Conceived by Elon Musk, the visionary behind SpaceX and Tesla Motors, Hyperloop was first introduced in his 2013 white paper. This groundbreaking mode of transport promises to revolutionize long-distance travel by combining supersonic speed with exceptional efficiency and sustainability.
What is Hyperloop Transportation?
It is an ultra-high-speed public transportation system in which passengers travel in autonomous electric pods or capsules at 600+ miles per hour.
How will Hyperloop Transportation Work?
- Hyperloop utilizes low-pressure tubes for high-speed travel.
- The tubes made of steel are suited for bidirectional travel with solar arrays on top to provide power.
- Capsules are propelled through the tubes via magnetic linear accelerators.
- These sealed capsules can carry 28 passengers and would depart every 2 minutes.
- Capsules are spaced approximately 23 miles apart and supported on a cushion of air for smooth travel.
- Pressurized air and aerodynamic lift aid in capsule propulsion.
- Passengers board and disembark at stations located at tube ends or branches.
- Capsules travel at both low and high speeds throughout the tube length.
Understanding the technology behind the Hyperloop Transportation Concept
We have identified the key patents behind the Hyperloop Transportation Concept. Read their summaries below to get a glimpse of the technology underlying the concept.
The patent, US20220270478A1, describes a user-friendly software tool for planning hyperloop networks where users can estimate and adjust costs efficiently. The image below illustrates the hyperloop network layout.
The patent, US20170328425A1, discloses an innovative friction-braking apparatus for transportation system. The mechanism slows down vehicles by applying brake pads directly onto the rails, effectively managing the vehicle’s speed. The braking structure can be seen in the image below.
The patent, US20220153317A1, details a combined pumping and gas source unit for tubular transportation systems like hyperloop using helium injection to minimize drag and facilitating higher speeds. The image below shows the gas unit for tube transportation.
Companies working to make Hyperloop Transportation a reality
The Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk is working on an all-electric, zero-emissions, high-speed underground public transportation system, Loop, also known as Teslas in Tunnels.
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies in its joint venture, Hyper Builders, is progressing with its hyperloop operating prototype, Hyper Transfer which would be world’s first operational commercial hyperloop system connecting a section between Italy’s Venice-Mestre and Padua. For more details click here.
A Dutch company, Hardt Hyperloop has been actively working towards Hyperloop Transportation and is all set to test its prototype in the European Hyperloop Center. In case you want to get the details for progress in Hyperloop Transportation by Hardt Hyperloop, click here to access Hardt Hyperloop Progress Paper.
As competitors bring innovations to Musk’s design, travelling is being redefined, pushing us closer to a future where cities are connected by minutes, not hours. This exciting progress highlights the Hyperloop as a symbol of human innovation and determination in transforming how we move.
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