TECHNICAL FIELD

The aspects and embodiments thereof inter alia relate to a loading and unloading system for a transportation vehicle in a low-pressure transportation system, for example for use in a so-called hyperloop transportation system.

BACKGROUND

A hyperloop transportation system comprises a low-pressure transportation tube and a transportation vehicle 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 vehicle forms an enclosed pressurised cabin in which cargo and/or passengers can take place to be transported across the tube.

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. For transfer of any persons, goods, or a sealed and pressurised pod containing persons or goods 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 may be 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 possible at this distal end of the pod. The boarding and/or exiting of the pod may be a time-consuming process.

SUMMARY

It has been observed that when boarding and/or exiting of the pod is only possible at this distal end of the pod, this may create an unwanted limitation on the packaging of the pod.

It is preferred to decrease loading and/or unloading times of a low- pressure transportation system, and/or to decrease the energy required for the loading and/or unloading process.

In a loading and/or unloading process, there are a number of activities which require time to be completed. Examples of such activities are braking of the transportation vehicle to standstill before unloading, acceleration of the transportation vehicle after loading, loading a payload onto the transportation vehicle, unloading a payload from the transportation vehicle, transporting a payload through an airlock, pressurizing an airlock, and depressurising an airlock. Performing at least some of the activities simultaneously may decrease loading and/or unloading times of a low- pressure transportation system.

A first aspect provides a method of operating an airlock arrangement of a transportation system comprising a transportation tube with a low-pressure environment. In general, the airlock arrangement may be formed by part of the transportation system. For example, part of a transportation tube and/or vehicle guidance system of the transportation system may form part of the airlock arrangement. The method comprises the steps of receiving a transportation vehicle with a first detachable payload compartment at a transfer location of the airlock arrangement, detaching the first detachable payload compartment from the transportation vehicle, transporting the first detachable payload compartment into a first airlock, sealing the first airlock, pressurizing the first airlock with the first detachable payload compartment inside, opening the first airlock at an ambient pressure side, and optionally transporting the first detachable payload compartment out of the first airlock into the ambient pressure environment. In particular, the transportation vehicle remains in the low-pressure environment.

The method may further comprise, after the detaching of the first detachable payload compartment from the transportation vehicle, attaching a second detachable payload compartment to the transportation vehicle. The second detachable payload compartment may be a different payload compartment than the first detachable payload compartment, or may be the same payload compartment loaded with a different cargo.

The detaching and/or attaching of a detachable payload compartment respectively from or to a transportation vehicle may be governed by a controller such that the detaching and/or attaching may be at least partially automated.

By being able to detach the first payload compartment with a first payload from the transportation vehicle, it becomes possible to attach a second payload compartment with a second payload to the transportation vehicle while the first payload is not yet unloaded from the first payload compartment. As such, the time required for unloading the first payload from the transportation vehicle and loading the second payload to the transportation vehicle may not be limited by the time required for the first payload to be moved to the ambient pressure environment.

In the method, the transportation vehicle may fully remain in the low-pressure environment. Furthermore, the transportation vehicle may remain connected to a vehicle guidance system of the transportation system, for example by a magnetic suspension. As such, it may only be required to transport detachable payload compartments between the low-pressure environment and the ambient pressure environment, and the airlocks may be designed for accommodating one or more payload compartments instead of one or more transportation vehicles, which may be more efficient in terms of footprint of the airlocks and/or energy use by the airlocks.

A single transportation vehicle may be arranged for having multiple detachable payload compartments attached thereto. Alternatively, multiple transportation vehicles may be used for having a single detachable payload compartment attached thereto. As a further option, multiple transportation vehicles, propulsion systems, suspensions, and payload compartments may be connected to form a modular vehicle arranged to be transported through the transportation system simultaneously.

The outer shape of the detachable payload compartments may now determine the inner shape of the airlock, instead of for example the outer shape of the entire transportation vehicle determining the inner shape of the airlock. This in turn may allow for limiting the dead volume in an airlock, and thus increasing speed of operating the airlock and/or reducing energy consumption by the airlock.

As an option, the second detachable payload compartment is attached to the transportation vehicle while the first detachable payload compartment is inside the first airlock or being transported to the first airlock. As such, multiple actions required during the unloading and loading process may be performed simultaneously.

In particular, when a transportation vehicle arrives at the airlock arrangement, a new detachable payload compartment may already be present in the low-pressure environment and loaded with a payload, in anticipation of being attached to the transportation vehicle. As such, there may not be a need to wait for the presence of a transportation vehicle at the transfer location to already transport a detachable payload compartment into the low-pressure environment.

As a further option, in embodiments of the method, the second detachable payload compartment may be loaded with a payload, in particular cargo and/or passengers, before the detaching of the first detachable payload compartment from the transportation vehicle and/or before the arrival of a transportation vehicle at the airlock arrangement to which the second detachable payload compartment is to be attached.

In general, a payload may comprise cargo, passengers, or a combination thereof. As such, facilities may be present in a detachable payload compartment for holding cargo and/or passengers. For holding cargo, storage space may be present along with means for securing cargo in the detachable payload compartment. For holding passengers, for example, seats may be present.

Embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may further comprise the steps of transporting a third detachable payload compartment into a second airlock, at least partially depressurizing the second airlock with the third detachable payload compartment inside by removing a volume of air from the second airlock, and at least partially pressurizing the first airlock with the first detachable payload compartment inside using at least part of the volume of air removed from the second airlock.

The at least part of the volume of air removed from the second airlock may be directly transported to the first airlock, for example via one or more conduits, pumps, and/or valves. Alternatively, the at least part of the volume of air removed from the second airlock may be first transported to an intermediate storage, such as a storage tank for air, and then transported from the intermediate storage into the first airlock.

During depressurising of an airlock, the airlock volume is sealed and a volume of air is removed from the airlock volume. In general, the term low-pressure environment may refer to an environment in which the pressure is below ambient pressure, in particular below 250 millibar, below 100 millibar, below 10 millibar, below 1 millibar, or even lower. During pressurising of an airlock, the airlock volume is sealed and the pressure inside the airlock volume may be levelled with ambient pressure, which may for example be approximately 1 bar.

By using two airlocks simultaneously, one being pressurised and one being depressurised, energy for depressurisation may be saved by placing the two airlock volumes in fluid communication to at least partially allow balancing of pressure inside both airlock volumes. By virtue of the fluid communication, air may flow from the higher pressure air lock to the lower pressure air lock.

As particular option, it may be preferred that a detachable payload compartment remains at least partially inside an airlock when a payload is loaded onto or loaded off the detachable payload compartment. For example, it may require less energy, be faster, and/or be more convenient to transport a payload out of or into the detachable payload compartment which is at least partially inside an airlock, compared to also having to transport the detachable payload compartment fully out of the airlock into the ambient environment.

In general, in embodiments of the method, the first airlock with the first detachable payload compartment inside may be at least partially pressurised using air originating from a second airlock. Another detachable payload compartment may be present in the second airlock.

A second aspect provides an airlock arrangement for a transportation system comprising a transportation tube with a low-pressure environment. The airlock arrangement comprises a transfer location for receiving a transportation vehicle with a detachable payload compartment from the transportation system, a first airlock with a first airlock volume and two controllable openings, of which a first opening is disposed between the first airlock volume and the transfer location, and a second opening is disposed between the first airlock volume and the ambient environment around the airlock arrangement, and a payload compartment transportation system for transporting a detachable payload compartment between the transfer location and the first airlock, in particular the first airlock volume.

In general, a single airlock arrangement may comprise one or more transfer locations. These transfer locations may be associated with one or more magnetic tracks, and/or one or more transportation tubes. A payload compartment transportation system may optionally be arranged for transferring one or more detachable payload compartments between different transfer locations, for example between different transportation vehicles present at the different transfer locations.

A single airlock arrangement may comprise any number of airlocks. The airlocks may serve transportation vehicles with detachable payload compartments associated with one or more magnetic tracks and/or one or more transportation tubes. A single airlock arrangement may hence comprise one or more transfer locations.

The transfer location may be partially encapsulated by a transportation tube of the transportation system, and hence the pressure in the transfer location may correspond to that of the low-pressure environment inside the transportation tube. The transfer location may be arranged for temporarily parking one or more transportation vehicles, for example during unloading and loading of one or more transportation vehicles.

By virtue of the first airlock, one or more detached payload compartments may be transferred between the ambient pressure environment surrounding the airlock arrangement and the low-pressure environment. In general, a single airlock may be arranged for accommodating one or more separate payload compartments simultaneously. For example, time for pressurising and/or depressurising an airlock in a loading and/or unloading process may be saved by accommodating multiple separate payload compartments simultaneously in a single airlock. A payload compartment transportation system may for example comprise one or more movers for moving a detached or detachable payload compartment for example in a vertical direction, in a horizontal direction, and/or along a curved transportation path.

Embodiments of the airlock arrangement may further comprise a detachable payload compartment inside the first airlock, in particular in the first airlock volume, and wherein a volume occupied by the detachable payload compartment inside the first airlock, in particular in the first airlock volume, corresponds to at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or even 95% or more or 97% or more of the first airlock volume. When more volume inside an airlock is occupied by one or more detachable payload compartments, less volume air may have to pumped out from the airlock to lower the pressure inside the airlock, for example to a pressure corresponding to the pressure in the low-pressure environment of the transportation system.

For example, an inner shape of an airlock may generally correspond to an outer shape of one or more detachable payload compartments in order to increase or maximise the volume occupied by the one or more detachable payload compartments inside the airlock.

In general, it may be more convenient to provide a detachable payload compartment with an outer shape generally complementary to an inner shape of an airlock, compared to providing an entire transportation vehicle with an outer shape generally complementary to an inner shape of an airlock.

A third aspect provides a transportation vehicle for travel through a transportation tube in a low-pressure environment. In general, such a transportation vehicle may be arranged for high speed travel, for example at speeds exceeding 300 km/h or even 500 km/h, through a transportation tube with a low-pressure environment. Embodiments of the transportation vehicle may comprise a pod frame and a suspension system for coupling the pod frame to a vehicle guidance system of the transportation tube. The pod frame may further comprise a transportation vehicle attachment module for attaching a detachable payload compartment to. The transportation vehicle attachment module may comprise one or more connection members for connecting to a detachable payload compartment. When attached, the detachable payload compartment can travel together with the transportation vehicle. As such, it may not be required that the detachable payload compartment comprise a propulsion module for accelerating the detachable payload compartment in the transportation system.

Connection between the transportation vehicle attachment module and detachable payload compartment may be constituted by virtue of a magnetic connection, clamped connection, form-closed connection, any other way of connection, or any combination thereof.

Embodiments of the transportation vehicle may comprise one or more detachable payload compartments detachably attached to the pod frame via the transportation vehicle attachment module.

As a further option, the one or more detachable payload compartments detachably attached to the pod frame define part of an outer shape of the transportation vehicle. As such, part of the aerodynamic behaviour of the transportation vehicle may be determined by the outer shape of the one or more detachable payload compartment detachably attached to the pod frame. As a further option, the one more detachable payload compartments may add to the structural stiffness and/or strength of the transportation vehicle.

When detachably attached to the pod frame, at least part of one or more detachable payload compartments may not be surrounded by another part of the transportation vehicle. This may increase the ease of attaching and/or detaching the one or more detachable payload compartments as the transportation vehicle does not hinder this process. In particular, the use of doors, hatches, or any other moving part of the transportation vehicle to open a passage for a payload may be prevented.

The pod frame may be provided with a propulsion system for moving the transportation vehicle through the transportation tube. For example, the propulsion system may be a magnetic propulsion system. The pod frame may be suspended from a magnetic vehicle guidance system. When viewed in a travelling direction of the vehicle through the transportation tube, part of the propulsion system and/or the suspension system may be positioned in front of the transportation vehicle attachment module, and part of the propulsion system and/or the suspension may be behind the transportation vehicle attachment module — for example instead of the suspension being fully overhead or below the transportation vehicle attachment module. As a particular option, the propulsion system and/or suspension system are not positioned above and/or below the transportation vehicle attachment module. As such, the cross-sectional dimension of the transportation vehicle may be decreased.

The part of the outer shape of the transportation vehicle defined by the detachable payload compartment may be substantially smooth — i.e. for example free or essentially free of protrusions. As such, a tight fit into an airlock may be achieved.

A fourth aspect provides a detachable payload compartment arranged to be attached to a transportation vehicle in a low-pressure environment , in particular a transportation vehicle according to the third aspect. The detachable payload compartment comprises a payload compartment housing providing a sealable storage volume for accommodating a payload, such as passengers and/or goods, and a payload compartment attachment module for attaching the payload compartment housing to a transportation vehicle attachment module of the transportation vehicle. The payload compartment attachment module and the transportation vehicle attachment module may for example be attached to each other using one or more of a magnetic, clamped, friction, or form-closed connection. The connection between the payload compartment attachment module and the transportation vehicle attachment module is detachable such that the payload compartment can be detached from the transportation vehicle.

An outer shape of the detachable payload compartment may correspond for at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% to an airlock volume of an airlock. A circumferential shape of the detachable payload compartment may be approximately constant, in particular when regarded in an intended travel direction of the detachable payload compartment.

It will be appreciated that any optional features disclosed herein related to any detachable payload compartment may be applied to a detachable payload compartment according to the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures,

Figs. 1-3 show a first airlock arrangement in different situations; and

Figs. 4-6 show a second airlock arrangement in different situations Figs. 7 A and 7B show an embodiment of an airlock arrangement in a schematic perspective view;

Figs. 8A and 8B show an embodiment of an airlock arrangement in a schematic side view; and

Figs. 9A and 9B schematically depict in a side view an embodiment of a transportation vehicle suspended from a magnetic track. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 schematically depicts in a top view an airlock arrangement 102 of a transportation system 100 comprising a transportation tube 104 with a low-pressure environment 106, which transportation system may for example be a hyperloop system. In general, dashed line 106’ is used to indicate a separation between the low-pressure environment 106, and an ambient pressure environment 107.

The transportation system 100 generally comprises the transportation tube 104 and a magnetic track 116 on or below which the transportation vehicle 108 is respectively carried or suspended. By moving along the magnetic track 116, the transportation vehicle 108 can be transported through the transportation tube 104, for example between multiple airlock arrangements at different locations, such as different cities.

In the situation of Fig. 1, a transportation vehicle 108 carrying a first detachable payload compartment 111 (shown hatched) has arrived at a transfer location 120 of the airlock arrangement 102. A transfer location may generally refer to a section of the transportation system 100 where the transportation vehicle 108 may be temporarily parked, for example to detach and/or attach a payload compartment to the transportation vehicle 108.

Before, during or after the transportation vehicle 108 has arrived at the transfer location 120, a second detachable payload compartment 112 (shown hatched) may be provided in the ambient environment 107. The second detachable payload compartment 112 may be loaded with cargo before, during or after the transportation vehicle 108 has arrived at the transfer location 120.

The airlock arrangement 102 further comprises a first airlock 121 and a second airlock 122, which may be positioned adjacent or nearby each other. By virtue of the first airlock 121 or the second airlock 122, a detached payload compartment may be transported between the low-pressure environment 106 and the ambient environment 107. Embodiment of airlock arrangement comprising only one airlock or more than two airlocks are envisioned as well.

As a general option only depicted in Fig. 1, the first airlock 121 is provided with a controllable low-pressure side opening 141 and a controllable ambient pressure-side opening 142. The second airlock 122 is also provided with a controllable low-pressure side opening 143 and a controllable ambient pressure-side opening 144.

A controller may be present for controlling the controllable openings of the airlocks. In an open state of a controllable opening, a detachable payload compartment may pass through said opening, and in a closed state of a controllable opening, the controllable opening may be sealed in an essentially airtight manner. When both controllable openings of an airlock are in a closed state, the airlock may be pressurised or depressurised. A controllable opening may be provided with one or more doors or hatches for sealing the opening.

The controller may be further arranged for controlling the payload compartment transportation system, for transporting detached payload compartments between different locations, for example locations such as the first airlock, second airlock, optional waiting location, transfer location, and/or any other location within the airlock arrangement.

The airlock arrangement may comprise any number of sensors for detecting the presence of a payload compartment at particular locations within the airlock arrangement and/or nearby the airlock arrangement. The controller may be arranged for receiving sensor signals from the sensors indicative of a presence of a payload compartment at a particular location, and the controller may be arranged for controlling at least one of the first airlock, second airlock, and payload compartment transportation system based on one or more received sensor signals.

Fig. 2 depicts the airlock arrangement 102 of Fig. 1 after the first detachable payload compartment 111 has been detached from the transportation vehicle 108. Using a payload compartment transportation system (not shown), the first detachable payload compartment 111 has been transported into the first airlock 121 via transportation path A, indicated with a dashed arrow.

As a particular option, the payload compartment transportation system may be comprised, wholly or partially, by a detachable payload compartment. For example, a detachable payload compartment may comprise one or more movers or actuators for transporting the detachable payload compartment through the airlock arrangements, for example over one or more of the transportation paths disclosed herein.

For example for moving a detachable payload compartment 111 over transportation path A — i.e. from the transportation vehicle to the first airlock, the payload compartment transportation system may comprise one or more of a lift, transportation belt, crane, moveable gripper, or any other mover.

Before, after, and/or during the first detachable payload compartment 111 has been transported into the first airlock 121, the second detachable payload compartment 112 has been transported into the second airlock 122, for example via transportation path B, indicated with the dashed arrow.

For example for transporting a detachable payload compartment into or out of an airlock, for example over transportation path B or C shown respectively in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the payload compartment transportation system may comprise one or more transportation belts, trolleys or overhead cranes.

Air may be transported through conduit 130 — shown with a dashed-dotted arrow - from the second airlock 122 to the first airlock 121, in order to at least partially depressurise the second airlock 122 and to at least partially pressurise the first airlock 121. In general, a conduit may be used to place two or more airlocks, in particular two or more airlock volumes, in fluid communication.

In the situation depicted in Fig. 3, the first detachable payload compartment 111 has been transported out the first airlock 121 into the ambient environment 107 via transportation path C, and the cargo inside may be unloaded.

Before, during, and/or after the cargo inside the first detachable payload compartment 111 is unloaded, the second detachable payload compartment 112 is transported over transportation path D, using the payload compartment transportation system, to the transfer location 120 to be attached to the transportation vehicle 108.

Fig. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of an airlock arrangement 102 in alternative situation compared to Fig. 1. In particular, Fig. 4 shows a situation wherein the transportation vehicle 108 has arrived at the transfer location 120 carrying a first detachable payload compartment 111. A second detachable payload compartment 112, in particular loaded with cargo, is already present in the low-pressure environment 106 at a waiting location 134, waiting to be attached to a transportation vehicle 108.

Before, during or after the transportation vehicle 108 has arrived at the transfer location 120, a third detachable payload compartment 113 may thus be present in the ambient pressure environment 107. Before, during or after the transportation vehicle 108 has arrived at the transfer location 120, cargo may be loaded in to the third detachable payload compartment 113, in particular in the ambient pressure environment 107.

Fig. 5 shows the airlock arrangement 102 of Fig. 4, wherein the first detachable payload compartment 113 has been transported into the first airlock 121 via transportation path A. The second detachable payload compartment 112 has been transported from the waiting location 134 to the transfer location 120 where it can be attached to the transportation vehicle, via transportation path F. The third detachable payload compartment 113 has been transported into the second airlock 122, via transportation path B.

Before, during, and/or after the second detachable payload compartment 112 has been transported from the waiting location 134 to the transfer location 120 and/or before, during, and/or after the second detachable payload compartment 112 has been attached to the transportation vehicle 108, at least one of the following may take place. The first airlock 121 may be pressurised approximately up to the ambient pressure and the second airlock 122 may be depressurised approximately down to the pressure in the low- pressure environment 106, for example at least partially by transferring air between the second airlock 122 and the first airlock 121 via conduit 130.

In the situation of Fig. 6, the transportation vehicle 108 carrying the second detachable payload compartment 112 in Fig. 5 has left the transfer location 120, and a further transportation vehicle 108’ has arrived at the transfer location 120 with a fourth detachable pay load compartment 114 attached thereto.

The transportation vehicle 108 carrying the second detachable payload compartment 112 may leave the transfer location 120 in the opposite direction at which it arrived at the transfer location 120, and as such, for example, the magnetic track 116 may end at the airlock arrangement 102. Alternatively, the transportation vehicle 108 may pass through the airlock arrangement 102, continuing in the same direction as it arrived in. In such cases, the magnetic track 116 does not end at the airlock arrangement 102, but passes through it. One or more track switches may be present at or nearby the airlock arrangement 102 to allow a transportation vehicle 108 to switch between different magnetic tracks.

Before, during, or after the transportation vehicle 108 carrying the second detachable payload compartment 112 has left the transfer location 120 and/or the further transportation vehicle 108’ has arrived at the transfer location 120, at least one of the following may take place: - the first airlock 121 may be pressurised approximately up to the ambient pressure and the second airlock 122 may be depressurised approximately down to the pressure in the low-pressure environment 106;

- the first detachable payload compartment 111 may be moved via transportation path C out of the first airlock 121 into the ambient environment 107, and/or cargo may be removed from the first detachable payload compartment 111;

- the third detachable payload compartment 113 is moved over transportation path E from the second airlock 122 to the waiting position 134; and

- a fifth detachable payload compartment 115 may be provided, and may in particular be loaded with cargo.

In a subsequent situation after the situation of Fig. 6, for example the fourth detachable payload compartment 114 may be transported into the first airlock 121, the fifth detachable payload compartment 115 may transported in to the second airlock 122, the third detachable payload compartment 113 may be attached to the further transportation vehicle 108’. It will be appreciated that even more subsequent situations are envisioned with even further transportation vehicles and payload compartments. Also, the first airlock and the second airlock may be intermittently used for transfer from the low-pressure environment 106 to the ambient pressure environment 107 and from the ambient pressure environment 107 to the low-pressure environment 106.

It will be understood, for example from figures 1-6, that different actions may be performed simultaneously to save time. In general, a transportation path such as any of the transportation paths A, B, C, D, E and/or F may comprise one or more vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved sections.

Embodiments of payload compartments are envisioned comprising a suspension for suspending the payload compartment on or below the magnetic track, and/or a propulsion module for accelerating the payload compartment in the transportation system.

Figs. 7A and 7B schematically show in a perspective view another embodiment of an airlock arrangement 102. It will be appreciated that any option disclosed in this description in conjunction with one embodiment of an airlock arrangement may be applied to other embodiments of an airlock arrangement. Method steps which may be performed using one embodiment of an airlock arrangement may also be performed by other embodiments of an airlock arrangement.

Figs. 7A and 7B also show part of a transportation system 100, comprising the transportation tube 104 and the magnetic track 116, from which a transportation vehicle 108 is suspended. In particular, the transportation vehicle 108 is present at a transfer location 120 of the airlock arrangement 102. Figs. 8A and 8B schematically show the airlock arrangement 102 of respectively Figs. 7A and 7B in a partially see-through side view.

Between the situation depicted in Fig. 7A and the situation depicted in Fig. 7B, a first detachable payload compartment 111 has been attached to the transportation vehicle 108. In particular, using a lift 172 comprised by a payload compartment transportation system, the detachable payload compartment 111 can be moved for example in a vertical direction, towards and/or away from the transportation vehicle 108.

Embodiments of the payload compartment transportation system may comprise, next to the lift 172, any number of further actuators, transportation belts, pushers, cranes, hoisting arrangements, tracks or other movers for moving a detached payload compartment. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 7A, the payload compartment transportation system further comprises a number of conveyor elements 174, which may be positioned in the low-pressure environment 106 and/or in the ambient pressure environment 107. A conveyor element may provide a substantially flat surface over which a detached payload compartment can be moved, for example using rollers, balls, or any other mover.

Figs. 9A and 9B schematically depict in a side view an embodiment of a transportation vehicle 108 suspended from a magnetic track 116 of a transportation system. The transportation vehicle 108 comprises a pod frame 128, and a suspension system 184 coupling the pod frame 128 to the magnetic track 116. The pod frame 128 further comprises a transportation vehicle attachment module 186 for attaching a detachable payload compartment 111 to.

As an option depicted in Figs. 9A and 9B, the transportation vehicle 108 may be approximately symmetric, and may such be transported through a transportation tube in opposite directions. The transportation vehicle attachment module 186 may be positioned in or near a centre of the transportation vehicle, and may be at both sides be bound by parts of the transportation vehicle 108, for example aerodynamical elements.

In the situation of Fig. 9B, a detachable payload compartment 111 has been attached to the transportation vehicle attachment module 186, and is as such suspended to the magnetic track 116 via the pod frame 128 and the suspension system 184. In the attached state, the detachable payload compartment defines part of an outer shape of the transportation vehicle 108.

In the description above, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected to another element, the element is either directly connected to 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.

It is to be noted that the Figures are only schematic representations of embodiments 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 disclosure 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. 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.