RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/258,289 filed on November 5, 2009 and entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY LEVITATED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM."

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The invention relates to a transportation system enabling both conventional transportation and externally powered automated transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Traffic congestion is a constant problem and nuisance in today's age. The costs attributed to lost productivity, accidents and injuries, and other negatives related to traffic and commuting are easily into the hundreds of millions dollars. Current systems to transport persons from one place to another such as commuter rail, buses, automobiles, are well known in the art. However, each has significant shortcomings.

[004] For example, some existing systems require a suspended system, physical contact to transmit electric power to the transportation device (e.g. car, truck, freight vehicle, rail, etc.); a separate pallet or boggie permanently mounted to the guideway; need to have extended or articulated wheel axles; batteries that must be replaced during a trip; and/or they are extremely noisy.

[005] What is needed is a novel transportation system which can accommodate

transportation vehicles including those of conventional manner to utilize a safe, efficient, automatically controlled mode of transportation using special guideways which power the vehicle externally.

BREIF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] The Innov8Transport invention is a novel electric dual mode (EDM) transportation system suitable for both personal/public vehicles and freight transportation, wherein vehicles can be driven in a conventional manner on conventional roads, but can also enter special guideways. Once on these guideways, the vehicles are powered externally and move under automated control, freeing the driver from the task of driving. Freight vehicles can be entirely driverless, requiring drivers only to drive them to and from the guideways. [007] The disclosed subject matter provides an electrified, elevated guideway system that will connect public and private transportation as well as freight above existing roadway and rail systems. The system could connect the entire US Interstate Highway System, totaling 42,000 miles. A dual mode customizable, private electric car will be able to be driven on existing roadways and seamlessly enter and exit the guideway.

[008] The Dual Mode Project will provide consumers with multiple advantages over the current system. It will allow commuters to leave their homes and arrive at their chosen destination, without leaving their own car, thereby erasing the headaches involved with mass transit stations and scheduled departures.

[009] Dual mode vehicles will also be more efficient than current electric cars, whose range is limited by their ability to deliver electrical energy from on-board storage. Once connected to the electrified guideway system, dual mode vehicles will be provided with a constant realtime source of electricity that both powers and recharges the vehicle batteries. With these conveniences, the disclosed subject matter will improve energy security, safety, emissions, personal mobility, and productivity.

[0010] The disclosed subject matter will benefit travelers, the environment, and the economy alike. For travelers, it will be a simple, safe, private, carefree, and less expensive than the current system, as the dual mode vehicles will reduce traffic congestion at least ten times faster than conventional highways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[001 1] The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in the claims. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] FIGURES la and lb depict embodiments of guideway structures.

[0013] FIGURES 2a and 2b depict an embodiment of the guideway guidance system.

[0014] FIGURE 3 depicts a guideway equipped vehicle.

[0015] FIGURE 4 depicts an embodiment utilizing a center lane for emergency access.

[0016] FIGURE 5 depicts an embodiment of a public transport station. [0017] FIGURE 6a depicts an embodiment of the guideway compatibility inspection.

[0018] FIGURE 6b depicts an embodiment of the guideway compatibility inspection from inside the vehicle.

[0019] FIGURE 7 depicts an embodiment of a community freight hub.

[0020] FIGURES 8a and 8b depict an embodiment of the single guideway paddle option from a rear elevation and side elevation respectively.

[0021] FIGURE 9 depicts the electromagnetic tracking of Halbach arrays for steering purposes.

[0022] FIGURE 10 depicts an embodiment for removing a stopped non-guideway enabled vehicle from the guideway.

[0023] FIGURES 11a - llh are photograph/screen captures of particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Those with skill in the arts will recognize that the disclosed embodiments have relevance to a wide variety of areas in addition to those specific examples described below.

[0025] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0026] The Innov8Transport invention is a novel transportation system suitable for both personal/public vehicles and freight transportation, wherein vehicles can be driven in a conventional manner on conventional roads, but can also enter special guideways. Once on these guideways, the vehicles are powered externally and move under automated control, freeing the driver from the task of driving. Freight vehicles can be entirely driverless, requiring drivers only to drive them to and from the guideways.

[0027] Innov8Transport uses cars (and freight vehicles) that are conventional in design, but with the added feature of being able to magnetically levitate and/or be magnetically propelled on a wheeled device (e.g. cart/apparatus) when on the guideways. The levitation system provides a magnet array (Halbach array) that develops a lifting force when the vehicle carrying the array passes at speed over coils below the surface of the guideway. The guideway surface is flat, allowing magnetically-levitated vehicles to easily transition from the main guideway to or from exits and entrances with no mechanical contact with the guideway surface. The vehicles are levitated by deployable "wings" on each side of the vehicles carrying the aforementioned Halbach arrays. Propulsion is by linear induction or synchronous motors, the guideway -powered primary coils of which are beneath the guideway surface with the passive reaction plate secondary mounted below the vehicle. The only exceptions to the guideway' s flat surface are grooves running the length of the guideway. Vehicle-mounted steering paddles are deployed into these grooves in a contactless manner and stabilized in the center of the grooves by means to be described. The guidance system causes the vehicles to follow the grooves. When a vehicle traveling on the guideway wishes to exit the guideway it takes actions, also to be described, which cause it to follow a groove exiting the guideway rather than one continuing along the guideway. All these aspects are described more fully in the sections that follow.

[0028] Referring to Figures la, lb, 2a, and 2b depicted are embodiments for the guideway structure and guideway guidance system. Generally to take the road straight ahead, the left paddles will be in a lowered position to engage a channel in the guideway. To enter or exit a guideway, the right steering paddles will be lowered to engage a channel. Multiple cars following one another closely can each select their desired path without any guideway switching mechanism involved.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, a guideway equipped vehicle is depicted. An envelope within the chassis of conventional cars is standardized to accept an optional electric/magnetic guideway propulsion package. The vehicle bourn propulsion package consists of a reaction plate that interacts with the guideway linear motor coils to propel the vehicle forward. The propulsion system can also move the vehicle in reverse and can act in reverse to provide regenerative braking. In one embodiment the guideway mode vehicle suspension is magnetic levitation with Halbach arrayed permanent magnets on the vehicle inducing a current in guideway suspension coils to interact with separate permanent magnets on the vehicle to cause levitation. In a power off situation the vehicle continues to levitate until the forward speed drops to approximately 5mph. The wheels deploy at approximately lOmph so the vehicle sits down on its tires. The Halbach array and permanent magnet suspension plates in a retracted position are above the main reaction plate to protect them from mud and road debris and prevent the accumulation of magnetically attracted debris. To steer the vehicle in guideway mode, there are magnetically repulsive steering paddles fore and aft on both sides of the vehicle. Vehicle wheel suspension is electric or pneumatic and enable full retraction of the wheels to allow the reaction plate to be within a few inches of the LIM while also allowing conventional clearances in road mode. The goal is to enable an all-electric car with infinite range on guideway and an introductory price significantly below the cost of conventional cars. Off guideway propulsion options to equal or exceed current roadway capable cars.

[0030] In another embodiment, an electric smart cart could attach to the bottom of the car. This electric smart cart would be deployed beneath the car to marry the apparatus (electric smart cart) to the guideway. The deployment could be achieved by many means such as an advanced landing gear style of extension/deployment. It could further provide controlled suspension for the car, electric power connectivity for the car, and communication with the guideway including control systems.

[0031] Referring to Figure 4, the center lane of the guideway is provided for avoidance of emergency situations that occur in the primary lanes. The vehicle receives an emergency diversion signal and deploys the left steering paddle to divert to the middle guideway as shown in position B. After passing the obstruction, the vehicle reverses directions and rejoins the right-hand guideway. The same can occur for south bound traffic. The middle lane is dedicated to emergency and maintenance use. In this embodiment it can only be used in one direction at a time incorporating interlocks to prevent simultaneous use in both directions.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5, the guideway provides access to suitably equipped public transit vehicles as well as personal and freight vehicles. People que in line, for example, lines A, B, C, D, and E for the next available vehicle. In one embodiment the passengers could swipe an ID card and/or a fare card and then identify where they are going on a touch screen or other input device. When the vehicle arrives the passenger would get in and go directly to the destination and the vehicle would remain on the guideway. In the end destination is far removed from the guideway, the passenger could indicate their desire for a taxi. In this case, the vehicle that arrived would be dual mode and include a driver for off guideway transportation. In another example, the passenger could indicate their desire for a rental car if extended use were desired. Finally, the passenger could always indicate that they will provide transportation at the end of the guideway.

[0033] Figures 6a and 6b depict embodiments of the guideway compatibility inspection system from outside and inside a vehicle, respectively. The guideway inspection system interrogates and validates that vehicles attempting to gain access to the guideway are guideway enabled. In one embodiment, the vehicle would have instantaneous inspection for guideway compatibility and worthiness via dynamic RFID handshake between the infrastructure (guideway) and the vehicles computer. If the vehicle was not guideway enabled, or some other problem occurred, the guideway system could then notify the vehicle operator and provide the opportunity to bypass the guideway entrance and stay on the feeder.

[0034] Referring to Figure 7, the guideway may also provide access to suitably equipped freight carriers. This figure could be a multi-company industrial park or a single company distribution center. These could be located around population centers by zip code so they are very regionalized destinations enabling shorter "last mile" trips.

[0035] Rather than having limited hubs for major urban areas, major hubs could ultimately be located near but outside the congestion of major seaports. Container seafreight entering a major port would be shipped to major hub distribution centers approximately 20 to 75 miles from the port where containers would be broken to 2 pallet load volumes and shipped on driverless vehicles over the guideway to a zip code based freight center. At this point the freight could be rolled off guideway freight vehicles to roadway trucks for last mile delivery within the community.

[0036] Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, which depicts an embodiment of the single guideway paddle option from a rear elevation and side elevation respectively. Post (U.S. Patent 5,722,326) discusses a magnetically-levitated train. The pole pieces of the magnetic arrays are shaped or tilted to provide a self-centering force. While this works well for a train that never leaves a section of track, it will not work for indivi dual vehicles that merge onto or leave the main roadway at intervals. To provide both centering and the ability to leave the roadway for such vehicles, a vehicle-mounted "steering keel" is proposed which is lowered as the vehicle approaches the guideway into a groove running along the center of the roadway. The steering keel comprises two sections: an upper section on which are mounted two Halbach magnet arrays facing outwards, and a lower section on which arc mounted an ordinary permanent magnet facing to the right and an electromagnet facing to the left (see Figure 8a).

[0037] In one of two possible variations a series of closely-spaced inductively loaded coils is placed along both sides of the upper section of the groove, in the manner described by Post. In sections of the guideway between transitions (exits, entrances, or lane switches) the lower section of the groove is lined with a passive material. As the vehicle moves at speed the keel is repelled from each side of the groove by forces arising from the interaction of the moving Halbach arrays with the coils. The force from each side of the groove falls off as exp(-2kd), where d is the distance from the face of the magnet array, k = 2π/λ, and λ is the length of one period of the array (four pole faces ). Thus the keel will be held stably in the center of the groove.

[0038] Shortly before an exit point the groove begins to widen and eventually bifurcate, so that one groove continues straight and the other diverges to the right to exit (see Figure 8b). If nothing else were done, the keel would stay in the center of the expanding groove. However at the same time that the groove begins to widen the lower section of each side of the groove is lined with laminated iron or some other ferromagnetic material. The permanent magnet on the right side of the keel is attracted to the ferromagnetic material drawing the keel to the right side of the groove. This can be arranged so that the attractive force of the magnet increases at exactly the same rate as the repulsive force from the left side of the groove falls off. maintaining a consistent distance of the keel from the right side of the groove. If the system is designed so that the attractive force of the magnet falls off less rapidly than the repulsive force of the Halbach array on the right side of the groove, the keel will maintain a stable distance from the right side of the groove and follow the right side as the groove bifurcates, thus causing the vehicle to exit. This might be done, for example, by appropriate shaping of the magnet or the ferromagnetic material, by adj usting the distance between the two, or by operating the ferromagnetic material near its saturation limit so as the magnet moves closer the permeability of the material drops, limiting the force increase. (The principle is exactly the same as that used for levitation, with the downward force of gravity being replaced by the rightward force of the magnet.) Note the system is fail-safe - if the vehicle loses power it will automatically exit at the next exit.

[0039] A car wishing to continue straight will energize its leftward-facing electromagnet. T is magnet is arranged to be stronger than the permanent magnet and so will pull the keel to the left side of the groove where it will again maintain a stable distance from the left side of the groove. It is important to note for safety considerations that the system is bistable. The keel will move either to the left side or the right side of the groove - the center position is not stable.

[0040] Alternatively, the coils on the left side of the groove could be omitted in inter- transition regions, instead being replaced by ferromagnetic material on the right side. In such case the left Halbach array would be passive and the keel held centered by the combination of the right Halbach array and the permanent magnet. Coils and ferromagnetic material on the left side of the groove would occur in the transition regions only. A similar arrangement can be used f r merging vehicles.

[0041] For stability, ideally the keel should be located along the midline of the vehicle to eliminate torques. Howe ver if this is impractical because of packing considerations, the keel could be outboard of the vehicle on the right side, or two keels used, one on either side, Also for stability, it may be desirable to have two electromagnets and two permanent magnets located fore and aft, again to prevent torques on the keel. This would be especially desirable in the case of a single outboard keel , in order to compensate the torque that would be produced as a result. The inductively-loaded coils for cither levitation or steering r both could be actively energized to propel the vehicle forward. Alternatively, a linear induction motor could be used comprising two reaction plates on either side of the keel and

corresponding coils below the roadway surface

[0042] Referring to Figure 9, depicts the electromagnetic tracking of Halbach arrays for steering purposes.

[0043] Referring to Figure 10, the guideway entrance has levitation and LIM coils which levitate and propel a guideway vehicle. The surface of the guideway has a straight sided trough under the right-side tires of a vehicle, which gradually deepens to a depth of about 5 inches. The right side tires of a conventional (non-levitate/non guideway equipped) vehicle become trapped in this trough, forcing the vehicle to move in a straight path, while a guideway equipped vehicle follows the curve to the right. At the point A where the curving left levitation coil strip clears the path of a vehicle's left tires, a similar trough begins on the left side, further trapping a non-guideway equipped vehicle's tires. Shortly before the point B where the left side levitation coil strip crosses a conventional (straight-moving) vehicle's right tires, the right tire trough is interrupted to allow the levitation coils to continue, then begins again at point C. Thus a convention (non-guideway equipped) vehicle is forced to follow a straight path until beyond the guideway entrance. This scheme has the minor advantage that a conventional vehicle will not end up blocking the entrance.

[0044] Figures 11a - llh, are photograph/screen captures of particular embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. EDM (Electric Dual Mode) technology converges proven technologies to combine the benefits of private automobile and public rail transportation. [0045] The comprehensive EDM SKYway smart grid allows individuals to ride a public high-speed train/bus or drive a hybrid or electric car equipped with EDM technology (i.e Ford SKYbrid, Porsche SKYbrid) onto a EDM SKYramp™ and seamlessly enter and exit an elevated and automated high speed rail. These EDM equipped vehicles will safely and intelligently transport people and freight to their individual destination.

[0046] The 21 ^st Century EDM SKYWAY Transportation System

• Carefree, Fast, Efficient, Safe, Private, Economical, Clean and Fun

• Eliminates Dependence on Foreign Oil (Electric)

• Environmentally-friendly, dramatically Lowers Emissions with Small Footprint

• Vehicles can be easily equipped with EDM technology- seamlessly connect, and hybrid and electric vehicles can recharge on the guideway, eliminating EV range challenges.

• Quiet Linear Induction Motors (LIM) provide reliable, High-speed (>130 mph) operation

• Convenient entrance and exit via SKYramps.

• Intelligently Transports public and private passengers and high value freight

• Lane capacity > 10 times current highways at less cost

• Fast Deployment: modular= assembled versus constructed process

• SKYWAY miles built per- week instead of miles per-year

• Leverage Existing Interstate Highway

• ELEVATED -Utilizes existing right-of-ways (Minimize Land Grab)

• Serves requirements of all regions (Urban/Rural)

• Creates grid for transportation, electricity and broadband

• Capitalizes on multiple CLEAN electric networks [0047] As shown in the figures, the system could have stylized concrete pillars. The system incorporates a modular design, building, and assembly process. It also incorporates steel/aluminum (or other suitable material) beams and grates. Additionally, it incorporates solar/wind power design.

Additional Information

[0048] The guideway structure provides the passive levitation system for guideway equipped vehicles by which the forward motion of the vehicle generates a levitating force by moving Halbach arrays past coils. Unlike those in prior-art guideway proposals, the guideway described herein has a surface that is substantially flat permitting unimpeded entering and exiting of vehicles.

[0049] The guideway compatible vehicle comprises:

• A conventional automobile body/chassis envelope.

• A receptacle or recess in the lower or side surface of the conventional vehicle to receive a guideway compatible propulsion device.

• A communication harness to connect the propulsion device to the conventional car

computer system.

[0050] Guideway Vehicle Alternatives for disengagement of conventional car wheel [tire] mechanisms during Guideway propulsion:

• A wheels-up alternative that raises the wheels to a position above the guideway (see Figure 3).

• A vehicle-up alternative that lowers the guideway propulsion subsystem beneath the vehicle thereby raising [jacking up] the vehicle to disengage the conventional wheels during guideway propulsion.

[0051] Steering Mechanism Alternatives:

• Two steering paddles whereby the vehicle is guided by left and right steering paddles.

The left paddle is engaged to steer left and the right paddle is engaged to steer right. In either case, steering is automated and engagement and retraction of steering paddles is done under vehicle control as directed by commands from the guideway infrastructure. • Single steering paddle whereby the vehicle is guided by a center mounted paddle or keel with integral left and right magnets which are energized to guide left or guide right (see Figures 8a, 8b, and the accompanying text).

[0052] Safety Mechanism to prevent access of non-guideway vehicles onto the guideway:

• A simple missing pavement barrier to entry. The roadway leading up to the guideway has a depression where the roadway pavement is removed. The guideway compatible vehicle is magnetically levitated over the depression whereas the non-guideway vehicle will bottom out in the pavement- missing section of the on-ramp.

• A method for removing a non-guideway vehicle from the on-ramp. The ramp has a

straight-sided trough under the right side tire of the non-guideway vehicle. The trough gradually deepens to a depth of approximately 5 inches. The right-side tires become trapped in the trough forcing the vehicle to move in a straight path while a guideway vehicle follows the on-ramp curve onto the guideway. Refer to the attached "Barrier" file for a diagram and engineering notes which further describe this method.

[0053] Robotic Parking Garages: that are compatible with the linear motor guideway as described in our concept. Automated parking will embody magnetic levitation for vehicle movement inside the garage. They will be located near guideway exits for convenience, particularly for inner city use by commuters.

Conclusion:

[0054] Innov8Transport electric dual mode technology enables a new transportation model for the 21 ^st Century allowing people to drive electric vehicles on city streets, personal and public cars and freight transports along with access to elevated guideways for high speed distance travel (130 mph).

[0055] The Innov8Transport solution addresses the compelling need for revitalization of existing transportation due to rapidly increasing population, roadway expenditures that are not keeping up, stifling traffic congestion, dependence on foreign oil, and increasing pollution from combustion.

[0056] Innov8Transport reverses the trend toward diminishing opportunity to travel economically or pleasurably. People can once again enjoy the ride.

[0057] Although example diagrams to implement the elements of the disclosed subject matter have been provided, one skilled in the art, using this disclosure, could develop additional hardware and/or software to practice the disclosed subject matter and each is intended to be included herein.

[0058] In addition to the above described embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure has application in a variety of arts and situations and this disclosure is intended to include the same.