Guideway transportation system with integrated magnetic levitation suspension, stabilization and propulsion functions

Abstract

A networked guideway transit system uses permanent magnet repulsion with induction-based repulsion within the networked guideway transport system, which can levitate passively with motion. Magnetic levitation technology is used to replace wheels as the primary means of vehicle suspension. The networked guideway transit system uses the permanent magnets to provide primary lift and uses electrodynamic repulsion to create centering forces at most operational speeds while integrating linear motor functions with the electrodynamic centering function. Further, the networked guideway transit system uses no moving parts in the guideways, which enhances reliability in the guideways.

1 . A vehicle bogie for mating a vehicle to a guideway in a networked guideway transit system, the vehicle bogie comprising:
 a bogie support structure;   a first magnet component connected to the bogie support structure in a linear arrangement, the first magnet component for providing propulsion forces on the vehicle bogie, wherein the first magnet component is placed on the top portion of the vehicle bogie;   a second magnet component connected to the bogie support structure in a linear arrangement, the second magnet component for providing upward forces for lifting the vehicle, wherein the first magnet component and the second magnet component are placed approximately parallel to each other; and   a centering component that passively centers the vehicle bogie when the vehicle bogie is moving,   wherein the centering component utilizes electrodynamic repulsion to center the vehicle bogie.   
   
   
       2 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein the first magnet component is arranged to be in opposition to guideway electrical coils that provide propulsion forces on the guideway. 
   
   
       3 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein the first magnet components are of periodic polarity and the second magnet components are homopolar. 
   
   
       4 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , further comprising a third magnet component for providing downward forces for clamping the vehicle, wherein a third magnet component is used an additional array of permanent magnets that provides vertical force on the vehicle bogie. 
   
   
       5 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 3 , wherein the third magnet component is located on the vehicle bogie such that the bottom sides of the guideway magnets are used to produce repulsion. 
   
   
       6 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein an electronic motor provides electricity to the vehicle bogie. 
   
   
       7 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle bogie is divided into a plurality of bogie segments. 
   
   
       8 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein the centering component comprises propulsion coils that are energized to provide forward force. 
   
   
       9 . The vehicle bogie of  claim 1 , wherein the propulsion coils are energized to provide braking force. 
   
   
       10 - 26 . (canceled)