CA2739534A1 - Smart mass transit rail system - Google Patents
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- CA2739534A1 CA2739534A1 CA2739534A CA2739534A CA2739534A1 CA 2739534 A1 CA2739534 A1 CA 2739534A1 CA 2739534 A CA2739534 A CA 2739534A CA 2739534 A CA2739534 A CA 2739534A CA 2739534 A1 CA2739534 A1 CA 2739534A1
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- transportation system
- switcher
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- suspended
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B3/00—Elevated railway systems with suspended vehicles
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
- E01B25/30—Tracks for magnetic suspension or levitation vehicles
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/40—Business processes related to the transportation industry
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
- Y02A30/30—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation in transportation, e.g. on roads, waterways or railways
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T30/00—Transportation of goods or passengers via railways, e.g. energy recovery or reducing air resistance
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- Architecture (AREA)
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- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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- Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
- Platform Screen Doors And Railroad Systems (AREA)
- Control Of Vehicles With Linear Motors And Vehicles That Are Magnetically Levitated (AREA)
Abstract
An overhead mass transportation system for cities and urban areas may be particularly suitable for environmentally acceptable, or "green", systems because it can be used to produce power by an optional super solar system deployed, for example, over the tracks. The mass transportation system may meet many current economic and environmental needs. In many urban areas around the world, the mass transportation system can replace buses and taxis on the street, with their noise and pollution, and reduce the use of oil and fuel. The system can also be used for inter-cities transportation, where in can dispense with the need to carry large amounts of fuel for long distance transportation. The system may also be suitable for areas with challenged trains, such as those areas with a high level of floods, snow, or the like.
Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands. The system can provide faster public transportation than buses and can operate where the streets are too crowded for ground transport, acting like an elevated freeway.
Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands. The system can provide faster public transportation than buses and can operate where the streets are too crowded for ground transport, acting like an elevated freeway.
Description
SMART MASS TRANSIT RAIL SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to transportation systems and, more particularly, to a smart mass transit (SMT) rail system that may use green technology and may be applied to, for example, an urban mass transportation system.
Public transportation is widely in use in all parts of the world, but it has its challenges.
About 60 billion passenger journeys were made by public transport in 2008 in the European Union. Public transport ridership has increased steadily in the last 10 years in many countries. Between 2004 and 2008, ridership rose by about 11% in Spain, the United Kingdom and in the United States. Cities such as London and Brussels recorded particularly high ridership increases of about 20% during the same period.
Given the carbon footprint of individual modes of transportation and the rise of fuel cost increases, there is a greater need for public transportation, but there are serious hurdles in the deployment of light rail and buses cannot meet all the challenges. Light rail transit is an electric rail-borne form of transportation which can be developed in stages from a tramway to a rapid transit system operated partially on their own right-or-way. The general term "light transit" covers those systems whose role and performance lie between a conventional bus service running on the highway at one extreme and an urban heavy rail or underground metropolitan railway on the other.
Light rail systems are typically flexible and expandable. Given the current recessionary environment and shrinking national, state and city budgets, light rail is facing an increased challenge to survive. Where there is enough ridership, issues of carbon footprint and speed of transport become relevant.
As can be seen, there is a need for a mass transit system that may have a small carbon footprint (as compared to, for example, buses) and may be scalable to transport varied amounts of passengers depending on deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a transportation system comprises an.
elevated track formed of at least one suspended I-beam; a platform adapted to be suspended from the track; a T-shaped arm extending from the platform; first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm is adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
In another aspect of the present invention, a transportation system comprises a plurality of overhead tracks suspended from towers, the tracks formed of at least one suspended I-beam; a plurality of ground-level stations; a T-shaped arm extending from a platform, the platform adapted to be attached to a top portion of a kart; and first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a transportation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the transportation system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of a transportation kart of the transportation system of Figure 1;
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to transportation systems and, more particularly, to a smart mass transit (SMT) rail system that may use green technology and may be applied to, for example, an urban mass transportation system.
Public transportation is widely in use in all parts of the world, but it has its challenges.
About 60 billion passenger journeys were made by public transport in 2008 in the European Union. Public transport ridership has increased steadily in the last 10 years in many countries. Between 2004 and 2008, ridership rose by about 11% in Spain, the United Kingdom and in the United States. Cities such as London and Brussels recorded particularly high ridership increases of about 20% during the same period.
Given the carbon footprint of individual modes of transportation and the rise of fuel cost increases, there is a greater need for public transportation, but there are serious hurdles in the deployment of light rail and buses cannot meet all the challenges. Light rail transit is an electric rail-borne form of transportation which can be developed in stages from a tramway to a rapid transit system operated partially on their own right-or-way. The general term "light transit" covers those systems whose role and performance lie between a conventional bus service running on the highway at one extreme and an urban heavy rail or underground metropolitan railway on the other.
Light rail systems are typically flexible and expandable. Given the current recessionary environment and shrinking national, state and city budgets, light rail is facing an increased challenge to survive. Where there is enough ridership, issues of carbon footprint and speed of transport become relevant.
As can be seen, there is a need for a mass transit system that may have a small carbon footprint (as compared to, for example, buses) and may be scalable to transport varied amounts of passengers depending on deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a transportation system comprises an.
elevated track formed of at least one suspended I-beam; a platform adapted to be suspended from the track; a T-shaped arm extending from the platform; first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm is adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
In another aspect of the present invention, a transportation system comprises a plurality of overhead tracks suspended from towers, the tracks formed of at least one suspended I-beam; a plurality of ground-level stations; a T-shaped arm extending from a platform, the platform adapted to be attached to a top portion of a kart; and first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a transportation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the transportation system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a detail cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of a transportation kart of the transportation system of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the transportation system of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional detail view of another embodiment of a transportation kart of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention;
and Figure 7 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a transportation kart of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an overhead mass transportation system for cities and urban areas. The system may be particularly suitable for environmentally acceptable, or "green", systems because it can be used to produce power by an optional super solar system deployed, for example, over the tracks. The system may also be suitable for areas with challenged trains, such as those areas with a high level of floods, snow, or the like. Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands.
The karts, as described below, may be modified to carry not only passengers, but also cargo containers, automobiles or other goods between two points. The system of the present invention may be used not only in urban areas, but in any area that has a need for a smart transportation system, as described below. For example, the system may be used in airports, college campuses, businesses, and the like.
The mass transportation system according to embodiments of the present invention may meet many current economic and environmental needs. In many urban areas around the world, embodiments of the present invention can replace buses and taxis on the street, with their noise and pollution, and reduce the use of oil and fuel. The system of the present invention can also be used for inter-cities transportation, where in can dispense with the need to carry large amounts of fuel for long distance transportation. The system can provide faster public transportation than buses and can operate where the streets are too crowded for ground transport, acting like an elevated freeway. The descending track system connected to a low cost ground station, as described below, may eliminate the need for expensive elevated stations, such as monorails or the Ariel transportation systems. Furthermore, the descending track system and ground stations may result in a system that is fully handicap friendly.
While the system of the present invention may be designed for a large transportation infrastructure, the system may be scaled down and adapted for use in theme parks or in the form of toys.
Referring to Figure 1, a transportation system 10 may include single I-beam tracks 20 and double I-beam tracks 12. Typically, the tracks 20, 12 may be arranged to run substantially parallel to each other to permit transportation in opposite directions along the tracks 20, 12 simultaneously. In some embodiments of the present invention, a single track 12 may be included in the transportation system 10. For example, a single track 12 may be used to extend the transportation system 10 into less urban, or suburban, areas. The double I-beam tracks 12 may split into two single I-beam tracks 20 at, for example, a ground station 60. The two single I-beam tracks may include an upper track 20 and a descending track 20-1. The double I-beam tracks 12 may also split into single I-beam tracks 20 for turning the karts 16 at intersections, for example.
After the station, or after an intersection, the single I-beam tracks 20 may rejoin to become double I-beam tracks 12.
A kart 16 may be adapted to ride on the tracks 20, 12. The tracks 20, 12 may be suspended from towers 14. The tracks 20, 12 may include descending tracks 20-1 for permitting the kart 16 to approach the ground. Descending tracks 20-1 may be used at stops in the transportation system 10, thereby permitting passengers to board and exit the karts 16.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional detail view of another embodiment of a transportation kart of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention;
and Figure 7 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a transportation kart of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an overhead mass transportation system for cities and urban areas. The system may be particularly suitable for environmentally acceptable, or "green", systems because it can be used to produce power by an optional super solar system deployed, for example, over the tracks. The system may also be suitable for areas with challenged trains, such as those areas with a high level of floods, snow, or the like. Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands.
The karts, as described below, may be modified to carry not only passengers, but also cargo containers, automobiles or other goods between two points. The system of the present invention may be used not only in urban areas, but in any area that has a need for a smart transportation system, as described below. For example, the system may be used in airports, college campuses, businesses, and the like.
The mass transportation system according to embodiments of the present invention may meet many current economic and environmental needs. In many urban areas around the world, embodiments of the present invention can replace buses and taxis on the street, with their noise and pollution, and reduce the use of oil and fuel. The system of the present invention can also be used for inter-cities transportation, where in can dispense with the need to carry large amounts of fuel for long distance transportation. The system can provide faster public transportation than buses and can operate where the streets are too crowded for ground transport, acting like an elevated freeway. The descending track system connected to a low cost ground station, as described below, may eliminate the need for expensive elevated stations, such as monorails or the Ariel transportation systems. Furthermore, the descending track system and ground stations may result in a system that is fully handicap friendly.
While the system of the present invention may be designed for a large transportation infrastructure, the system may be scaled down and adapted for use in theme parks or in the form of toys.
Referring to Figure 1, a transportation system 10 may include single I-beam tracks 20 and double I-beam tracks 12. Typically, the tracks 20, 12 may be arranged to run substantially parallel to each other to permit transportation in opposite directions along the tracks 20, 12 simultaneously. In some embodiments of the present invention, a single track 12 may be included in the transportation system 10. For example, a single track 12 may be used to extend the transportation system 10 into less urban, or suburban, areas. The double I-beam tracks 12 may split into two single I-beam tracks 20 at, for example, a ground station 60. The two single I-beam tracks may include an upper track 20 and a descending track 20-1. The double I-beam tracks 12 may also split into single I-beam tracks 20 for turning the karts 16 at intersections, for example.
After the station, or after an intersection, the single I-beam tracks 20 may rejoin to become double I-beam tracks 12.
A kart 16 may be adapted to ride on the tracks 20, 12. The tracks 20, 12 may be suspended from towers 14. The tracks 20, 12 may include descending tracks 20-1 for permitting the kart 16 to approach the ground. Descending tracks 20-1 may be used at stops in the transportation system 10, thereby permitting passengers to board and exit the karts 16.
Referring to Figure 2, the tracks 12, 20 may be suspended from a tower arm 18 which may be mounted on the tower 14. The tower system, including the tower arm 18 and the tower 14, may be a made of a strong, high load capacity, light-weight material.
The karts 16 may include a T-shaped arm 40 that may fit between the double I-beams of the tracks 12. Switcher arms 22, 24 may be disposed on left and right sides of the arm 40. Switcher arms 22, 24 may allow the karts 16 to travel along I beams on a straight line, up or down and turns left or right.
As shown in Figure 2, the transportation system 10 may include a tower system including the tower arm 18 and the tower 14. The tower system 54 may be adapted to carry all of a city's transmission lines 56, such as electric, phone, cable and similar transmission lines.
Referring to Figure 3, the tracks 20, 12 may be negatively charged magnetic tracks. In one embodiment, an electromagnet 28 may be disposed within the tracks 20, 12.
The switcher arms 22, 24 and tips 42 of the T-shaped arm 40 may also include charged electromagnets. These repulsive magnetic charges may cause the kart 16 to Mat on the tracks 20, 12, without a physical connection between the kart 16 and the tracks 20, 12. In an alternate embodiment, each of the magnetic charges in the tracks 20, 12, switcher arms 22, 24 and tips 42 may be positive charges. The electromagnets at the tips 42 of the T-shaped arm 40 may be rotating super electromagnets. The rotation of these electromagnets may control the speed of the kart 16 along the tracks 20, 12. In an alternate embodiment, a separate rotating super magnet may be disposed on the top of the kart 16 to power the kart 16 along the tracks 20, 12. The movement of the karts 16 along the tracks 20, 12 may be automated with a computer system (not shown).
The karts 16 may typically move at speeds up to about 60 miles per hour or greater and may be noise-free.
The switcher arms 22, 24 may be pivotably attached to a platform 46 attached to the kart 16. The platform 46 may be attached to the kart 16 in any conventional manner.
In one embodiment, the kart 16 may include a ball 64 formed in a top portion 68 of the kart 16. The ball 64 may fit into a socket 66 formed in the platform 46.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the switcher arms 22, 24 may be attached to the platform 46 with hinges 48. First and second pistons 44 may be used to pivot the switcher arms 22, 24 from a traveling position, wherein the switcher arm 22 (or the first switcher arm) is adjacent to an I-beam of the track, to a turning position, wherein the switcher arm 24 (or the second switcher arm) is moved about 90 degrees away from the I-beam of the track, as shown by dashed lines and the arrow 50 in Figure 3.
In one embodiment, the pistons 44 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic or piezoelectric pistons. In a typical embodiment, the pistons may be piezoelectric pistons. The pistons 44 may be used to move one of the switcher arms 22, 24 to a turning position (dashed lines of Figure 3), thereby permitting the kart 16 to make a turn or to descend onto a descending track 20-1, as shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, two or more pistons 44 may be attached to each switcher arm 22, 24.
Referring to Figure 4, the kart 16 may include a plurality of seats 30. The number of seats and the size of the kart 16 may be varied depending on the transportation needs where the kart 16 is deployed. The kart 16 may also include air conditioning units 52.
The kart 16 may also include a touch screen may system 32. In one embodiment, a rider may select a station that they desire the kart 16 to stop. Similar touch screens may be disposed at kart stations, allowing a passenger to select a destination and summon a kart to come to that station to pick up the passenger. Such a touch screen map system 32 system may eliminate the need for karts to travel to stations that do not require a passenger to be picked up or dropped off. The touch screen system 32 may be programmed to use a wide variety of languages and may include tourist mapping and guiding programs, for example.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic view of a portion of the transportation system 10. The ground-level station 60 may be disposed, for example, between two highways 34, 36. Each direction of the highway 34, 36 may include a turn around 35, 37 for accessing the station.
One or more solar cells 62 may be disposed along a sun-facing side of the track 12, as shown in Figure 5. The solar cells 62 may deliver power, through conventional means, to the karts 16, the computer controllers (not shown) or other electrical systems within the transportation system 10. In one embodiment, the solar energy collected from the solar cells 62 may be stored for future use. The solar cells 62 may be disposed on any component of the transportation system 10 that may be subject to solar rays.
Although the foregoing description demonstrates that the karts 16 of the invention are designed for transporting passengers by disposing a plurality of seats therein (as shown in Figures 1-4), the karts of the invention can be amended for various specifications.
Referring to Figure 6, it illustrates schematically a cross-sectional detail view of another embodiment of a transportation kart 16 of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the kart is designed for accommodating and transporting cars by evacuating thereinsides. A driver can drive a car into the kart 16 directly from a station.
Referring to Figure 7, it illustrates schematically a schematic view of a further embodiment of a transportation kart 16 of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the kart 16 includes a head adapted to ride on the track and a container detachable with the head. When a container is loaded up with goods somewhere, it can be trailed by a truck to a station via a highway.
When the container is summoned to a track of the station, the head riding on the track can connect with the container for cargo shipping.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
The karts 16 may include a T-shaped arm 40 that may fit between the double I-beams of the tracks 12. Switcher arms 22, 24 may be disposed on left and right sides of the arm 40. Switcher arms 22, 24 may allow the karts 16 to travel along I beams on a straight line, up or down and turns left or right.
As shown in Figure 2, the transportation system 10 may include a tower system including the tower arm 18 and the tower 14. The tower system 54 may be adapted to carry all of a city's transmission lines 56, such as electric, phone, cable and similar transmission lines.
Referring to Figure 3, the tracks 20, 12 may be negatively charged magnetic tracks. In one embodiment, an electromagnet 28 may be disposed within the tracks 20, 12.
The switcher arms 22, 24 and tips 42 of the T-shaped arm 40 may also include charged electromagnets. These repulsive magnetic charges may cause the kart 16 to Mat on the tracks 20, 12, without a physical connection between the kart 16 and the tracks 20, 12. In an alternate embodiment, each of the magnetic charges in the tracks 20, 12, switcher arms 22, 24 and tips 42 may be positive charges. The electromagnets at the tips 42 of the T-shaped arm 40 may be rotating super electromagnets. The rotation of these electromagnets may control the speed of the kart 16 along the tracks 20, 12. In an alternate embodiment, a separate rotating super magnet may be disposed on the top of the kart 16 to power the kart 16 along the tracks 20, 12. The movement of the karts 16 along the tracks 20, 12 may be automated with a computer system (not shown).
The karts 16 may typically move at speeds up to about 60 miles per hour or greater and may be noise-free.
The switcher arms 22, 24 may be pivotably attached to a platform 46 attached to the kart 16. The platform 46 may be attached to the kart 16 in any conventional manner.
In one embodiment, the kart 16 may include a ball 64 formed in a top portion 68 of the kart 16. The ball 64 may fit into a socket 66 formed in the platform 46.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the switcher arms 22, 24 may be attached to the platform 46 with hinges 48. First and second pistons 44 may be used to pivot the switcher arms 22, 24 from a traveling position, wherein the switcher arm 22 (or the first switcher arm) is adjacent to an I-beam of the track, to a turning position, wherein the switcher arm 24 (or the second switcher arm) is moved about 90 degrees away from the I-beam of the track, as shown by dashed lines and the arrow 50 in Figure 3.
In one embodiment, the pistons 44 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic or piezoelectric pistons. In a typical embodiment, the pistons may be piezoelectric pistons. The pistons 44 may be used to move one of the switcher arms 22, 24 to a turning position (dashed lines of Figure 3), thereby permitting the kart 16 to make a turn or to descend onto a descending track 20-1, as shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, two or more pistons 44 may be attached to each switcher arm 22, 24.
Referring to Figure 4, the kart 16 may include a plurality of seats 30. The number of seats and the size of the kart 16 may be varied depending on the transportation needs where the kart 16 is deployed. The kart 16 may also include air conditioning units 52.
The kart 16 may also include a touch screen may system 32. In one embodiment, a rider may select a station that they desire the kart 16 to stop. Similar touch screens may be disposed at kart stations, allowing a passenger to select a destination and summon a kart to come to that station to pick up the passenger. Such a touch screen map system 32 system may eliminate the need for karts to travel to stations that do not require a passenger to be picked up or dropped off. The touch screen system 32 may be programmed to use a wide variety of languages and may include tourist mapping and guiding programs, for example.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic view of a portion of the transportation system 10. The ground-level station 60 may be disposed, for example, between two highways 34, 36. Each direction of the highway 34, 36 may include a turn around 35, 37 for accessing the station.
One or more solar cells 62 may be disposed along a sun-facing side of the track 12, as shown in Figure 5. The solar cells 62 may deliver power, through conventional means, to the karts 16, the computer controllers (not shown) or other electrical systems within the transportation system 10. In one embodiment, the solar energy collected from the solar cells 62 may be stored for future use. The solar cells 62 may be disposed on any component of the transportation system 10 that may be subject to solar rays.
Although the foregoing description demonstrates that the karts 16 of the invention are designed for transporting passengers by disposing a plurality of seats therein (as shown in Figures 1-4), the karts of the invention can be amended for various specifications.
Referring to Figure 6, it illustrates schematically a cross-sectional detail view of another embodiment of a transportation kart 16 of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the kart is designed for accommodating and transporting cars by evacuating thereinsides. A driver can drive a car into the kart 16 directly from a station.
Referring to Figure 7, it illustrates schematically a schematic view of a further embodiment of a transportation kart 16 of the transportation system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the kart 16 includes a head adapted to ride on the track and a container detachable with the head. When a container is loaded up with goods somewhere, it can be trailed by a truck to a station via a highway.
When the container is summoned to a track of the station, the head riding on the track can connect with the container for cargo shipping.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A transportation system comprising:
an elevated track formed of at least one suspended I-beam;
a platform adapted to be suspended from the track;
a T-shaped arm extending from the platform;
first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm is adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
an elevated track formed of at least one suspended I-beam;
a platform adapted to be suspended from the track;
a T-shaped arm extending from the platform;
first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm is adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
2. The transportation system of claim 1, further comprising a kart attached to the platform, the kart adapted to carry passengers.
3. The transportation system of claim 2, wherein:
the at least one suspended I-beam, the first and second tips of the T-shaped arm and at least a portion of the first and second switcher arms are magnetically charged with the same charge; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
the at least one suspended I-beam, the first and second tips of the T-shaped arm and at least a portion of the first and second switcher arms are magnetically charged with the same charge; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
4. The transportation system of claim 2, further comprising a rotating electromagnet adapted to drive the kart along the track.
5. The transportation system of claim 1, further comprising pistons connecting the first and second switcher arms to the platform.
6. The transportation system of claim 5, wherein the switcher arms are deployed in one of a traveling position, wherein the first switcher arm is located adjacent to the I-beam, or in a turning position, wherein the second switcher arm is pivoted degrees away from the I-beam.
7. The transportation system of claim 6, wherein the switcher arms pivot about a
8 hinge.
8. The transportation system of claim 5, wherein more than one piston independently connects the first and second switcher arms to the platform.
8. The transportation system of claim 5, wherein more than one piston independently connects the first and second switcher arms to the platform.
9. The transportation system of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar cell disposed on a component of the transportation system.
10. The transportation system of claim 2, further comprising descending tracks adapted to carry the kart to a ground level station for loading or unloading passengers.
11. The transportation system of claim 2, further comprising a touch screen panel located in a ground-level station of the transportation system, the touch screen panel adapted to receive an input from a passenger to summon a kart to the station.
12. The transportation system of claim 11, further comprising a second touch screen panel located within the kart, the touch screen panel adapted to receive an input from the passenger to direct the kart to stop at a specific station.
13. The transportation system of claim 2, further comprising a computer controller to control the location and speed of the kart within the transportation system.
14. A transportation system comprising:
a plurality of overhead tracks suspended from towers, the tracks formed of at least one suspended I-beam;
a T-shaped arm extending from a platform, the platform adapted to be attached to a top portion of a kart; and first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track;
the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
a plurality of overhead tracks suspended from towers, the tracks formed of at least one suspended I-beam;
a T-shaped arm extending from a platform, the platform adapted to be attached to a top portion of a kart; and first and second switcher arms attached to the platform, wherein the first switcher arm and a first tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a first suspended I-beam of the elevated track;
the second switch arm and a second tip of the T-shaped arm are adapted to suspend the platform from a second suspended I-beam of the elevated track; and the first and second switcher arms and the T-shaped arm do not physically contact the suspended I-beam of the elevated track.
15. The transportation system of claim 14, further comprising a rotating electromagnet adapted to drive the kart along the track, wherein the at least one suspended I-beam, the first and second tips of the T-shaped arm and at least a portion of the first and second switcher arms are magnetically charged with the same charge.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12/817,042 US8272332B2 (en) | 2009-06-17 | 2010-06-16 | Smart mass transit rail system |
| US12/817,042 | 2010-06-16 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2739534A1 true CA2739534A1 (en) | 2011-12-16 |
| CA2739534C CA2739534C (en) | 2013-03-19 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2739534A Expired - Fee Related CA2739534C (en) | 2010-06-16 | 2011-05-04 | Smart mass transit rail system |
Country Status (5)
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| JP (1) | JP3168887U (en) |
| KR (1) | KR200468591Y1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN201980227U (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2739534C (en) |
| TW (1) | TWM404158U (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106364490A (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2017-02-01 | 张向东 | Train rail and train system |
| US11299182B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-04-12 | Jean Victor Peloquin | Suspended public transit system |
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| US9738291B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 | 2017-08-22 | Reilly Quinn Corporation | Solar railway system and related methods |
| CN103434513B (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-11-11 | 高毅 | Magnetic suspension sprocket drive public transportation system |
| CN103770790B (en) * | 2014-02-20 | 2016-10-05 | 四川大学 | Overhead system rail transport plateform system |
| JP6358575B2 (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2018-07-18 | 日本信号株式会社 | Excursion support system |
| TWI803062B (en) * | 2015-02-11 | 2023-05-21 | 貢薩洛 阿里扎杜蘭 | Transport system and its movable counterweight system |
| TWI760624B (en) * | 2015-02-11 | 2022-04-11 | 貢薩洛 阿里扎杜蘭 | Transportation system and rail system for the transportation system |
| TWI577590B (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-04-11 | Qi-Heng Mu | Solar and hydrodynamic airlift system |
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| CN106864464B (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-07-06 | 万普华 | Personal suspension type double track road is double dynamical to automatically control railway traffic system |
| CN108482390B (en) * | 2018-01-19 | 2019-08-27 | 成都天府轨谷科技有限公司 | A kind of magnetcisuspension floating rail train drive system |
| CN110065504B (en) * | 2018-01-22 | 2023-12-29 | 中唐空铁科技有限公司 | Instant charging system of new energy rail transit system |
| CN109204351B (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2019-09-10 | 中车大连机车车辆有限公司 | Hang car roof suspension mounting structure |
| CN109263612B (en) * | 2018-10-06 | 2021-10-01 | 贵州师范大学 | A smart new energy vehicle battery conveying device based on the Internet of Things |
| CN109653040B (en) * | 2018-11-21 | 2021-07-06 | 中车青岛四方机车车辆股份有限公司 | Track beam for line switching |
| CN109532863A (en) * | 2018-11-21 | 2019-03-29 | 中车青岛四方机车车辆股份有限公司 | A kind of compartment and traffic system |
| CN110306386B (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2024-01-30 | 山西中海威轨道交通工程有限公司 | Single-rail suspension type electromagnetic suspension train system based on inverted E-shaped suspension rail |
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| JPS5151808A (en) * | 1974-10-29 | 1976-05-07 | Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co | JODENDOJIKIFUJOSHANO BUNKIHOHO OYOBI SOCHI |
| JPS594921B2 (en) * | 1976-01-23 | 1984-02-01 | 株式会社東芝 | Normal conductive magnetic levitation vehicle branching device |
| JPS5615106A (en) * | 1979-07-17 | 1981-02-13 | Akebono Brake Ind Co Ltd | Vehicle driven by dc linear motor |
-
2010
- 2010-11-23 TW TW099222680U patent/TWM404158U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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2011
- 2011-01-04 CN CN2011200048360U patent/CN201980227U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-04-21 JP JP2011002238U patent/JP3168887U/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-05-04 CA CA2739534A patent/CA2739534C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-05-16 KR KR2020110004142U patent/KR200468591Y1/en active IP Right Grant
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106364490A (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2017-02-01 | 张向东 | Train rail and train system |
| CN106364490B (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2019-01-29 | 张向东 | A kind of train rail and train system |
| US11299182B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-04-12 | Jean Victor Peloquin | Suspended public transit system |
| US11541912B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-03 | Jean Victor Peloquin | Suspended public transit system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN201980227U (en) | 2011-09-21 |
| KR20110011821U (en) | 2011-12-22 |
| CA2739534C (en) | 2013-03-19 |
| JP3168887U (en) | 2011-06-30 |
| KR200468591Y1 (en) | 2013-08-22 |
| TWM404158U (en) | 2011-05-21 |
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