1. A transport apparatus, comprising:

at least one levitation generator configured to:

generating a levitating magnetic flux;

moving within the respective at least one lifting member; and

lifting above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux;

at least one drive generator configured to:

generating a driving magnetic flux;

moving within the respective at least one drive member; and

moving laterally relative to the at least one drive member in response to the driving magnetic flux;

wherein at least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

2. The transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one levitation generator comprises two levitation generators, each levitation generator configured to be received in a respective lifting member.

3. The transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a body coupled to the at least one levitation generator, the at least one levitation generator being slidable relative to the body in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

4. The transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one levitation generator is comprised of a plurality of segments, at least one segment being pivotable toward the transport apparatus, thereby changing the levitating magnetic flux.

5. The transport apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one segment is an end segment with respect to a direction of relative motion of the transport apparatus.

6. The transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a servo motor and a linkage coupled to the at least one levitation generator, the servo motor configured to actuate the linkage, thereby moving the at least one levitation generator relative to the corresponding lifting member.

7. The transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a linkage coupled to the at least one levitation generator and a servo motor configured to actuate the linkage, thereby moving the at least one levitation generator relative to the transport apparatus.

8. The transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one levitation generator has two trim tabs at a trailing end, the two trim tabs coupled to a servo motor configured to drive the trim tabs about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

9. The transport apparatus of claim 8, wherein each trim tab is connected to a respective servo motor, thereby allowing each trim tab to move independently.

10. The transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one levitation generator has two opposing ends and each end is connected to a servo motor disposed on an axle with a linkage, the linkage and servo motor configured to steer the end of the at least one levitation generator relative to the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

11. The transport apparatus of claim 10, wherein each end of the at least one levitation generator is steerable independently of an opposing end.

12. The transport apparatus of claim 10, wherein the servo motor is configured to steer the levitation generator to maintain a substantially constant gap between the levitation generator and a surface of the respective lifting member.

13. The transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one levitation generator comprises two segments, each segment pivotably coupled to an axle by a linkage and a servo motor, each servo motor configured to pivot the respective segment relative to the lifting member.

14. The transport apparatus of claim 13, wherein each segment of the levitation generator is pivotal independently of the other segments.

15. The transport apparatus of claim 13, wherein the servo motor is configured to pivot the levitation generator to maintain a substantially constant gap between the levitation generator and a surface of the corresponding lifting member.

16. A floating wing, comprising:

a levitation generator configured to be coupled to a transport device and to generate a levitating magnetic flux;

the levitation generators are configured to move within respective lifting members;

wherein at least a portion of the levitation generator is movable relative to the transport apparatus, thereby changing the generated levitating magnetic flux.

17. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the at least one levitation generator comprises two levitation generators, each levitation generator configured to be received in a respective lifting member.

18. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the transport apparatus further comprises a body coupled to the at least one levitation generator, and the at least one levitation generator is slidable relative to the body in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

19. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the at least one levitation generator is formed from a plurality of segments, each segment configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, and at least one segment is pivotable toward the transport apparatus, thereby changing the levitating magnetic flux.

20. The levitation wing of claim 19, wherein the at least one segment is a tail segment relative to a direction of relative motion of the transport apparatus.

21. The levitation wing of claim 16, further comprising a servo motor and a linkage coupled to the at least one levitation generator, the servo motor configured to energize the linkage thereby moving the at least one levitation generator relative to the corresponding lifting member.

22. The levitation wing of claim 16, further comprising a linkage coupled to the at least one levitation generator and a servo motor configured to actuate the linkage, thereby moving the at least one levitation generator relative to the transport apparatus.

23. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the at least one levitation generator has two trim tabs at a trailing end, the two trim tabs coupled to a servo motor, the servo motor configured to actuate the trim tabs about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

24. The suspension wing of claim 23, wherein each trim tab is connected to a separate servo motor, thereby allowing each trim tab to move independently.

25. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the at least one levitation generator has two opposing ends, a leading end and a trailing end, and each end is connected to a servo motor disposed on an axle with a linkage, the linkage and servo motor configured to steer the end of the at least one levitation generator relative to the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus.

26. The levitation wing of claim 25, wherein each end of the at least one levitation generator can be steered independently of the other end.

27. The levitation wing of claim 25, wherein the servo motor is configured to steer the levitation generator to maintain a substantially constant gap between the levitation generator and a surface of the corresponding lifting member.

28. The levitation wing of claim 16, wherein the at least one levitation generator comprises two segments, a leading segment and a trailing segment, each segment pivotably coupled to the axle by a linkage and a servo motor, each servo motor configured to pivot the respective segment relative to the lifting member.

29. The levitation wing of claim 28, wherein each segment of the levitation generator can pivot independently of the other segments.

30. The levitation wing of claim 28, wherein the servo motor is configured to pivot the levitation generator to maintain a substantially constant gap between the levitation generator and a surface of the corresponding lifting member.

Background

Magnetic levitation systems are generally designed as systems that levitate by utilizing attraction or repulsion between two objects. These magnetic levitation systems rely on the separation of two objects so that if the separation of the two objects changes, the force generated by the magnet on each object also changes. Furthermore, in systems where magnetic levitation is achieved on e.g. trains by means of rails, it is required that the rails are substantially horizontal. Thus, if the ground changes over time due to weather or the weight of the train and the track, the track will have to be repaired.

Magnetic levitation may provide advantages over conventional wheels on rails. Generally, magnetic levitation has low mechanical friction or zero friction, so that the components in the levitation system do not wear out due to contact. Magnetic levitation has a wide range of speeds in which it can operate, and in operation, magnetic levitation generates relatively low noise levels.

Magnetic levitation can be applied to conventional large railway system architectures, as well as single track or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems. Magnetic levitation may use active or passive magnetic interaction for levitation and centering functions, and inductive or synchronous magnetic interaction for propulsion. For example, a networked guideway transit system may use permanent magnet coupling to provide a relative motion passive primary lift and may use electric repulsion to generate a centering force at most operating speeds, while combining a linear motion function with an electric centering function. See, for example, U.S. patent No. 7562628 to Wamble III et al, published on 7-21/2009, and U.S. patent No. 8171858 to Wamble III et al, published on 5-8/2012, which are incorporated herein by reference. The propulsion device may be either integrated with or separate from the suspension device.

For example, a propulsion device separate from a levitation device is described in international publication WO 2013/003387 a2 to Wamble III, published on 3.1.2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. The vehicle is suspended by one or more suspension devices (e.g. 410 in fig. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11A, 11B of WO 2013/003387 a 2) and each suspension device has one or more elongate poles. When the vehicle is engaged with the track, each elongate magnetic pole is adjacent to a flat vertical face of a fixed conductive rail of the track, and the elongate magnetic poles are inclined at a variable angle. As the elongate magnetic pole moves along the rail, the magnetic field from the elongate magnetic pole includes eddy currents in the rail that generate lift over the elongate magnetic pole. Under some typical operating conditions, lift is generally proportional to the angle of inclination and the speed of the vehicle (see WO 2013/003387A 2, paragraphs [0066] to [0072 ]).

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a transport apparatus including a levitation generator and a guideway having an interface according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a specific example of a transport apparatus including a drive member and a guide rail;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a levitation generator and a lifting member;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic array controller of a levitation generator according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetic levitation generator according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of an electromagnetic levitation generator and a lifting member;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a levitation generator having a slidable axle configured to vary pitch, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a levitation generator having a pivotable portion configured to vary pitch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a levitation generator pivotably coupled to a yaw axle according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a levitation generator pivotably connected to a pitch axle according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a levitation generator having a pivotable trim tab, where the schematic diagram of the levitation generator is configured to adjust yaw, thereby changing pitch, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a levitation generator having a pivotable trim tab to change pitch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a bendable levitation generator coupled to an axle and a corresponding lifting member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a pivotable levitation generator coupled to an axle and a corresponding lifting member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an axle connection according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method of using a transport apparatus.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, many such details are neither shown nor described. Although numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. "at least one" of a group recited in claim language indicates a member of the group or members of the group that meets the claim.

Detailed Description

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, suitable reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the relevant features that are described. Furthermore, the description is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Several definitions will now be set forth that apply throughout the specification. The term "levitation" as used herein refers to the lifting and suspending of an object relative to another object in the absence of mechanical contact between the objects. "suspension force" is the force that provides suspension. The levitation force may act in a vertical direction (opposite to the direction of gravity), but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same force may be used to move or position two objects in a lateral direction or in a direction having both a vertical component and a lateral component. Summarizing, the terms "levitation" and "levitation force" as used herein refer to the force between two objects in a contactless positioning and in a direction substantially orthogonal to the main direction of travel, respectively. As further used herein, "levitating magnetic flux" and "levitating force" are interchangeable and refer to the same element. A "levitation generator" is a device configured to generate magnetic waves that interact with a lifting member to levitate a movable object relative to a fixed object.

"drive force" refers to the force required to accelerate, maintain motion, or decelerate one object relative to another. As used herein, "driving force" means a force that is generally consistent with the primary direction of travel and is not affected by mechanical contact between two objects. As further used herein, "drive magnetic flux" and "drive force" are interchangeable and refer to the same element. A "drive generator" is a device configured to generate magnetic waves that interact with a drive member to drive a movable object relative to a fixed object.

A "guideway" is a device or structure that provides a path for a car, vehicle, truck, or transport along which equipment can move. As used herein, the terms rail and track are interchangeable and refer to the same element. An automobile refers to a device configured to travel along a rail. The vehicle may be at least partially enclosed, completely enclosed or have a surface on which objects or persons can be placed. The car can be connected with the bogie, and the bogie is connected with the guide rail in proper order. The bogie may be an integral part of the vehicle or a separate part that can be attached to the vehicle. As used herein, a bogie need not include wheels, but rather is configured to engage a rail.

"connected" refers to a link or connection of two objects. The connection may be direct or indirect. Indirect joining includes joining two objects through one or more intermediate objects. Connection may also refer to electrical or mechanical connection. The connection may also include a magnetic link without physical contact. "substantially" refers to an element that substantially conforms to a particular size, shape, or other substantial change, such that the composition need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from the cylinder. The term "comprising" means "including, but not necessarily limited to," which particularly indicates open-ended inclusion or membership of the described combinations, groups, families, etc. A "magnetic source" is any material that naturally produces a magnetic field or can be induced to produce a magnetic field. For example, the magnetic source may include a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a superconductor, or any other material that generates or is capable of being induced to generate a magnetic field. The term "pitch" is defined as an increase or decrease in angle of attack relative to the horizontal axis. The term yaw is defined as a twist or swing about a vertical axis.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, many such details are neither shown nor described. Although numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. "at least one" of a group recited in claim language indicates a member of the group or members of the group that meets the claim. For example, at least one of A, B and C indicates that the component may be a only, B only, C, A and B, A and C, B and C only, or A, B and C.

A guideway switch is a guideway workpiece that makes it possible to split or merge paths. Track switches are an important and valuable technical feature of constructing a track network of multiple track lines. By switching the vehicle from one route to another, passengers or cargo need not be transferred to another vehicle on the other route.

The invention relates to adjusting the direction of a levitation generator within a corresponding lifting member. The orientation of the levitation generator can facilitate switching of the vehicle between selectable paths in a guideway transit system that includes track segments, wherein each track segment includes a pair of coextensive and spaced guide rails. The direction of the levitation generator can help switch paths by adjusting lift and/or adjusting the direction of vehicle travel that is turned (e.g., turned in a guideway transit system). In at least one embodiment, a guideway transit system is implemented that includes a plurality of track segments, each track segment including a pair of coextensive and spaced guide rails. The guide rails may be part of a network of guide rails interconnected by joints. The guide rail may have a main line that divides into additional guide rails. For example, the main line may be a central trunk of the network and have diverging rails that branch outwardly to form the network.

The guide rails in each section are spaced a constant distance from each other and are generally coplanar in a horizontal plane or inclined in a curve in a manner similar to conventional railroad tracks. Such tracks include a pair of coextensive spaced guide rails that can carry heavier loads at high speeds as compared to monorail because the weight and inertial forces from the load are distributed over a wider area of the guide rails. In addition, for collisions with tall trucks passing under the track, operation of stations where the track is located on ground level, and walkways which may be located on ground level and on the same level as the guideway, vehicles travelling on the coextensive rails have the advantages of stability and safety of travel.

The rails in the diverging region may diverge vertically, which is in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the track, so that there are no intersecting rails in the diverging region. Although the present invention refers to a bifurcation area, the present invention also includes a merging area as opposed to a bifurcation area. The diverging region may include rails divided into an upper rail group and a lower rail group. The direction need not be exactly perpendicular to what is typically vertical. For example, the track may be curvilinear in shape and the rails diverge in a direction orthogonal to gravity. In at least one arrangement, the main line of the network is at a level above the bifurcation area, and the switching is accomplished by directing the vehicle to a vehicle path above or below the main line. The lift is due to the force from one or more eddy currents magnetically induced in the rail, and therefore this force generally increases with vehicle speed, the magnets and rail may be designed to carry at least twice the total mass of the vehicle at normal operating speed. In this case, each rail may be split such that each half of the rail is vertically bifurcated from the other half, and the total mass of the vehicle passing through the bifurcation area will still be suspended by the pair of half rails regardless of the path selected through the bifurcation area. .

The transport apparatus described herein may include at least one levitation generator and at least one drive generator. The at least one levitation generator can be configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux, move within the respective at least one lifting member, and elevate above a resting position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux. The at least one drive generator may be configured to generate a drive magnetic flux, move within the respective at least one drive member, and move laterally relative to the at least one drive member in response to the drive magnetic flux. At least a portion of the at least one levitation generator is movable relative to the at least one drive generator.

As described herein, the levitation generator can be configured to lift a connected vehicle in relation to a lifting member. The levitation generator may include: a forming member configured to be magnetically connected with the lifting member. The shaping member can have at least one elongate magnetic pole configured to generate a lifting flux field for intersecting at least a portion of the lifting member. The boost flux may depend on the motion of the at least one pole surface along the direction of travel and the angle of the at least one pole surface relative to the direction of travel. The at least one pole surface may include a plurality of magnetic sources. The generated lifting flux field may be independent of the relative position of the at least one levitation generator with respect to the respective at least one lifting member. The at least one elongate magnetic pole may be oriented at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the at least one levitation generator relative to the at least one lifting member to generate a lifting force component in a direction orthogonal to the relative movement. The angle may be based on a constant K of magnetic force versus normal velocity_FNA relative velocity between the at least one levitation generator and the at least one lifting member, and a predetermined angle of lifting force required. The angle may be based on a constant K of magnetic force versus normal velocity_FNA relative velocity between the at least one levitation generator and the at least one lifting member, and a variable angle of lifting force required. The lifting force may depend on the length of at least one elongate magnetic pole, relative to the width and height of the elongate magnetic pole, such that when the length is greater compared to the width and height, the lifting force increases. The lifting force may depend on the velocity of the elongate magnetic pole relative to the at least one lifting member, wherein a higher velocity results in a greater lift. The at least one elongated magnetic pole may include a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a row. The at least one elongate magnetic pole may include two elongate magnetic poles, and each of the two elongate magnetic poles includes a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a row. The suspension member may include an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a combination thereof. The present invention focuses on the control of the levitation generator, so that the lift can be known and can be changed as desired. The ability to know lift may be from a sensor or from a floating hairKnown inputs to the system where the generators interact with each other. Furthermore, different embodiments are described that provide for varying the lift characteristics of the levitation generator. These embodiments are described separately, but it is contemplated that in at least one embodiment, two or more embodiments may be combined to achieve further benefits. The embodiments are described separately to illustrate and discuss the principles associated with the specific embodiments.

Furthermore, a guide rail is proposed. The guide rail may include: at least one lifting member; at least one drive member connectable to the at least one lifting member by a rail connecting member; the at least one lifting member may be configured to receive a levitating magnetic flux generated by a respective at least one levitation generator; the at least one drive member may be configured to receive a drive magnetic flux generated by a respective at least one drive generator. The at least one lifting member may comprise two lifting members. The at least two lifting members may be two rails, each rail having three sides. Each track may comprise a plurality of segments. The cross-section of each of the two rails may be substantially rectangular. The at least one drive member may be substantially cylindrical.

Fig. 1 shows a transport apparatus having a track with a levitation generator 106 housed therein. The transport apparatus 100 may include a drive generator (not shown) and a levitation generator 106 that can be housed within the guideway 104. The drive generator is configured to generate a driving magnetic flux that induces lateral movement of the transport apparatus 100. In fig. 2, the drive generator is shown external to the levitation generator. The levitation generator 106 of the present invention can be implemented with the drive generator located external or internal to the levitation generator 106. Further, the levitation generator 106 of the present invention can be configured as a generally or at least partially vertical structure, for example, in an elevator. Although the principles described herein are generally set forth with respect to a generally horizontal direction of travel, the present techniques may be applicable to travel in other directions.

The guide rail 104 may include one or more lifting members 108. The levitation generator 106 is configured to move within the lifting member 108 and generate a levitating magnetic flux that lifts the lifting member above a resting position. The levitation generator 106 and the corresponding lifting member 108 are separated by a gap 166 (see fig. 3). In at least one embodiment, the levitation generator 106 can be a generally rectangular body coupled to the transport apparatus 100 and configured to move within the lifting member 108. In other embodiments, the levitation generators 106 can be any shape configured to move within the respective lifting members 108 and generate a levitating magnetic flux.

To understand the placement of the lifting member 108 relative to the levitation generator, fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of the levitation generator 106 and the lifting member 108. The levitation generator 106 may include one or more magnetic elements 110, the one or more magnetic elements 110 configured to generate a levitating magnetic flux as the levitation generator 106 moves within the respective lifting member 108. The magnetic element 110 may be one or more magnets. In at least one embodiment, the magnetic element 110 may be an electromagnet. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 110 may include an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or a combination thereof.

Referring again to fig. 1, the rail 104 includes lifting members 108, with a joint 112 formed between two lifting members 108. The levitation generator 106 is at least partially housed within the lifting member 108. The joint 112 connects two lifting members 108 arranged vertically one above the other. As the transport apparatus 100 approaches the joint 112, the levitating magnetic flux may be increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the lift above the lifting member 108. Next, the transport apparatus 100 and levitation generator 106 may enter one of the vertically arranged lifting members 108. In at least one embodiment, the transport apparatus 100 may transition from two or more tracks to a single track, from a single track to multiple tracks, or from multiple tracks to multiple tracks. The transport apparatus 100 may have two levitation generators 106 disposed on opposite sides, each levitation generator configured to be received within a lifting member 108. In at least one embodiment, the guide track 104 includes two opposing lifting members 108, each lifting member 108 configured to receive a levitation generator.

The guide rail 104 may include a joint 112 that joins the two lifting members 108 (upper lifting member 109 and lower lifting member 111). The joint 112 may provide a selectable direction of travel for the transport apparatus. For example, the upper lifting member 109 may form a curve to the right with respect to the direction of travel, and the lower lifting member 111 may form a curve to the left with respect to the direction of travel. In other embodiments, the upper lifting member 109 may be curved left, curved right, continuously vertically separated, flat, or any combination thereof, and the lower lifting member 111 may be curved left, curved right, continuously vertically separated, flat, or any combination thereof.

The transport device 100 may navigate across the junction 112 by changing the pitch of the levitation generator 106, thereby increasing or decreasing the necessary levitating magnetic flux. The transport apparatus 100 may change the pitch of the levitation generator 106 in various ways as will be discussed below. Further, the transport apparatus 100 may adjust the yaw of the levitation generator 106 as the transport apparatus 100 travels along the guideway 104 having a curved, or other non-linear portion. Yaw may be adjusted separately from pitch, and transport apparatus 100 may adjust yaw and pitch separately or simultaneously.

Guide rail 104 has an upper rail 116 and a lower rail 118, with upper rail 116 and lower rail 118 being magnetically coupled to upper and lower elongated magnetic elements 110 in levitation generator 106 (see fig. 6). In at least one embodiment, the levitation generator 106 is referred to as a "levitation wing" or "magnetowing".

The transport device 100 may have sensor wings. The sensor wings may have one or more Vertical Position Sensors (VPS)132 to determine the position of the levitation generator 106 within the guide track 104 and corresponding lifting member 108. The data collected by the plurality of sensors 132 allows for the transition of the levitation generator 106 in the guideway 104 and the interface 112. As can be appreciated in fig. 1, the upper portion 134 has the sensor 132 disposed on an inner surface 136, and the lower portion 138 has the sensor 132 disposed on an inner surface 139.

One or more VPSs 132 may be mounted to the leading edge of the levitation generator 106, mounted on a bogie, mounted on a sensor wing, or mounted on the axle 128. The one or more VPSs 132 can be of various types, such as Hall Effect (Hall Effect) sensors, proximity sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, field Effect sensors, and other edge/position sensors commonly used in mechanical automation. In at least one embodiment, one or more VPSs 132 may interface and/or interact with the upper edge sensor 124 and/or the lower edge sensor 126.

An axle 128 may connect the levitation generator 106 with the transport apparatus 100. The axle 128 may have one or more servomotors 162 connected thereto to slide or rotate the axle 128 relative to the transport 100. In at least one embodiment, one or more servomotors 162 rotate the axle shaft 128 about the longitudinal axis of the axle shaft 128, thereby rotating the levitation generator 106. In other embodiments, one or more servomotors 162 can slide the axle 128 relative to the levitation generator 106 along the longitudinal axis of the transport apparatus 100. In other embodiments, one or more servomotors 162 may energize the levitation generator 106 in any direction relative to the axle 128 and transport apparatus 100, such as pitch, yaw, and/or roll.

Fig. 2 shows a specific example of the transport apparatus 100 and the guide rail 104. Transport apparatus 100 may include a vehicle 101 disposed between two parallel spaced apart horizontal rails of a guideway 104. The vehicle 101 may be configured to transport passengers, cargo, or a combination thereof. The width of the vehicle 101 is less than the spacing between the rails to provide sufficient clearance between the car and the rails of the upper lifting member 109 (see fig. 1) of the vertical bifurcation 112 (see fig. 1). Levitation generator 106 is disposed within the rail and mounted to vehicle 101. The levitation generators 106 can be passive permanent magnets or electromagnets, or they can include actively switched electromagnets.

As can be appreciated in fig. 2, the transport apparatus 100 includes a drive generator 102 configured to generate a drive magnetic flux. The drive generator 102 may be disposed on the outer edge of the vehicle and may be housed within a drive member 103 disposed on the exterior of each rail.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a levitation generator within a lifting member according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows that the bottom edge of the upper rail 116 has an upper edge sensor 124, the upper edge sensor 124 configured to detect the proximity of the sensor wings and levitation generator when the transport device 100 is proximate the junction. Similarly, the top edge of the lower rail 118 has a lower edge sensor 126, the lower edge sensor 126 configured to detect the proximity of the sensor wings and the levitation generator 106 when the transport apparatus 100 is proximate the junction. The upper edge sensor 124 and the lower edge sensor 126 may be of various types, such as hall effect sensors, proximity sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, field effect sensors, and other edge/position sensors commonly used in mechanical automation. As the transport apparatus 100 transitions through the joint 112, the upper edge sensor 124 and the lower edge sensor 126 provide data regarding the direction of travel 114, the levitation generator, and the lifting member 108.

In at least one embodiment, the upper edge sensor 124 and the lower edge sensor 126 provide data regarding the proximity to the transport apparatus 100 to adjust the pitch of the levitation generator 106. The transport apparatus 100 may include a processor, microprocessor, or other control mechanism to adjust the pitch of the levitation generator in response to data from the sensor wings, the upper edge sensor 124, and/or the lower edge sensor 126. The data may be implemented with an electromagnetic controller (shown in fig. 4) as described below. In other embodiments, the upper edge sensor 124 and the lower edge sensor 126 indicate the direction of travel 114 of the transport apparatus 100 when the transport apparatus switches joints 112. The upper edge sensor 124 and the lower edge sensor 126 are turned on and off to direct the transport apparatus 100 to the appropriate upper lifting member 109 or lower lifting member 111 (as shown in fig. 1).

The lifting member 108 has a generally rectangular cross-section, and the levitation generator 106 has a similarly shaped, but at least smaller, rectangular cross-section that is configured to move within the lifting member 108. The levitation generator 106 generates a levitating magnetic flux as it moves within the lifting member 108 along the direction of travel 114. The sensor wings are positioned in front of the levitation generator 106. In at least one embodiment, the transport apparatus has sensor wings positioned before or after the levitation generator 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electromagnet array controller and levitation generator according to an exemplary embodiment. The electromagnet array controller 142 may be selectively responsive to input from the upper or lower VPS 132. The controller output is directed by current to a set of electromagnetic coils 146 in the levitation generator 106 to enhance magnetic coupling with the lifting member 108.

Since the electromagnet 140 can be positioned at the leading or trailing end of the levitation generator 106, the action of the current through them has multiple effects. One effect is to enhance direct levitation by increasing the effective length of the levitation generator 106. The charging of electromagnet elements 140 increases the length of the permanent magnetic pole coupled with the rail. The effect of energizing all of the electromagnetic elements 140 in levitation generator 106 is a rapid and linear change in levitation flux.

The pitching moment balance of levitation generator 106 can also be changed by energizing electromagnetic element 140. Energizing the electromagnetic element 140 at the front end of the levitation generator 106 causes an increased pitch (upslope). Energizing the electromagnetic element 140 at the trailing end of the levitation generator 106 causes a reduced pitch (downtilt). Similarly, energizing the solenoid 140 at the leading end of the levitation generator 106 can result in decreasing pitch (downtilt) and energizing the solenoid 140 at the trailing end of the levitation generator 106 can result in increasing pitch (uptilt).

As can be appreciated in fig. 4, the levitation generator 106 has four electromagnetic elements 140, each electromagnetic element 140 having six electromagnetic coils 146. The electromagnet array controller 142 energizes the appropriate electromagnet elements 140 and corresponding electromagnetic coils 146 in response to feedback from the plurality of sensors 132. The electromagnetic elements 140 at the leading edge of the levitation generator 106 are indicated with E and F, while the electromagnetic elements 140 at the trailing edge of the levitation generator 106 are indicated with C and D. In at least one embodiment, the elongate pole is disposed between the leading edge element E, F and the trailing edge element C, D.

In other embodiments, levitation generator 106 may have more or fewer electromagnetic elements, and each electromagnetic element 140 may have more or fewer electromagnetic coils 146 within each electromagnetic element 140. The number of electromagnetic elements 140 and electromagnetic coils 146 may vary depending on factors such as, but not limited to, the size of the levitation generator 106, the electromagnetic coils 146, the available power for material selection, and the like.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a lifting member with a permanent magnetic element and an electromagnetic element. The levitation generator 106 and the sidewalls of the guideway 104 are not shown to better illustrate the structure of the levitation generator 106. The magnetic element 110 of the levitation generator 106 can be divided into a front portion 148 and a rear portion 150. Each section may have a permanent magnetic region 152 and an electromagnetic region 154. The levitation generator can pitch about the axle 128 in response to unbalanced excitation of the electromagnetic field. Energizing the electromagnetic region 154 of the front portion 148 increases the pitch (tilt up) of the levitation generator 106 and energizing the electromagnetic region 154 of the rear portion 150 decreases the pitch (tilt down) of the levitation generator 106.

The levitation generator 106 can have a permanent magnetic region 152 and an electromagnetic region 154 can be implemented with the electromagnetic array controller 142 shown and described above in FIG. 4. The permanent magnet regions 152 can generate the necessary levitation magnetic flux while the electromagnetic regions 154 can provide pitch modulation as the levitation generator 106 travels within the corresponding lifting member 108.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the levitation generator. The electromagnetic region 154 is within the front portion 148 of the levitation generator 106. The levitation generator 106 can have upper and lower electromagnetic regions 154 within the front portion 148 and, similarly, the upper and lower electromagnetic regions 154 are included in the rear portion 150 of the levitation generator.

As can be appreciated in fig. 5 and 6, the levitation generator 106 has five electromagnetic coils 146 in each of the upper and lower portions of the front and rear portions 148, 150, each coil having a north pole and a south pole. Permanent magnet zone 152 has six permanent magnet elements 156 in each of the upper and lower portions of front portion 148 and six permanent magnet elements 156 in each of the upper and lower portions of rear portion 150. The levitation generator 106 is generally horizontal, but energizing the electromagnetic region 154 causes the levitation generator 106 to pitch within the guideway 104 about the axle 128.

Fig. 7 illustrates a slidable levitation generator according to an exemplary embodiment. As the levitation generator 106 approaches and passes through the junction 112, it increases and decreasesSmall pitch to adjust the levitating magnetic flux. The levitation generator 106 can vary the normal force generated by sliding the axle forward or backward. The levitation generator 106 is balanced at a central point about the axle 128. In at least one embodiment, the servo motor and/or linkage (as shown in fig. 1 and 9-11) can slide the axle back toward the center point, increasing the pitch of α. The torque acting on the levitation generator 106 is a steady state levitation force F_NMultiplied by the distance the axle has moved from the center X. In other embodiments, a servo motor and/or linkage (shown in fig. 1 and 9-11) may slide the levitation generator 106 forward or backward relative to the axle 128, thereby creating an unbalanced levitation flux that alters the pitch of the levitation generator.

As can be appreciated in fig. 7, the axle 128 moves back from the center by a distance X, causing the levitation generator 106 to pitch up by α. To illustrate the calculation procedure, F_NIs one hundred (100) kg and the axle moves one (1) cm, producing a torque of one (1) kgm on the levitation generator. The torque generated increases the pitch of the levitation generator 106. In other embodiments, the axle may move forward from the center point, thereby reducing the pitch of the levitation generator 106. The examples are merely examples and the numerical values shown are for simplicity of understanding only. Different values may be used to perform the calculation. The values depend on the system.

Fig. 8 shows a top-down schematic of a levitation generator according to an example embodiment. The levitation generator 106 includes a plurality of magnetic elements 110 disposed along a length of the levitation generator 106. One or more of the magnetic elements 110 may be pivotable magnetic elements 158 connected to the levitation generator 106. The pivoting of the magnetic elements 158 alters the levitation flux generated by the levitation generator 106, which interacts with the corresponding lifting member 108 to cause the levitation generator 106 to rotate about the axle 128.

The pivotable magnetic elements 158 modulate the magnetic flux generated on either side of the axle 128 such that the levitation generator 106 pitches. Pivoting the magnetic element 158 at the trailing end causes the levitation generator 106 to have a higher generated magnetic flux at the leading end, so that the levitation generator 106 tilts up (tilts up). Pivoting the magnetic element 158 at the leading end causes the levitation generator 106 to have a higher generated magnetic flux at the trailing end, so that the levitation generator 106 bows (tilts) down. The levitation generator 106 can pivot one or more pivotable magnetic elements 158 in response to feedback from the upper edge sensor 124, the lower edge sensor 126, the VPS132, and the processor of the transport apparatus 100.

As can be appreciated in fig. 8, the levitation generators 106 are connected by an axle 128 disposed at a substantially central point of the levitation generators 106. The levitation generator 106 has a plurality of magnetic elements 110, one or more of the magnetic elements 110 being pivotably connected to the levitation generator. The levitation generator 106 can also have a magnetically permeable backplate 160 upon which the magnetic elements 110 can be disposed. The magnetically permeable back plate 160 is also pivotably connected to the pivotable magnetic element 158. The magnetically permeable backplate 160 may be iron, ferritic stainless steel, carbon steel, or any other magnetically permeable material. Trailing magnetic element 110 of levitation generator 106 is a pivotable magnetic element 158 and transitions away from the corresponding lifting member 108, thereby increasing the pitch of levitation generator 106. The front elements may also be pivotally connected to translate away from the respective lifting members 108, thereby reducing the pitch of the levitation generator 106. The pivotable magnetic elements 158 may be controlled by a processor or microprocessor of the transport apparatus 100 in response to the upper end sensor 124, the lower end sensor 126, the VPS132, or other sensors disposed on the levitation generator 106 or the respective lifting member 108. In other embodiments, more than one pivotable magnetic element 158 may be implemented, such as two, three, or more, providing additional changes in pitch.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic top-down view of a levitation generator. The transport apparatus 100 may require adjustment in both pitch and yaw. The pitch adjustment levitation generator 106 tilts up or down relative to the direction of travel 114, while the yaw adjustment levitation generator 106 twists about an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel 114. Adjusting yaw changes the direction of travel in the horizontal plane and pitch adjusts the direction of travel in the vertical plane.

The yaw of the levitation generator 106 can be adjusted by changing the gap 166 between one or more magnetic elements 110 and the corresponding lifting member 108. The levitation generator 106 is pivotably coupled to the axle 128. The levitation generator can also be coupled to a servo motor 162 and a coupling 164. The servo motor 162 and the linkage 164 enable the levitation generator 106 to pivot relative to the corresponding lifting member 108. With the servo motor 162 energized, the levitation generator 106 pivots and the gap 166 between the levitation generator 106 and the corresponding lifting member 108 changes, and thus the levitation flux changes.

When the gap 166 changes, the resulting moment acts to increase or decrease the pitch of the levitation generator 106 depending on the direction of the yaw. A smaller gap 166 at the front edge of the levitation generator 106 increases pitch, while a larger gap 166 at the front edge of the levitation generator decreases pitch. Similarly, a smaller gap 166 at the trailing edge of the levitation generator 106 reduces pitch, while a larger gap 166 at the trailing end of the levitation generator increases pitch.

As can be appreciated from fig. 9, the servo motor 162 and the connector 164 are connected to the front end of the levitation generator 106. The gaps 166 are uniform with respect to the respective lifting members 108. The dashed levitation generator 106 shows the induced yaw. The servo motor 162 energizes the front end to move closer to the lifting member 108, reducing the gap 166 between the levitation generator 106 and the lifting member 108, thereby causing an increase in pitch. In other embodiments, the servo motor 162 and the connector 164 may be connected at the trailing edge of the levitation generator 106 or at any point along the length of the levitation generator 106 to adjust pitch.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a levitation generator according to the present invention. The levitation generator 106 can be coupled to a servo motor 262 and a linkage 264 to adjust the pitch. The servo motor 262 and the linkage 264 directly pivot the levitation generator 106 to adjust the pitch. As can be appreciated in fig. 10, a servo motor 262 is connected to the front edge of the levitation generator 106. The levitation generator 106 tilts upward relative to the direction of travel 114. The front edge of the levitation generator 106 can pitch up toward the upper lifting member 109 and pitch down toward the lower lifting member 111. In other embodiments, the servo motor 262 and the connector 264 may be connected to any point along the levitation generator. Connection to the leading or trailing end can maximize the pitch range for the levitation generator 106. In other embodiments, the servo motor 262 and the connector 264 may be connected at the trailing edge of the levitation generator 106 or at any point along the length of the levitation generator 106 to adjust the gap 66.

Fig. 11 shows a top-down view of a levitation generator 106 having a trim tab according to the present invention. The levitation generator 106 includes a trim tab 167 coupled to the levitation generator 106 via a lightweight servo motor 262. The levitation generator 106 is pivotable about a center point 129. The servo motor 262 can adjust the yaw of the trim tab 167 out of alignment with the direction of travel 114. The reaction force pitches the levitation generator 106 by rotating the levitation generator 106 about the center point 129 such that the trim tab 167 returns to alignment within the direction of travel 114. By pitching the trim tab a relative to the levitation generator 106_TTPitch angle α of levitation generator 106_LGIncreasing (decreasing) to the pitch angle α'. The angle between the direction of travel 114 and the trim tab 167 is β after returning to alignment. When the trim tab 167 is aligned with the direction of travel, the levitation generator 106 is in a pitching moment equilibrium.

The embodiment described with reference to fig. 11 allows for a lighter weight servomotor 362, and the servomotor 362 only needs to adjust the trim tab 167. This embodiment is also self-stabilizing. In at least one embodiment, the trim tab 167 is a mini levitation generator or mini levitation wing.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of a levitation generator according to the present invention. The levitation generator 106 can have two trim tabs 168 coupled to a servo motor 362 and a linkage 364 to adjust pitch. During travel along the direction of travel 114 and zero pitch, the trim tab remains substantially parallel to the levitation generator 106. The trim tab 168 may pivot toward and away from the upper rail 116 and the lower rail 118 (as shown in fig. 3) to adjust pitch. Pivoting the trim tab 168 toward or away from the respective lifting member pivots the levitation generator about the axle 128. Pivoting of the trim tab 168 toward the upper lifting member 109 increases the pitch of the levitation generator 106, while pivoting of the trim tab 168 toward the lower lifting member 111 decreases the pitch of the levitation generator 106.

As can be appreciated in fig. 12, the trim tab 168 is disposed at the trailing end of the levitation generator 106 and pivots upward toward the upper rail 116, causing the levitation generator 106 to pitch upward. In other embodiments, the levitation generator 106 can include one trim tab 168, two trim tabs 168, or any number of trim tabs 168 disposed at either the leading or trailing ends to adjust pitch within the respective lifting member 108.

In other embodiments, the levitation generator 106 can include a trim tab 168 coupled to the levitation generator 106 via a servo 362. The servo motor 362 can pitch the trim tab out of alignment with the direction of travel 114. The reaction force pitches the levitation generator 106 such that the trim tab 168 returns to alignment with the direction of travel 114.

Fig. 13 shows a flexible levitation generator 106 according to the present invention. The levitation generator 106 is coupled to two servomotors 462, 463 and two connectors 464, 465 disposed on each side of the axle. Connections 464, 465 connect the servo motors 462, 463 with the leading and trailing ends of the levitation generator 106. The servo motors 462, 463 steer the ends of the levitation generator 106 in a manner that maintains a constant gap 166 between the levitation generator 106 and the corresponding lifting member. Maintaining a constant gap 166 adjusts the levitation flux and allows for active control of the levitation generator 106.

As can be appreciated in fig. 13, the levitation generator 106 includes a protrusion 170, the protrusion 170 connecting the levitation generator 106 with the servo motors 362, 363. The servo motors 362, 363 are provided on the axle substantially coinciding with the projection 170. In other embodiments, the servomotors 362, 363 can be located on the axle remote from the levitation generator, creating an angled connection with respect to the levitation generator 106.

Figure 14 shows a levitation generator according to the invention. The levitation generator 106 can have two segments 1061, 1062 pivotally connected at the axle 128. The segments 1061, 1062 are coupled to the axle 128 by servomotors 462, 463 and connections 464, 465. Each segment 1061, 1062 of the servo motors 462, 463 and levitation generator 106 is relative to the corresponding lifting member 108.

Fig. 15 shows an axle connection according to the present invention. An axle linkage 172 connects the levitation generator 106 with the axle 128. The axle linkage 172 allows the levitation generator 106 to pitch up, pitch down, swing left, and swing right.

Fig. 16 shows a flow chart of a method using a transport apparatus. Referring to FIG. 16, a flowchart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is presented. Because there are various ways of implementing, the example method 1600 is given by way of example. For example, the method 1600 may be implemented using the structures illustrated in fig. 1-15, and the example method 1600 is explained with reference to the various elements in these figures. Each block in fig. 16 represents one or more steps, methods, or subroutines implemented in the example method 1600. Further, the order of the blocks shown is merely exemplary, and the order of the blocks may be changed according to the present invention. Additional blocks may be added or fewer blocks may be used without departing from the invention. The example method 1600 may begin at block 1601.

At block 1601, the transport apparatus 100 may be moved along the rail 104 by the drive generator 102 generating a drive magnetic flux. In at least one embodiment, the drive generators 102 are helical and rotate within the respective drive members.

At block 1602, the driving magnetic flux causes travel along the guide rail 104 such that the levitation generators 106 move within the respective lifting members 108, thereby generating a levitating magnetic flux. The levitating magnetic flux varies with the speed of the transport apparatus 100 along the rail 104.

At block 1603, the transport apparatus 100 adjusts the orientation of the levitation generators 106 within the respective lifting members 108. The orientation, including pitch, yaw, and/or roll, changes the levitating magnetic flux.

At block 1604, the transport apparatus 100 is proximate to the joint 112 and the levitation generator 106 is oriented such that the transport apparatus 100 enters one of the upper lifting member 109 or the lower lifting member 111.

It is believed that the exemplary embodiments and their advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing all of its advantages, the examples herein before described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.