The InWorks team at the University of Colorado Denver is developing a hyperloop pod focusing on computer, communication, and modular payload systems to participate in a competition. The design includes a cold gas thruster propulsion system, advanced navigation controls, and a modular payload for versatile configurations. The initiative aims to address societal challenges while developing collaborative skills among participants.

2. OVERVIEW
Team Inworks’ Hyperloop Pod
development will focus on the
computer and communication
systems as well as a modular
payload system.
To test these concepts, we will enter
a micropod into the wheeled
vehicle category at Competition
Weekend.
Conceptual Diagram
Upper Outer Mold
Subframe
Throttle Valve
High Pressure Air Canister
Vertically Mounted Wheels
Lower Outer Mold
Battery
Computer System
Horizontal Wheels/Braking
System
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SpaceX Pusher Interface
Modular Payload

3. OUR TEAM
Julian Abbott | Electrical Engineering
Zackary Foreman | Computer Science
Tim Kistner | 3D Animation / Graphics
Jack Nelson | Architecture | Team Captain
Richard Paasch | Mechanical Engineering
Jeff Redmond | Electrical Engineering
Julia Redmond | Electrical Engineering
Akhil Sankar | Mechanical Engineering
Jacob Wiley | Mathematics
Inworks is a new initiative of the University of Colorado
Denver │ Anschutz Medical Campus that draws together
faculty, staff and students from across the two
campuses, as well as entrepreneurs and leaders from
industry, government, education and the community, to
address problems of importance to human society.
Our mission is to impart skills and habits of mind that
allow people to collaboratively create impactful solutions
to human problems. Inworks seeks to create innovative
solutions to some of the world’s most challenging
problems, while in the process creating life-long
innovators.
ADVISORS:
John K. Bennett, PhD
Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation Initiatives
Heather M. Underwood, PhD
Associate Director, Inworks
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4. POD SPECIFICATIONS
Pod Dimensions:
Length: 9’0” (2.74 m)
Width: 4’2” (1.27 m)
Height: 2’ (0.61 m)
Weight: ~100 lbs
(~45.4kg)PLAN
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Propulsion
20 lbs
Wheels / Braking
20 lbs
Structure
10 lbs
Pod Mass By
Subsystem
Outer Mold
10 lbs
Payload
10 lbs
Computer/
Battery
5 lbs
LEFT ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION
SpaceX
Dummy
5 lbs
REAR ELEVATION

5. PROPULSION
We will utilize a cold gas thruster system
consisting of a compressed air canister
pressurized to 4500 PSI.
A power driven valve controlled by the primary
pod control system will control the system. The
air will be expelled through a thrust nozzle. This
valve can be shut remotely via the “Pod Stop”
command.
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Exhaust Nozzle
Electrically controlled valve
Structural Bracing
Air Canister
EXHAUST VECTOR
POD
DIRECTION
This system is primarily intended to
support our prototype design by
compensating for the speed loss
caused by the wheels and does not
represent our proposal for a full-
scale hyperloop propulsion system.

6. PROPULSION / STABILIZATION
The pod will be stabilized by
horizontally and vertically mounted
wheels which engage the center rail.
The horizontally mounted wheels
will feature a low speed electric
motor system and will interface with
the braking system.
Propulsion / Stabilization System
Concept
Vertically Mounted Wheels
Horizontally Mounted
Wheels
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7. NAVIGATION
The Primary Pod Control
System will control the
navigation system. A triple-axis
digital output gyroscope with
built-in accelerometer will
monitor velocity, pitch, yaw, and
roll.
Self-contained, full-spectrum
photoelectric sensors mounted
on the front of the pod will
establish location by detecting
change in appearance of the
linear distance markers.
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8. BRAKING
The pod will employ a disc braking
system. These brakes will be
electrically actuated via the Primary
Pod Control System.
We are exploring adapting an ABS
system from motorcycle
technology.
This system can be remotely
activated via the “Pod Stop”
command.
Braking System Concept
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Calipers
Disc

9. LEVITATION
The current design will not feature
levitation.
Depending on availability of funding
following Design Weekend, we will
conduct a cost benefit analysis and
research air bearing and magnetic
levitation technologies.
Possible Air Bearing and Maglev
Designs
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10. COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The embedded computer system will
continuously assess, manage, and
adjust the status of the pod and provide
external communications capabilities.
Computer System Top Level Diagram
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External
Control
System
Primary Pod
Control System
Secondary Pod
Control System

11. POD CONTROL SYSTEMThe Primary and Secondary Control System will
provide logical operations to the hyperloop pod.
The Primary will act as the main driver for system
controls while the Secondary will serve as a
redundancy to the Primary.
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Drive Control
Power Electronics
Body control
Brake Systems
Propulsion System
Wheel System
Control System,
Feedback &
Monitoring
Accelerometer
Gyroscopes
Excess Heat
Proximity Sensors
Instrument cluster
Operator touch Screen
Telemetry Devices
Power Control
Power Storage / Distribution
Battery Recharge
HVAC
Pod Control
System
Emergency Shutdown
Command
Navigation &
Communication
General Navigation
Positioning
Network Communication CISCO
IW3700

12. MICROPROCESSOR INTERFACES
Microprocessor / Peripheral Interface
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Servo Ports
Braking, air actuation
Serial Ports
Electric motor control
Switching Regulator
Circuit
Absolute Pressure
Differential Pressure
Temperature Sensors
Stereo Vision
Power Port
Proximity Sensors
Rate Gyros
Processor
ADC
Analog/Digital Converter
ADC
Analog/Digital Converter
Accelerometers

13. REAL TIME OPERATING SYSTEM
All embedded system architecture for
the unmanned pod will be run through a
Real Time Operating System (RTOS)
for unified computing and analysis.
The inherently faster processing
capability that an RTOS provides
allows rapid detection of emergency
situations by reducing latency.
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RTOS Overview

14. MODULAR PAYLOAD
The middle section of our pod will
accommodate a modular payload
system.
A modular payload system in a full scale
hyperloop design will significantly
reduce the cost of construction and
operation of the pods, support multiple
configurations, control weight
distribution, and allow rapid turnaround
of the pods at the station.Modular Payload Concept
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15. MODULAR PAYLOAD
The modules would be designed to support multiple configurations and a variety of user types.
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Single Person / ADA Sleeper Two Person Group / Family / Economy Cargo / Luggage / Freight
Controlling the arrangement of the modules will allow for optimization of weight distribution
according to the loads, improving the pod’s overall stability and performance.

16. MODULAR PAYLOAD
A modular payload system would drastically improve
turnaround time once a hyperloop pod arrives at the station.
This would reduce the number of pods required in
circulation in order to maintain the operating schedule
of the route, thereby reducing overall cost.
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These modules would also optimize maintenance and upkeep of the
system by allowing time for the modules to be maintained between
use in the system while keeping all pods in circulation.

17. MODULAR PAYLOAD
The sleeper modules could be used within the station to provide inexpensive lodging
to travelers. This would encourage more frequent travel by providing lodging at a price
point comparable to the low price of the hyperloop ticket.
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18. POWER
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Power distribution will provide power to onboard
electronics by utilizing common Electrical and
Electronic System Architecture with an
Integrated Electrical Distribution System.
The Primary Power System will efficiently
manage and distribute power among known
supplies.
The Emergency Power System will consist of
backup lithium ion battery packs in case of total
power loss.
24v
Photoelectric
Sensor
24v
Propulsion
Actuator
24v
Braking
Control
24v
Electric
Motors
24v
Wireless Access
Point
5v Proximity Sensor
5v Accelerometer
5v Gyroscope3.5v Pressure / Temp
Electrical
Loads by
Subsystem

19. HAZMAT / STORED ENERGY
The lithium contained within the battery will be the only hazardous material / stored energy onboard the
pod.
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20. SAFETY FEATURES
A remotely activated “Pod Stop”
command may be sent to the pod in
case of emergency.
Pod Stop will place the pod in a safe
condition by shutting the air canister
valve to slow propulsion and
engaging the braking systems.
Pod Stop Command Actions
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POD STOP
COMMAND ISSUED
SHUT COMMAND
TO AIR ACTUATION
VALVE
BRAKE SYSTEM
ENGAGE
COMMAND
SYSTEM PLACED IN
STANDBY TO AWAIT
FURTHER COMMANDS

21. Thank you.