coupler to fixedly position the hyperloop vehicle relative to a docking platform.

In the aforesaid embodiment, the step of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position includes retracting the support system to a second position to lower the vehicle to a second elevation.

In any embodiment, the step of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position further includes sensing an elevation of the hyperloop vehicle and comparing the sensed position to the predetermined docking position.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of retracting the support system to a third position after the hyperloop vehicle is fixedly positioned relative to the docking platform so that the support system does not support the hyperloop vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of extending a walkway towards the vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of sealingly coupling the walkway to the vehicle so that an interior portion of the walkway is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the hyperloop vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of disengaging the walkway from the vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of extending the support system to the second position.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of disengaging the coupler.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of extending the support system to the first position.

A further embodiment of a method of docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle includes the steps of moving a hyperloop vehicle in a first tube towards a docking station and deploying a support system to a first position, the support system engaging a surface to support the vehicle at a first elevation. The method further includes the steps of taxiing the hyperloop vehicle into the docking station and moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position. The support system is retracted to a second position to lower the hyperloop vehicle to a second elevation, and the hyperloop vehicle is fixedly positioned relative to a fixed portion of the docking station.

In any embodiment, the step of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position includes lowering the hyperloop vehicle to a second elevation.

In any embodiment, the step of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position further includes sensing an elevation of the hyperloop vehicle and comparing the sensed position to a predetermined docking position.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of retracting the support system after the hyperloop vehicle is rigidly positioned relative to the docking platform.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the steps of extending a walkway toward the hyperloop vehicle and sealingly coupling the walkway to the hyperloop vehicle so that an interior portion of the walkway is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the hyperloop vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of disengaging the walkway from the hyperloop vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of extending the support system to at least partially support the hyperloop vehicle.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the step of releasing the hyperloop vehicle from being fixedly positioned relative to the fixed portion of the docking station.

In any embodiment, the method further includes the steps of extending the support system to raise the hyperloop vehicle to the first elevation and taxiing the hyperloop vehicle out of the docking station.

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Examples of methods and configurations for docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle are set forth below according to technologies and methodologies of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle in a station includes the step of extending a support system to a first position, wherein the support system engages a surface to support the hyperloop vehicle at a first elevation. The method further includes the steps of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position and engaging a coupler to fixedly position the hyperloop vehicle relative to a docking platform.

Referring now to <FIG>, a representative embodiment of a docking station <NUM> for a hyperloop vehicle <NUM> according to the present disclosure is shown. An entrance tube <NUM> is in fluid communication with a first end of the docking station <NUM>, and an exit tube <NUM> is in fluid communication with a second end of the docking station <NUM>. The tubes <NUM> and <NUM> and the interior of the docking station <NUM> are evacuated and maintained at low air pressure.

A guide channel <NUM> extends along the floor of the station from the entrance tube <NUM> to the exit tube <NUM> and separates docking platforms <NUM> positioned on opposite sides of the station <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the channel <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> extending vertically up from the base <NUM> to the docking platforms <NUM>. When the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is at the docking station <NUM>, a support system <NUM>, e.g., landing gear, is extended so that wheels <NUM> contact the base portion <NUM> of the channel <NUM> to support the hyperloop vehicle. At the same time, the support system <NUM> is at least partially disposed between the sidewalls <NUM> of the channel <NUM> so that the sidewalls guide the support system and the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> as the hyperloop vehicle taxis through the docking station <NUM>. Taxiing may be enabled by one or more motor-driven wheels within the support system <NUM>, by external vehicle level systems, or by any other configuration suitable for driving the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> when at least partially supported by the support system <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support system <NUM> includes a plurality of struts <NUM>. <FIG> shows an embodiment of a deployable and retractable shock absorbing strut <NUM> suitable for use as part of a support system for a hyperloop vehicle. The strut <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein. The strut <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> configured to be pivotably mounted to a vehicle (not shown), such as an aircraft or a hyperloop vehicle. A shock absorber <NUM> extends through an aperture in the housing <NUM> and includes a cylinder <NUM> and a piston <NUM> slidingly engaged with the cylinder. The piston <NUM> is pivotably connected to a ground engaging assembly <NUM> that includes a pair of wheels <NUM> rotatably mounted to an axle <NUM> positioned at one end of a trailing arm body <NUM>. A pivot pin <NUM> is positioned at the other end of the trailing arm body <NUM> and rotatably couples the trailing arm body to the vehicle. A torsion link assembly <NUM> maintains the rotational position of the trailing arm body <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> about the longitudinal axis of the piston <NUM>.

The cylinder <NUM> includes an external screw thread <NUM> that engages an internal screw thread formed in the aperture of the housing <NUM>. A motor <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM> and is configured to selectively rotate the cylinder <NUM> to move the ground engaging assembly <NUM> axially with respect to the housing. That is, by rotating the cylinder <NUM> in first and second directions, the shock absorber axially reciprocates the ground engaging assembly <NUM> between an extended (deployed) position, a retracted (stowed) position, or any position in between.

It will be appreciated that the disclosed strut is exemplary only, and various alternate embodiments are possible for use with the support system for a hyperloop vehicle. In an embodiment, the strut includes braking wheels, driven wheels, or both to decelerate the vehicle (using brakes and/or wheel drives) and/or to accelerate the vehicle (using wheel drive). In other embodiments, the extension and retraction of the strut is driven by an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or any other suitable actuator or combination of actuators.

It will further be appreciated that the support system <NUM> is not limited to a particular configuration. Nonlimiting examples of alternate embodiments include support systems with different numbers of wheels, struts, wheel locations, extension/retraction mechanisms, and combinations thereof. In this regard, any suitable support system that selectively moves between a first position, in which the hyperloop vehicle is supported on wheels, and a second position, in which the support system does not support the hyperloop vehicle, may be utilized and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring back to <FIG>, the docking station <NUM> includes one or more walkways <NUM> located along the walls of the docking station <NUM>. To couple the walkway <NUM> to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>, the walkway first extends from the wall until it contacts the hyperloop vehicle. The walkway <NUM> attaches to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> to form an airtight seal therebetween. With the walkway <NUM> sealed to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>, the walkway is pressurized, and a vehicle door corresponding to the end of the walkway is opened, thereby providing a pressurized pathway through the evacuated docking station <NUM> to and from the interior of the hyperloop vehicle.

In operation, the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> travels toward the docking station <NUM> through entrance tube <NUM>. The hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is traveling at a high speed and is levitated in the tube <NUM> with the support system <NUM> retracted so that the wheels <NUM> (<FIG>) are not in contact with any portion of the tube <NUM>. As the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> approaches the docking station <NUM> the speed decreases, and the support system <NUM> extends down to a first extended position, in which the support system contacts the base portion <NUM> of the channel <NUM> (or of a portion of the tube <NUM>) to support the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> at a first elevation. When supported at the first elevation, the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is positioned above the platforms <NUM>. As the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> moves through the docking station <NUM>, the sidewalls <NUM> of the channel <NUM> guide the support system <NUM> and, therefore, the hyperloop vehicle.

Referring now to <FIG>, one or more sensors <NUM> are positioned on the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> and are operably coupled to a control circuit or controller <NUM>. The sensors <NUM> sense the position of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> within the docking station <NUM> and transmit corresponding signals to the controller <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the illustrated sensor configuration is exemplary only and should not be considered limiting. In this regard, the sensors may be proximity sensors, i.e., sensors that sense the position of an object without making physical contact, such as optical sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, etc. Other embodiments include contact sensors, or any other sensor or group of sensors configured to sense the position of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. It will further be appreciated that the number and location of sensors may vary, and such variations should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

The controller <NUM> receives signals from the sensors <NUM> and is programmed to determine if the position of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> corresponds to a predetermined docking position. In an embodiment, the controller controls a drive system of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> to stop the hyperloop vehicle from moving forward when the hyperloop vehicle reaches the predetermined docking position. In another embodiment, the controller is programmed to activate a signal to signal an operator that the hyperloop vehicle has reached the predetermined docking position.

A coupler <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> attached to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. More specifically, the first portion <NUM> is attached to a portion of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> that is to remain in a fixed position relative to the docking platform <NUM> when the hyperloop vehicle is docked. In one embodiment, the first portion <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> is attached to the capsule <NUM> of the hyperloop vehicle. The coupler <NUM> further includes a second portion <NUM> attached to the platform <NUM> or another fixed portion of the docking station <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second portion <NUM> is attached to a sidewall <NUM> or the base <NUM> of the channel <NUM>. In another embodiment, the second portion <NUM> is attached to any suitable structure that maintains a fixed position relative to the platform <NUM>.

With the support system <NUM> in the first extended position to maintain the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> at the first elevation, the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> are disengaged from each other, and the hyperloop vehicle moves forward until the position of the hyperloop vehicle corresponds to a predetermined docking position. When the controller <NUM> receives a signal from the sensor(s) <NUM> that the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is in the predetermined docking position, the controller controls the drive system of the hyperloop vehicle to prevent further forward motion.

<FIG> shows the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> at a second elevation, rigidly positioned relative to the platform <NUM> of the docking station <NUM> by a plurality of couplers <NUM>. After the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> reaches the predetermined docking position of <FIG>, the support system <NUM> retracts to a second position so that the hyperloop vehicle is lowered to a second elevation. In one embodiment, movement of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> from the first elevation to the second elevation engages the first portion <NUM> of each coupler <NUM> with the second portion <NUM> of the corresponding coupler to rigidly position the hyperloop vehicle relative to the platform <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>. In another embodiment, the support system <NUM> moves the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> to the second elevation, and then the first portion <NUM> of each coupler <NUM> engages the corresponding second portion <NUM> of the coupler to rigidly position the hyperloop vehicle relative to the platform <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>.

With the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> positioned at the second elevation and the coupler rigidly positioning the hyperloop vehicle relative to the platform <NUM> of the docking station <NUM>, the support system <NUM> retracts further to a third position shown in <FIG>. In the third position, the support system <NUM> has retracted so that the wheels <NUM> of the support system are no longer in contact with the base <NUM> of the channel <NUM>. As a result, the weight of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is fully supported by the couplers <NUM> and not by the support system <NUM>. The walkway <NUM> extends to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> and forms a sealed connection with an outer surface of the hyperloop capsule <NUM>.

Because the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is rigidly supported by the couplers <NUM> instead of the support system <NUM>, the hyperloop vehicle is not a sprung load. Thus, the elevation of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> does not change in reaction to changes to the mass of the hyperloop vehicle, as is the case when the hyperloop vehicle is supported by the support system <NUM>. In addition to preventing undesired motion due to loading and unloading, the couplers <NUM> also ensure that undesired vehicle loading and/or motion will not occur due to a malfunction of the landing gear or other associated components when the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is docked. By preventing unwanted movement of the docked hyperloop vehicle <NUM> relative to the platform <NUM>, the disclosed system mitigates the risk that the seal between the walkway <NUM> and the hyperloop vehicle is unintentionally disrupted, thereby preventing unwanted and potentially dangerous depressurization of the walkway and hyperloop vehicle.

To undock the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>, the docking procedure is reversed. First, walkway <NUM> is disengaged from the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> and returned to the retracted position. The support system <NUM> is then lowered to the second position, shown in <FIG>, so that the wheels <NUM> contact the base <NUM> of the channel <NUM>, and at least a portion of the weight of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is supported by the support system <NUM>. The couplers <NUM> are then uncoupled, i.e., the first portion <NUM> of each coupler disengages with the corresponding second portion <NUM> the coupler. Next, the support system <NUM> extends to the first position, thereby raising the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> to the first elevation shown in <FIG>. With the support system <NUM> in the first position, the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is fully supported by the support system.

The hyperloop vehicle <NUM>, now supported by the support system <NUM>, moves along the channel <NUM> toward the exit tube <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The hyperloop vehicle <NUM> moves into the exit tube <NUM> and accelerates to a cruising speed. As the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> accelerates, the hyperloop vehicle begins to levitate, and the support system <NUM> retracts to a stowed position.

<FIG> shows a representative embodiment of a method <NUM> for docking a hyperloop vehicle <NUM> in a docking station according to the present disclosure. The method <NUM> starts by proceeding to block <NUM>, in which the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> approaches the docking station <NUM>. The method then proceeds to block <NUM>, wherein the support system <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> is deployed to contact a ground surface. In block <NUM>, the support system <NUM> extends to a first position. When the support system <NUM> is in the first position, the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is raised to a first elevation.

The method <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, in which the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> taxis toward a docking position. In block <NUM>, the position of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is sensed, and in block <NUM>, a controller <NUM> compares the sensed position to the docking position. If the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> has not reached the docking position, the method returns to block <NUM>, and the hyperloop vehicle continues to taxi toward the predetermined docking position. If it is determined in block <NUM> that the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> has reached the docking position, the method <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the support system <NUM> is retracted to lower the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. The method proceeds to block <NUM> in which the elevation of the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is sensed. In block <NUM>, the sensed elevation is compared to a predetermined second elevation. If the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> has not reached the second elevation, the method <NUM> returns to block <NUM>, and the support system <NUM> continues to retract. If the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> has reached the second elevation, then the method <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the coupler <NUM> is engaged to fixedly position the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> relative to a docking platform <NUM>. The method <NUM> then proceeds to block <NUM>, in which the support system <NUM> is further retracted to disengage the wheels <NUM> of the support system from the ground surface.

In block <NUM>, the walkway <NUM> in the docking station is extended to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. Then, in block <NUM>, the walkway <NUM> couples to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. The walkway <NUM> is coupled to the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> such that the walkway sealingly engages the hyperloop vehicle to provide a pressurized passage to and from the pressurized interior of the hyperloop vehicle.

<FIG> shows a representative embodiment of a method <NUM> for undocking a hyperloop vehicle <NUM> that has docked in docking station <NUM> according to the method <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The method <NUM> starts by proceeding to block <NUM>, in which the walkway <NUM> is disengaged from the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the walkway <NUM> is retracted.

The method <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, wherein the support system <NUM> is extended to the second position. In the second position, support system <NUM> contacts the ground surface and at least partially supports the hyperloop vehicle <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the coupler <NUM> is disengaged so that the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is no longer rigidly positioned relative to the docking platform <NUM>, but is instead supported by the support system <NUM>.

The method <NUM> then proceeds to block <NUM>, wherein the support system <NUM> extends to the first position to raise the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> to the first elevation. At block <NUM>, the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> taxis out if the docking position toward the exit tube <NUM>. Finally, at block <NUM>, the support system <NUM> is retracted to disengage the ground surface, at which point the hyperloop vehicle <NUM> is levitated, and the method <NUM> ends.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result. Moreover, some of the method steps can be carried serially or in parallel, or in any order unless specifically expressed or understood in the context of other method steps.

In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The term "about," "approximately," etc., means plus or minus <NUM>% of the stated value.

Throughout this specification, terms of art may be used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.

Claim 1:
A method of docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle(<NUM>), comprising the steps of:
extending a support system (<NUM>) to a first position, the support system (<NUM>) engaging a surface to support the hyperloop vehicle (<NUM>) at a first elevation characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of:
retracting the support system (<NUM>) to a second position to lower the vehicle to a second elevation in order to move the hyperloop vehicle (<NUM>) to a predetermined docking position; and
engaging a coupler (<NUM>) to fixedly position the hyperloop vehicle (<NUM>) relative to a docking platform(<NUM>).