NL2021603B1 - Airlock arrangement for a transportation system - Google Patents

Airlock arrangement for a transportation system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
NL2021603B1
NL2021603B1 NL2021603A NL2021603A NL2021603B1 NL 2021603 B1 NL2021603 B1 NL 2021603B1 NL 2021603 A NL2021603 A NL 2021603A NL 2021603 A NL2021603 A NL 2021603A NL 2021603 B1 NL2021603 B1 NL 2021603B1
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
tube
transport
pod
transportation
sealing
Prior art date
Application number
NL2021603A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Kurganova Oleszja
Eduardo Sánchez Pérez José
Lamme Sascha
Wilhelmus Eliza Van Der Meijs Marinus
Original Assignee
Hardt Ip B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hardt Ip B V filed Critical Hardt Ip B V
Priority to NL2021603A priority Critical patent/NL2021603B1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2019/050590 priority patent/WO2020055248A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2021603B1 publication Critical patent/NL2021603B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21F—SAFETY DEVICES, TRANSPORT, FILLING-UP, RESCUE, VENTILATION, OR DRAINING IN OR OF MINES OR TUNNELS
    • E21F17/00—Methods or devices for use in mines or tunnels, not covered elsewhere
    • E21F17/103—Dams, e.g. for ventilation
    • E21F17/107—Dams, e.g. for ventilation inflatable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B61B13/00—Other railway systems
    • B61B13/10—Tunnel systems

Abstract

An arrangement for providing An intermediate sealed off space is provided between an outer sidewall of the transportation pod and an inner sidewall of the transportation tube, by moving the sealing module, connected to at least a first one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod, relative to at least a second one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod. Hence, one or more of the sealing module on one hand and at least one of the pod and the tube may be moved. In the space between the pod and the tube thus sealed off from the rest of the inner space of the tube, doors are provided at the inner wall of the tube and the outer wall of the pod. This allows transfer of goods and people from and into the pod at atmospheric pressure, while low pressure is maintained in the tube.

Description

Title: Airlock arrangement for a transportation system
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to an airlock arrangement for a transportation system, in particular to for loading/unloading a vehicle in a low pressure environment.
BACKGROUND
A hyperloop transportation system comprises a low-pressure transportation tube and a transportation pod which is adapted to travel through the low-pressure transportation tube at high velocity. Due to the low pressure environment inside the tube, drag on the pod is greatly reduced allowing energy efficient travel at high speeds. The transportation pod forms an enclosed pressurised cabin in which cargo and/or passengers can take place to be transported across the tube. In order to board and exit the pod from a platform at a station, an access space between an inner wall of the tube and an outer wall of the pod needs to be transited. This access space forms part of the low-pressure environment of the tube and needs to be sealed off from the remainder of the tube to sustain cabin pressure as well as low tube pressure.
In accordance with the general concept of an airlock system, an intermediate space is provided between a low pressure environment and a high pressure environment. By transfer of any persons or goods to be transferred from one environment to the other, the intermediate space is pressurised to the pressure level of a first environment, allowing people and/or goods to enter or be entered via an opening between the first environment and the intermediate space. The intermediate space is closed and sealed and pressure is equalised to that of the second environment. Finally, an opening is provided between the intermediate space and the second space for people and/or goods to leave the intermediate space. This is a time consuming method of operation.
A system as disclosed by WO2018064351A1 loads and unloads the pod at a terminus of the tube wherein the inner wall of the transportation tube is provided with an O-ring seal between the pod and the tube arranged near the terminus of the tube. The sealed-off access space is in these systems located between a distal end of the pod and the terminus of the tube. A drawback from these systems is that boarding and/or exiting of the pod is only admitted possible at this distal end of the pod.
SUMMARY
It is preferred to provide an airlock arrangement for a transportation system which can provide improved accessibility of the transportation pod. It is also preferred to minimise the volume of the access space.
A first aspect provides an airlock arrangement for a transportation system comprising a transportation tube and a transportation pod adapted to travel through an inner space of the transportation tube. The airlock arrangement comprises a sealing module for sealing-off an access space between a part of the transportation pod on one hand and the transportation tube on the other hand from a remainder of the inner space of the transportation tube, characterised in that the sealing module comprises at least a first sealing member arranged to be extended into and to be withdrawn from an intermediate space between the transportation tube and the transportation pod, wherein, in the extended state, the first sealing member is in sealing contact with at least one of the transportation tube and the pod.
The extendibility of the first sealing member allows for an unobstructed passage of the pod when the first sealing member is at least partly withdrawn from the intermediate space. It furthermore allows to seal-off an access space between the pod and the tube when the fist sealing member is in the extended state. For example, the extendable first sealing member is first partly withdrawn from the intermediate space such that the pod can arrive at the station or any other applicable location without being obstructed by the sealing module.
The sealing module may be in the inner space of the tube, close to the tube wall to allow the transportation pod to pass. When the pod halts at a station, the first sealing member can be extended into the intermediate space between the inner wall of the tube and the outer wall of the pod to come into sealing contact with the pod and/or the tube. The first sealing member seals-off of the access space from a remainder of the inner space of the tube in an airtight fashion. Subsequently, the access space can be pressurised to approximately the same pressure as inside the cabin of the pod and/or the pressure at the station. The access space is preferably pressurised to approximately atmospheric pressure.
After pressurisation of the access space, access ports of the pod and/or the tube, which provide access to the access space from respectively the cabin of the pod and the outer space of the tube, can be opened. In this way, a passage is formed from the platform of the station to the cabin of the pod and vice versa, to allow passengers and cargo to board or exit the pod.
After boarding, the access ports are closed. Prior to departure of the transportation pod from the station, the first sealing member can be at least partly withdrawn from the intermediate space such that first sealing member is disengaged and does not form an obstruction when the pod departs from the station. The first sealing member may still be in the intermediate space between the pod and the tube. It is preferred to depressurise the access space before disengagement of the seal, in order to sustain the low pressure environment in the inner space of the tube.
In an embodiment, the first sealing member may for example comprise an inflatable part. The first sealing member may be extended into the intermediate space between the pod and the tube by inflation of the inflatable part of the first sealing member, and can be withdrawn from the intermediate space by deflation of the inflatable part.
In an embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the airlock is characterised in that, in the extended state, the first sealing member is arranged to seal-off an access space between a part of the transportation pod between a distal end of the transportation pod and a proximal end of the transportation pod on one hand and the transportation tube on the other hand from a remainder of the inner space of the transportation tube in which the proximal end and the distal end of the transportation pod are provided.
The airlock arrangement according to this embodiment allows sealing of an access space between a proximal and distal end of the transportation pod. As such, it provides the opportunity to board and exit of the transportation pod from a platform of a station through a door at the side of the transportation pod. The platform of the station may thus be provided adjacent to the transportation pod with respect to its direction of travel.
Moreover, the airlock arrangement according to this embodiment obviates the need for a station to be at a terminus of the tube. Consequently, bifurcation of the tube is not necessarily required at intermediate stations. Furthermore, side door boarding provides the opportunity to include multiple access ports for more efficient boarding.
To provide access to the interior cabin of the pod an access port can be provided in a part of the wall of the pod between the distal and proximal end of the pod. The access port may be provided with at least one door arranged to open and close the access port.
The distal end of the transportation pod may be the front end or the rear end of the transportation pod. It is to be noted that the proximal end of the transportation pod comprises an end of the transportation pod opposite to the distal end the transportation pod. In order to provide access from the platform of a station to the inner space of the tube, the tube may also be provided with an access port. The access port of the tube is preferably provided with at least one door for opening and closing of access port.
The access port of the transportation pod and the access port of the transportation tube are preferably substantially aligned with respect to one another prior to extension of the first sealing member into the intermediate space between the transportation pod and the transportation tube. In addition, the transportation pod may be provided with multiple access ports, for example on opposite sides of the pod, which allows quick boarding and exiting of the pod, thereby minimising the times between at least two of arrival, disembarking, embarking and departure. Also, the transportation tube may be provided with multiple access ports at a station, wherein the locations and number of access ports correspond to those of the pod.
In an embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the extendable seal further comprises a second sealing member arranged to be extended into and to be withdrawn from the intermediate space, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are provided at a distance from one another along the length of the pod and arranged to provide a first seal and a second seal, respectively, circumferentially around the transportation pod such that the access space is provided at a part of the transportation pod between a distal end of the transportation pod and a proximal end of the transportation pod. With this configuration, the first and second sealing member can be extended in the intermediate space such that the first and second sealing members are wedged between the pod and the tube. This embodiment enhances sealing while simultaneously fixating the pod with respect to the tube.
It furthermore allows to seal-off access spaces, between the first sealing member and the second sealing member, wherein an access area can be provided for providing access to the interior cabin of the transportation pod. The access space is defined between the outer wall of the pod and the inner wall of the tube and in between the two sealing members. In this configuration, the transportation pod can be provided with multiple access areas, for example two access areas on opposite sides of the transportation pod wherein the access areas are situated within the same sealed-off access space.
In another embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the first sealing element is arranged for providing a seal around a perimeter of a pod access area comprising at least a first access port of the transportation pod. This provides a minimal volume access space to be sealed-off such that operating costs of pressurisation and/or depressurisation of the access space is minimised. It is to be understood that the first sealing member can be configured around the perimeter of the access port such that first sealing member extends around substantially the whole access port. As such, the configuration of the first sealing member is not limited to a particular shape.
The perimeter of the access port may have a substantially rectangular shape, and the sealing element may extend around the substantially rectangular perimeter in a circular fashion. It is preferred to have a certain safety margin between the perimeter of the access port and the contact area of the first sealing member with the pod, to anticipate possible misalignments between the first sealing member and the access port.
In another embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the first sealing element is arranged for providing a seal around a perimeter of a tube access area comprising at least a first access port of the transportation tube. When the transportation pod arrives at the station it is preferred that the access port of the tube is substantially aligned with the access port. It is also preferred that the access port of the tube and the access port of the pod are of substantially similar shape. When the pod is at a station, it is preferred that the extendable seal is configured around a perimeter of the access port of the pod as well as around the access port of the tube.
A further embodiment of the airlock arrangement according to the invention is characterised in that the airlock arrangement further comprises an air flow control module for at least one of supplying air to and withdrawing air from the access space. Sudden elimination of the low pressure environment within the sealed-off access space, especially in the vicinity of people is undesirable and may be dangerous. It is therefore preferred to pressurise the sealed-off access space prior to opening of an access port of the tube or pod by means of an air flow control module. The air flow control module may be part of the transportation pod, such that a single air flow control module can be used for every station the pod calls.
The air flow control module may also be a part of the transportation tube, to reduce the weight of the transportation pod. Optionally the air flow control module may comprise an optionally prepressurised chamber arranged to be pressurised during transit of the pod. After the access space is sealed-off the access space can be quickly pressurised by fluidly connecting the pre-pressurised chamber with the access space. Optionally, the air flow control unit may be arranged to inflate a part of the first and/or second sealing member to enhance sealing and/or to extend the first and/or second sealing member into the intermediate space between the outer wall of the transportation pod and the inner wall of the transportation tube.
When the sealed-off access space is brought at approximately atmospheric pressure by means of the air flow control module, for example before boarding the transportation pod at a station, it is preferred to depressurise the access space before departure of the transportation pod.
This can be clone by withdrawing air from the access space by means of the air flow control unit. This is to sustain a low-pressure environment in the internal space of the tube as this is crucial for minimising drag to the pod.
Optionally, the air flow control module may be arranged in the transportation pod such that the air withdrawn from the access space can be used for life support systems and/or air spring suspension systems of the transportation pod. Optionally, the air flow control module comprises a prevacuum chamber arranged to be depressurised for instance during boarding of the transportation pod.
After boarding, when access ports of the pod and/or tube are closed, the access space can be depressurised by fluidly connecting the prevacuum chamber with the access space. This way the depressurisation process of the access space may be accelerated. Optionally, the air flow control unit may be arranged to depressurise a part of the first and/or second sealing member to withdraw and/or extend the first and/or second sealing member in the intermediate space between the outer wall of the transportation pod and the inner wall of the transportation tube.
In a further preferred embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the airlock arrangement further comprises a positioning module arranged to position the outer wall of the transportation pod relative to the inner wall of the transportation tube. Positioning of the pod relative to the tube can be advantageous for aligning an access port of the transportation pod with an access port of the transportation tube. This can minimise the volume of the access space to be sealed-off from a remainder of the tube and can reduce pressurisation and/or depressurisation costs. Furthermore, the positioning module may exert a force onto the sealing module to enhance sealing.
The sealing module can also exert a force on the outer wall of the transportation pod to enhance sealing. As a result of the exerted pressing force of the sealing module, the transportation pod may be pushed away from the tube wall in absence of a counter force. The positioning module may also at least party fixate the pod relative to the tube to provide a counter force. The positioning module, may be comprised by the transportation pod, to position the pod appropriately at any station. The positioning module can for example comprise multiple magnetisable elements.
A first magnetisable element may optionally be provided on the transportation pod and a second magnetisable element can be provided on the inner wall of the tube. The magnetisable elements can position the pod relative to the tube by an attraction and/or repelling force between the element on the pod and the element on the tube wall. The positioning module may also push and/or pull the transportation tube towards the inner wall of the transportation tube to enhance sealing. The positioning module can also be a passive element, such as a protrusion. A protrusion can for example be provided on a side of the transportation pod opposite an the sealing module to form an abutment.
The positioning module may further comprise mechanical mating members. Mechanical mating members can for example be a hook-loop arrangement. The outer wall of the transportation pod can for example be provided with a hook and the inner wall of the transportation tube may be provided with a loop. The hook and loop can be arranged to mate such that a coupling is established between the pod and the tube. As such, the transportation pod can be positioned relative to the transportation tube.
The mechanical mating members may further be provided with an actuator which can exert a force on the mechanical mating members to actively push/or pull the pod towards the tube in order to enhance sealing. The mechanical mating members may further comprise a resilient member, such as a spring element, to allow a certain degree of resilience in the positioning of the pod.
In another embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the airlock arrangement further comprises a locking module for providing a locking engagement between the pod and the tube. The locking module establish a coupling between the inner wall of the transportation tube and the outer wall of the transportation pod to fixate the pod relative to the tube wall. In this way the first sealing member can be extended in the intermediate space between the pod and the tube to engage sealing between the outer wall of the pod and the inner wall of the tube.
Sealing may be enhanced by pressing the first sealing member against the inner wall of the tube and/or the outer wall of the pod wherein the locking module can retain the pod in position relative to the tube wall. The locking module may for example comprise a first locking part provided on the pod and a second locking part provided on the tube wherein the first and second locking parts are arranged to couple to one another to provide a locking engagement between the tube and the pod.
An implementation of the locking module can be a hook/loop arrangement, wherein the pod comprises a first one of a hook and a loop, and wherein the tube comprises a second one of the hook and the loop.
In another embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the first sealing element comprises a resilient member for engaging with at least one of an outer wall of the pod and the inner wall of the tube. When engaged the resilient member can adapt to the contour of the inner wall of the tube and/or outer wall of the pod to seal-off the access space from a remainder of the inner space of the tube in an airtight fashion.
In another embodiment of the airlock arrangement, the first sealing member comprises an inflatable member which extends upon being inflated. This provides effective way of extending and withdrawing the first sealing member into the intermediate space by respectively inflating and deflating the inflatable member.
The inflatable member may be inflated such as to engage with the inner wall of the tube and/or the outer wall of the pod. The inflatable member can adapt to the contour of the inner wall of the tube and/or the outer wall of the pod to engage sealing. Inflation of the inflatable member can be done with a fluid, for example a gas.
In a second aspect, a transportation pod is provided with an airlock arrangement according to the first aspect. This may reduce the number of seals as the airlock arrangement can be reused at every station the pod is calling.
In a third aspect, a transportation tube is provided with an airlock arrangement according to the first aspect. By providing the transportation tube with the airlock arrangement the overall weight of the transportation pod can be reduced.
In a fourth aspect, a transportation system is provided with a transportation pod according to the second aspect, and a transportation tube, wherein the transportation pod is adapted to travel through the inner space of the transportation tube.
In a fifth aspect, a transportation system is provided with a transportation tube according to the third aspect, and a transportation pod, wherein the transportation pod is adapted to travel through the inner space of the transportation tube.
As sixth aspect provides an airlock arrangement for a transportation system comprising a transportation tube and a transportation pod adapted to travel through an inner space of the transportation tube, the arrangement comprising a sealing module for sealing-off an access space between a part of the transportation pod on one hand and the transportation tube on the other hand from a remainder of the inner space of the transportation tube. In the sixth aspect, the arrangement further comprises a positioning module arranged to position the pod relative to the transportation tube such that a first area of the outer wall at a side of the pod is aligned with a second area of the inner wall at a side of the transportation tube and such that the sealing module seals off the access space between the first area and the second area from a further space between the transportation pod and the transportation tube.
Rather than bridging the gap between one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod by moving the sealing module or part thereof, the gap may also be bridged by positioning the transportation pod and a side of the transportation tube relative to one another such that the sealing module seals off a space directly between the two areas from the rest of the inner space of the transportation tube. Preferably, the pod is moved.
This aspect forms one inventive concept with the first aspect in the sense that an intermediate sealed off space is provided between an outer sidewall of the transportation pod and an inner sidewall of the transportation tube, by moving the sealing module, connected to at least a first one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod, relative to at least a second one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod. Hence, one or more of the sealing module on one hand and at least one of the pod and the tube may be moved.
The arrangement according to the sixth arrangement may be employed in the second through fifth aspect specified above, as an alternative to the first aspect. Furthermore, the embodiments and implementations of the first aspect may be implemented to the sixth aspect, to the extend compatible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The various aspects of the invention and embodiments thereof will now be discussed in conjunction with drawings. In the drawings:
Fig. 1A shows the airlock arrangement with the sealing module in an extended state;
Fig. IB shows the airlock arrangement with the sealing module partly withdrawn from the intermediate space;
Fig. 2 shows a top view of the transportation pod provided in the internal space of the transportation tube with two sealing modules provided on opposite sides of the transportation pod;
Fig. 3A shows the airlock arrangement wherein the first sealing member is configured around a perimeter of access port of the transportation pod;
Fig. 3B shows the airlock arrangement wherein the first and second sealing members are configured circumferentially around the transportation pod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1A shows the airlock arrangement with a sealing module 1 comprising a first sealing member 6. The sealing module 1 is in an extended state and comprises a movable part 2 extending partly in the intermediate space between an inner wall of the transportation tube 4 and an outer wall of the transportation pod 5. On a surface of the movable part 2 the first sealing member 6 is provided, wherein the first sealing member 6 is implemented as an inflatable sealing member. The transportation pod 5 comprises an access port 12 comprising a door 13 which can open and close the access port 12 to allow boarding and exiting of the transportation pod 5 through the access port 12. The inflatable first sealing member 6 is arranged around a perimeter of the access port 12 of the transportation pod 5.
The inflatable first sealing member 6 is inflated and in contact with the outer wall of the transportation pod 5 to seal-off an access space 10, preferably in an airtight fashion, between the inner wall of the tube 4 and the outer wall of the pod 5 from a remainder 11 of the inner space of the transportation tube 4. The inflatable first sealing member 6 can be inflated by means of a sealing pump 8.
Upon engagement of the first sealing member 6 the access space 10 can be pressurised by means of an access pump 14. It may also be possible to integrate the access pump 14 and the sealing pump 8 into a single pump. In the wall of the transportation tube 4 there is provided an access port 15 comprising a door 16 to open and close the access port 15. The access port of the transportation pod 12 and the access port of the transportation tube 15 are substantially aligned to minimise the distance between the two access ports 12,15 thereby minimising the volume of the access space 10 to be pressurised and/or depressurised.
In order to align the access port of transportation pod 12 with the access port of the transportation tube 15, the pod 5 can be positioned by means of a magnetisable positioning module 17. The magnetisable positioning module 17 may for example comprise a permanent magnet and/or an electromagnet.
The positioning module 17 is furthermore arranged to push/pull the transportation pod 5 towards the access port of the tube 15 to exert a force on the inflatable first sealing member 6. In Fig. 1A, the pod comprises a first magnetisable element and the tube comprises a second magnetisable element, being arranged such that the first and second magnetisable elements attract. Due to the attractive force the pod 5 is pulled towards the tube wall to position and fixate the pod 5 relative to the tube 4 such that the access ports 12,15 of the pod and the tube are substantially aligned. Moreover, the attractive force enhances sealing between the pod 5 and tube
4.
It may also be possible to position the pod 5 relative to the tube 4 with mechanical positioning module 17. For example, the pod 5 may comprise a first one of a hook and a loop, and the tube may comprise a second one of the hook and the loop. The positioning module 17 can also comprise an actuator arranged to exert a force on the pod 5 such that the pod 5 is forced towards the wall of the tube 4 in order minimise the volume of the access space 10 and/or to enhance sealing.
Optionally, the positioning module 17 can comprise multiple positioning members which can be provided to evenly distribute the pushing/pulling force and/or to exert a greater force onto the first sealing member 6. For example, a further positioning member may be provided at an opposite side of the access port 12 of the pod 5. To enhance sealing, also the inflatable first sealing member 6 can be pressed against the outer wall of the transportation pod 5.
In another embodiment, which may be combined with the previous embodiments of the positions modules, a positioning module may be provided at a side of the pod 5 opposite to where the access ports 12 are provided. In this embodiment, the positioning module actively pushed the pod 5 away from an opposite wall of the tube, which opposite wall is opposite from the wall of the tube in which the access ports 15, 16 are provided. This embodiment may, for example, be further implemented by means of an elongate member like a beam or a rod that may be moved inwardly in the transportation tube 4, from the opposite wall.
The elongate member or elongate members push the pod 5 towards the first sealing member 6 until a space between the access ports 12 of the pod 5 and the access ports 15 of the transportation tube 4 is sealed off from the rest of the inner space of the tube 4. Alternatively or additionally, such elongate members may be moved outside of the pod 5 in the direction of the opposite wall. Locking means for fixing the pod 5 to the tube 4 may be additionally provided, but are not required if the force pushing the pod 5 to the first sealing member 6 provides sufficient frictional force to maintain the pod 5 at its position.
It is noted that in such embodiments, with the availability of the positioning module 17, either with or without fixating elements like magnets, hooks and loops and other, movement of the first sealing member is not an essentiality for providing a sealed space between the access ports 12 of the pod 5 and the access ports 15 of the transportation tube 4.
Before departure of the pod, the doors 13, 16 of the access ports 12, 15 need to be closed, whereupon the access pump 14 may depressurise the access space 10. The depressurisation step of the access space 10 may also be omitted to decrease boarding/exiting time. The access pump 14 can also comprise a pre-vacuum chamber arranged to be depressurised in advance to rapidly depressurise the access space 10. This can for example be done by bringing the pre-vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the access space 10.
Fig. IB shows the airlock arrangement wherein the sealing module 1 is partly withdrawn from the intermediate space between the pod and the tube. In particular, the movable part 2 if the sealing module 1 is partly withdrawn from the intermediate space between the inner wall of the transportation tube 4 and the outer wall of the transportation pod 5, to provide an unobstructed passage for the transportation pod 5. Moreover, the inflatable first sealing member 6 is also partly withdrawn from the intermediate space by being deflated.
It may also be possible to withdraw and/or extend the movable part 2 of the sealing module 1 without deflating the first sealing member 6. The movable part 2 can for example press the first sealing member 6 against the transportation pod 5 to engage sealing. In another implementation, the inflatable first sealing member 6 may be provided on the transportation pod 5, such that the movable part 2 extends from the tube 4 wall towards the pod 5 to come in sealing contact with the first sealing member 6.
Before departure of the pod 5, the movable part 2 may be at least partly withdrawn and/or the inflatable first sealing member 6 can be withdrawn by deflation to disengage the seal and provide an unobstructed passage for the pod 5.
Fig. 2 shows a top view of the airlock arrangement wherein two sealing modules 1 are arranged on opposite sides of the transportation pod
5. A first sealing module 1 is depicted on the right side in Fig. 2 wherein the first sealing module 1 is in the extended state and wherein the seal is engaged.
A further sealing module 1 is depicted on the left side in Fig. 2 wherein the further sealing module 1 is partly withdrawn from the intermediate space. The first sealing module 1 seals-off an access space 10 between the inner wall of the tube 4 on one hand and an outer wall of the pod 5 between a distal 18 end and a proximal end 19 on the other hand. The access space 10 is sealed-off from a remainder of the tube 11 wherein the distal end 18 and the proximal end 19 are provided. As such, the pod 5 can be boarded and exited through a side access port 12 which is provided with a door 13. The inflatable first sealing member 6 is arranged around a perimeter of the access port of the transportation tube 15.
The transportation pod 5 is positioned relative to the transportation tube 4 such that the access ports 12, 15 are substantially aligned by means of magnetisable positioning module 17 arranged on opposite sides of the access ports 12, 15. The pod is also fixated by means of the positioning module 17. A separate locking module may also be provided to lock the pod 5 to the tube 4 in the desired position. The locking module may provide additional safety to the airlock arrangement.
A first part of the positioning module 17A is provided on the movable part 2 of the sealing member 1 and a second part 17B is provided on the outer wall of the transportation pod 5. The first part 17A of the positioning module 17 may also be provided at the inner wall of the transportation tube 4. The positioning module 17 can exert a force on the transportation pod 5 to push/pull the pod towards the inner wall of the transportation tube 4 onto the sealing member 1 to enhance sealing.
Fig. 3A shows a side view of the airlock arrangement wherein the transportation pod 5 is provided at the inner space of the transportation tube 4. The first sealing member 6 is configured around a perimeter of the access port of the tube 12, wherein the access port comprises two doors 13 for opening and closing the doors. In Fig. 3A the first sealing member 6 is configured closely around a contour of the access port 12. It is envisioned that the first sealing member 6 can be configured more widely around the perimeter of the access port 12 to provide a greater degree of tolerance in the alignment of the access port of the pod with respect to the access port of tube 15.
It may also be possible to provide another sealing member around a perimeter of the access space 12, outside of the sealing member 6 with respect to the access space 12, for providing additional safety. This other sealing member may serve as a backup in case the sealing member 6 fails. The access port 12 of the pod is provided at a part of the between a distal end 18 and a proximal end 19 of the pod. The sealing module 1 comprises an inflatable sealing member 6, for sealing off an access space 10 from a remainder of the tube 11 in which the distal 18 and proximal 19 ends are provided.
Fig. 3B shows a side view of the airlock arrangement wherein the transportation pod 5 is provided at the inner space of the transportation tube 4. In Fig. 3B a first sealing member 1A and a second sealing member IB are provided at a distance from one another along the length of the pod 5 and arranged to provide a first seal and a second seal, respectively, circumferentially around the transportation pod 5.
The sealing members 1A, IB both comprise an inflatable sealing member 6A.6B. The inflatable sealing members 6A,6B are substantially parallel to one another, and seal off an access space 10 between the inner wall of the tube 4 and the outer wall of the pod 5. The access space is sealedoff from a remainder of the tube wherein the distal 18 and proximal end 19 of the pod are provided. There may for example be a further access port provided on opposite side of the transportation pod 5 which also is provided in the sealed off access space 10.
In summary, an arrangement for providing an intermediate sealed off space is provided between an outer sidewall of the transportation pod and an inner sidewall of the transportation tube, by moving the sealing module, connected to at least a first one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod, relative to at least a second one of the transportation tube and the transportation pod. Hence, one or more of the sealing module on one hand and at least one of the pod and the tube may be moved. In the space between the pod and the tube thus sealed off from the rest of the inner space of the tube, doors are provided at the inner wall of the tube and the outer wall of the pod. This allows transfer of goods and people from and into the pod at atmospheric pressure, while low pressure is maintained in the rest of the tube.
In the description above, it will be understood that when an element such as layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “onto” another element, the element is either directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. Also, it will be understood that the values given in the description above, are given by way of example and that other values may be possible and/or may be strived for.
Furthermore, the invention may also be embodied with less components than provided in the embodiments described here, wherein one component carries out multiple functions. Just as well may the invention be embodied using more elements than depicted in the Figures, wherein functions carried out by one component in the embodiment provided are distributed over multiple components.
It is to be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention that are given by way of non-limiting examples. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.
The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality.
A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various parameters and values thereof disclosed in the description may be modified 10 and that various embodiments disclosed and/or claimed may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.
It is stipulated that the reference signs in the claims do not limit the scope of the claims, but are merely inserted to enhance the legibility of the claims.

Claims (19)

1. Luchtsluisinrichting voor een transportatiesysteem omvattende een transportatiebuis en een transportatiegondel ingericht om door een binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis te bewegen, de inrichting omvattende een afdichtingsmodule voor afdichten van een toegangsruimte tussen een deel van de transportatiegondel aan de ene kant en de transportatiebuis aan de andere kant vanaf een overblijfsel van de binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis, met het kenmerk dat de afdichtingsmodule ten minste een eerste afdichtingsdeel omvat ingericht om te worden uitgestrekt in en teruggetrokken uit een tussenruimte tussen de transportatiebuis en de transportatiegondel, waarin, in de uitgestrekte staat, het eerste afdichtingsdeel in afdichtend contact is met ten minste een van de transportatiebuis en de transportatiegondel.A transport system airlock device comprising a transport tube and a transport nacelle adapted to move through an inner space of the transport tube, the device comprising a sealing module for sealing an access space between a part of the transport nacelle on one side and the transport tube on the other side from a remnant of the interior of the transport tube, characterized in that the sealing module comprises at least a first sealing member arranged to be extended into and retracted from a gap between the transport tube and the transport nacelle, in which, in the extended state, the first sealing member is in sealing contact with at least one of the transport tube and the transport nacelle. 2. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens conclusie 1, waarin, in de uitgerekte staat, het eerste afdichtingsdeel is ingericht om een toegangsruimte af te sluiten tussen een deel van de transportatiegondel tussen een distaai uiteinde van de transportatiegondel en een proximaal uiteinde van de transportatiegondel aan de ene kant en de transportiebuis aan de andere kant vanaf een overblijfsel van de binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis in welke het proximale uiteinde en het distale uiteinde van de transportatiegondel zijn voorzien.The airlock device of claim 1, wherein, in the stretched state, the first sealing member is arranged to close an access space between a portion of the transportation nacelle between a distal end of the transportation nacelle and a proximal end of the transportation nacelle on one side and the transport tube on the other side from a remnant of the interior of the transport tube in which the proximal end and the distal end of the transport nacelle are provided. 3. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens conclusie 1 of 2, verder omvattende een tweede afdichtingsdeel ingericht om te worden uitgestrekt in en te worden teruggetrokken uit de tussenruimte, waarin het eerste afdichtingsdeel en het tweede afdichtingsdeel zijn voorzien op een afstand van elkaar langs de lengte van de gondel en ingericht om een eerste afdichting een tweede afdichting te voorzien, respectievelijk, circumferentieel rond de transportatiegondel zodanig dat de toegangsruimte is voorzien bij een deel van de transportatiegondel tussen een distaai uiteinde van de transportatiegondel en een proximaal uiteinde van de transportatiegondel.The airlock device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second sealing member arranged to be extended into and retracted from the gap, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are spaced apart along the length of the nacelle and arranged to provide a first seal with a second seal, respectively, circumferentially around the transport gondola such that the access space is provided at a portion of the transport gondola between a distal end of the transport gondola and a proximal end of the transport gondola. 4. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een positioneringsmodule ingericht om de buitenwand van de transportatiegondel te positioneren ten opzichte van de binnenwand van de transportatiebuis.The airlock device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a positioning module arranged to position the outer wall of the transport nacelle relative to the inner wall of the transport tube. 5. Luchtsluisinrichting voor een transportatiesysteem omvattende een transportatiebuis en een transportatiegondel ingericht om door een binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis te bewegen, de inrichting omvattende een afdichtingsmodule voor afdichten van een toegangsruimte tussen een deel van de transportatiegondel aan de ene kant en de transportatiebuis aan de andere kant vanaf een overblijfsel van de binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis, met het kenmerk dat de afdichtingsmodule een eerste afdichtingsdeel omvat en de inrichting verder een positioneringsmodule omvat ingericht om de gondel ten opzichte van de transportatiebuis te positioneren naar een afdichtingspositie zodanig dat:5. Airlock device for a transport system comprising a transport tube and a transport nacelle adapted to move through an inner space of the transport tube, the device comprising a sealing module for sealing an access space between a part of the transport nacelle on one side and the transport tube on the other side from a remnant of the interior of the transport tube, characterized in that the sealing module comprises a first sealing part and the device further comprises a positioning module arranged to position the nacelle relative to the transport tube in such a way that: een eerste oppervlak van de buitenwand aan een zijkant van de gondel is opgelijnd met een tweede oppervlak van de binnenwand aan een zijkant van de transportatiebuis;a first surface of the outer wall on a side of the gondola is aligned with a second surface of the inner wall on a side of the transport tube; en het eerste afdichtingsdeel in afdichtend contact is met ten minste een van de transportatiebuis en de transportatiegondel.and the first sealing member is in sealing contact with at least one of the transport tube and the transport gondola. 6. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens conclusie 5, waarin, in de afdichtingspositie, de afdichtingsmodule de tussenruimte tussen het eerste oppervlak en het tweede oppervlak afdicht van een verdere ruimte tussen de transportatiegondel en de transportatiebuis.The airlock device of claim 5, wherein, in the sealing position, the sealing module seals the gap between the first surface and the second surface from a further space between the transport nacelle and the transport tube. 7. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens conclusie 5 of 6, waarin een eerste deur is voorzien bij het eerste oppervlak en een tweede deur is voorzien bij het tweede oppervlak.Airlock device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a first door is provided at the first surface and a second door is provided at the second surface. 8. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 5-7, waarin de afdichtingsmodule is voorzien op een vaste positie ten opzichte van de transportatiegondel of ten opzichte van de transportatiebuis.Airlock device according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the sealing module is provided at a fixed position relative to the transport nacelle or relative to the transport tube. 9. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 5-8, waarin de positioneringsmodule is ingericht om de gondel te doen bewegen in een richting hoofdzakelijk loodrecht op een bedoelde bewegingsrichting van de gondel.An airlock device according to any one of claims 5-8, wherein the positioning module is arranged to cause the gondola to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to an intended direction of movement of the gondola. 10. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarin het eerste afdichtingselement is ingericht om een afdichting te voorzien rond een buitenrand van een gondeltoegangsgebied omvattende ten minste een eerste toegangspoort van de transportatiegondel.An airlock device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing element is arranged to provide a seal around an outer edge of a gondola access area comprising at least a first access gate of the transport gondola. 11. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarin het eerste afdichtingselement is ingericht voor voorzien van een afdichting rond een buitenrand van een buistoegangsgebied omvattende ten minste een eerste toegangspoort van de transportatiebuis.An airlock device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing element is adapted to be provided with a seal around an outer edge of a tube access area comprising at least a first access port of the transport tube. 12. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een luchtstroomregelmodule voor ten minste een van voorzien van lucht aan en onttrekken van lucht uit de toegangsruimte.An airlock device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an airflow control module for providing at least one of air with and extraction of air from the access space. 13. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, verder omvattende een sluitingsmodule voor voorzien van een sluitende koppeling tussen de gondel en de buis.An airlock device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure module for providing a closure coupling between the nacelle and the tube. 14. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarin het eerste afdichtingselement een veerkrachtig element omvat voor koppelen met ten minste een van een buitenwand van de gondel en de binnenwand van de buis.Airlock device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first sealing member comprises a resilient member for coupling to at least one of an outer wall of the nacelle and the inner wall of the tube. 15. Luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarin het eerste afdichtigingselement een opblaasbaar deel omvat welke uitstrekt wanneer het wordt opgeblazen.The airlock device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing member includes an inflatable member that extends when inflated. 16. Transportatiegondel omvattende een luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 1-15.Transport gondola comprising an airlock device according to any one of claims 1-15. 17. Transportatiebuis omvattende een luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 1-15.Transport tube comprising an airlock device according to any one of claims 1-15. 18. Transportatiesysteem omvattende een transportatiegondel volgens conclusie 16 en een transportatiebuis ingericht om te werken met de luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 1-15, waarin de transportatiegondel is ingericht om te bewegen door een binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis.Transport system comprising a transport gondola according to claim 16 and a transport tube adapted to work with the airlock device according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the transport gondola is adapted to move through an inner space of the transport tube. 19. Transportatiesysteem omvattende een transportatiebuis volgens conclusie 17 en een transportatiegondel, waarin de transportatiegondel is ingericht om te bewegen door een binnenruimte van de transportatiebuis en om te werken met de luchtsluisinrichting volgens een van de conclusies 115.Transport system comprising a transport tube according to claim 17 and a transport gondola, wherein the transport gondola is arranged to move through an inner space of the transport tube and to work with the airlock device according to any one of claims 115.
NL2021603A 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Airlock arrangement for a transportation system NL2021603B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2021603A NL2021603B1 (en) 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Airlock arrangement for a transportation system
PCT/NL2019/050590 WO2020055248A1 (en) 2018-09-11 2019-09-11 Airlock arrangement for a transportation system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2021603A NL2021603B1 (en) 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Airlock arrangement for a transportation system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
NL2021603B1 true NL2021603B1 (en) 2020-05-01

Family

ID=63878768

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
NL2021603A NL2021603B1 (en) 2018-09-11 2018-09-11 Airlock arrangement for a transportation system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NL (1) NL2021603B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020055248A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021221777A1 (en) * 2020-04-30 2021-11-04 Hyperloop Technologies, Inc. Pod bay and vehicle docking
CN115768675A (en) * 2020-04-30 2023-03-07 超级高铁技术公司 Air docking pod soft capture
EP4143065A1 (en) * 2020-04-30 2023-03-08 Hyperloop Technologies, Inc. Airdock assembly
CN112977487B (en) * 2021-05-17 2021-09-28 西南交通大学 Single-pipe double-line magnetic suspension traffic vacuum pipeline with sealing door
NL2029188B1 (en) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-24 Hardt Ip B V Loading and unloading of a payload in a low-pressure transportation system

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2213210A1 (en) * 1972-03-16 1973-10-04 Boes Christian VACUUM HELIUM PIPE SPEED TRAIN
US3954064A (en) * 1974-01-31 1976-05-04 Gravity Transit Company Rapid transit system
FR2524327A1 (en) * 1982-03-31 1983-10-07 Dromigny Pierre Fire protection for tunnel - uses internal bags to block tunnel section when inflated
DE3631377A1 (en) * 1986-09-15 1987-02-05 Johannes Dipl Ing Schoene Track system of a magnetic suspension railway in an evacuated tube
DE4106231A1 (en) * 1991-02-25 1991-09-12 Reinhard Rettig High-capacity transport system - uses repelling and attracting reactive forces in tubes at reduced pressure
US20020190161A1 (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Honeywell International, Law Dept. Ab2 Deployable flexible airlock
EP1466802A1 (en) * 2003-03-12 2004-10-13 Alstom Rail vehicle comprising an intercommunication door having an inflatable gasket and corresponding building method
WO2010099748A1 (en) * 2009-03-03 2010-09-10 Liu Zhongchen Wheeltrack magnetic suspension train by permanent magnetism driving in low pressure oxygen-enriched pipeline
WO2017201435A1 (en) * 2016-05-19 2017-11-23 Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc. Station with loop configuration for hyperloop transportation system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100484812C (en) * 2007-05-16 2009-05-06 西南交通大学 Assembling corridor for vacuum pipe traffic
WO2018064351A1 (en) 2016-09-28 2018-04-05 Hyperloop Technologies, Inc. Loading/unloading system and vehicle interface for a transportation system and methods of use
CN108045382B (en) * 2017-12-06 2019-03-15 王军 A kind of high-speed vacuum pipeline train intermediate station is dispatched a car and Transfer System
CN108128311A (en) * 2018-01-11 2018-06-08 张跃 A kind of vacuum train goes out cabin device

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2213210A1 (en) * 1972-03-16 1973-10-04 Boes Christian VACUUM HELIUM PIPE SPEED TRAIN
US3954064A (en) * 1974-01-31 1976-05-04 Gravity Transit Company Rapid transit system
FR2524327A1 (en) * 1982-03-31 1983-10-07 Dromigny Pierre Fire protection for tunnel - uses internal bags to block tunnel section when inflated
DE3631377A1 (en) * 1986-09-15 1987-02-05 Johannes Dipl Ing Schoene Track system of a magnetic suspension railway in an evacuated tube
DE4106231A1 (en) * 1991-02-25 1991-09-12 Reinhard Rettig High-capacity transport system - uses repelling and attracting reactive forces in tubes at reduced pressure
US20020190161A1 (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-19 Honeywell International, Law Dept. Ab2 Deployable flexible airlock
EP1466802A1 (en) * 2003-03-12 2004-10-13 Alstom Rail vehicle comprising an intercommunication door having an inflatable gasket and corresponding building method
WO2010099748A1 (en) * 2009-03-03 2010-09-10 Liu Zhongchen Wheeltrack magnetic suspension train by permanent magnetism driving in low pressure oxygen-enriched pipeline
WO2017201435A1 (en) * 2016-05-19 2017-11-23 Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc. Station with loop configuration for hyperloop transportation system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020055248A1 (en) 2020-03-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
NL2021603B1 (en) Airlock arrangement for a transportation system
US10745160B2 (en) Vacuum volume reduction system for a vacuum tube vehicle station
CN100408902C (en) Methods and apparatus for sealing an opening of a processing chamber
EP0053300A1 (en) RF shielded door seal
CN104905559B (en) Controlling flow of dry ice sublimate within galley cart
KR101923577B1 (en) System for launching an underwater vehicle
US8960607B2 (en) Container delivery system rapid deployment device
TWI532646B (en) The tape is attached to the device and the tape is attached to the method
EP0935279A3 (en) Device and method for load locking for semiconductor processing
US9156553B1 (en) Aircraft mission equipment having an integrated air caster handling system
EP1767454A3 (en) System for loading and unloading unit load into a cargo hold, in particular of an aircraft, and intermediate transport device or corresponding transport unit
JP2009083954A (en) Vacuum transportation system
CA2346895A1 (en) Apparatus for flow-line treatment of articles in an artificial medium
US11492018B2 (en) Door system for a vacuum train
US10858126B2 (en) Deformable closure mechanism
US4999165A (en) Pressure vessel with improved gasket valve
US9458648B1 (en) Rapid panel access fastener for highly curved panels
CN114426066A (en) Reconfigurable pickup box side and tailgate
US8251316B2 (en) Conformal airlock assembly and method
US3108698A (en) Sectional air cushion cargo floor
US4643468A (en) Latching arrangement and method
US20240026979A1 (en) Vacuum valve for a vacuum conveying system
US3750592A (en) Lock mechanism employing balloon valves for vacuumized tube transportation system
CN110646293A (en) Hatch cover testing device
GB2514080A (en) Expandable seal