GB2591437A - Light transport transit pack - Google Patents

Abstract

A light transport transit track for narrow-body electric vehicles comprises a truss-like upper frame construction (Fig.3) comprising two primary beams 5, a secondary beam 6, interlinked by struts 14 and whereby the two primary beams are further linked by horizontal members 15 and secondary member 6 is linked to the strut 15 via a vertical column bar 19. A flat deck 11 capable of holding a light transit track 1 is mounted above the truss arrangement, and further comprises a vehicle guide 9 which may be utilised to operate the vehicle autonomously or provides sensors, communication or charging means to the vehicle, and replaceable slabs 8, with a guardrail 7. The modular components may be affixed to one another by a pin 18, and these are mounted onto columns 3 and piles 24 (Fig.18) for further stability and to raise the structure from ground level to an elevated position. The foundation base can be sunk into the ground, into a river bed, or affixed to a structure such as a building.

Description

Light Transport Transit Track

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to transit tracks for light transport vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to environmentally friendly transit tracks for narrow-body electric vehicles which have means for automatic propagation of such vehicles.

Background of the Invention

[2] The majority of people driving on roads across the world travel on their own or with one other person. It is estimated that around 80% of land vehicles, driving at any one time, only has one passenger inside them. The cost of pollution from conventional gasoline or diesel powered vehicles that use internal combustion engines is significant, and its effect on the environment has inspired global environmental movements against climate change including the use of fossil fuels.

[3] It is known to provide specialised roads for electric vehicles to use in human transport. Such roads can take the form of transit tracks or guideways also known as road rail systems, onto which road rail vehicles, also known as special purpose vehicles or dual-mode vehicles can traverse. Generally, transit tracks can include specialized roads, tunnels, passages or elevated platforms which are adapted to co-opt with a part of a conventional or specially adapted vehicle using vehicle guidance means, and are designed to attempt to reduce traffic congestion. For electric vehicles, other benefits include providing a quick-build and cost-effective conduit or pathway through which electric cars can drive, while simultaneously attempting to overcome many of the long-standing shortcomings that have beset conventional electric vehicles for decades -in particular those of speed and range.

[4] Similarly, vehicle guidance devices which have attachments that temporarily affix to a part of an electric vehicle as it traverses on a transit track are known, and can comprise rails, wheels or moving parts which have co-opting and inter-locking brackets or latches, some of which attach adjacent the wheels of a vehicle, or below the chassis. Some such attachments also have the capacity to charge the battery of the electric vehicle as the vehicle is guided along the track, towards a preselected destination. Other transit tracks in patent literature have a network of automatically driven platforms or sleds onto which vehicles can be driven. Once a vehicle has mounted the platform, it is ferried away to its destination using a computerised guidance system which controls the speed and direction of the platform. The benefits of known transit tracks and vehicle guidance devices in patent literature in comparison to conventional roads include greater energy-efficiency, less overall energy consumption, less greenhouse emissions, improved mileage range, no traffic impediments and quicker transit times from one location to the next. Further, the problems of long battery charging times, large battery capacity and the unavailability of electric vehicle charging stations are addressed. However in practice, few such transit track contraptions have developed beyond the theoretical or prototype stage.

[5] US2013104769 discloses a road-rail highway system (RRHS) which enables conventional vehicles to be driven as personal road-rail Vehicles on the road-rail highway systems. Once a vehicle is driven onto the road-rail highway system, its steering is taken-over and performed by rail-wheel latching/ steering units that are attached to each of the vehicle's wheel assemblies. These units securely attach two of the vehicle's wheels to two Guide Rail Assemblies (GRAs) in such a way that the vehicle is securely constrained to the RRHS's narrow roadway. Alternating current is provided to power the electric PRRVs' travel and to charge the electric battery of the vehicle using electric interface units that cooperate with corresponding "AC electric tracks" on the GRAs.

[6] US5199358 (A) discloses a transit system whereby vehicles are piggybacked onto electrically operated upper sled modules for commute over long distances or transit across areas with or which periodically experience high population density, such as city centres and airports. The front wheels of an electric vehicle on the system are carried on an upper sled module which is connected by a fin to a lower airfoil wing travelling in a duct or conduit. The electric vehicle uses its own power to move the articulated unit using co-axial AC and DC motors, but is supplemented by a parallel power supply and signalling system.

Vehicles mounted on the sled units are automatically spaced in response to central computerized timing and speed controls so as to ensure proper separation of vehicles using the guideway. Exits at predetermined nodal points allow the vehicles to re-join conventional roads.

[7] Other relevant prior art include US8161889 (B2) and US5845583 (A) which generally are in the same technical field as some aspects of the present invention.

[8] However, rail transit systems as described above are not ideally suited for electric vehicles, in particular for narrow-body electric vehicles, and have not achieved widespread use for a number of reasons. One potential drawback of the arrangement such as that disclosed in US2013104769 is its complexity.

Firstly, it requires each vehicle to be specially adapted by having the rail-wheel latching units fitted on its wheels. In practice this would require a costly overhaul of the manufacturing process of automotive rims used on electric vehicles. But even if the rail-wheel latching units were to be retrofitted (which the disclosure doesn't mention), looking at figure 3, it appears construction of the Rail-Wheel Latching/ Steering Units would be expensive to manufacture. Further, once the rail-wheel latching units have been incorporated into the automotive wheel design, their rotational balancing too would present a major challenge for such a cumbersome contraption. Unbalanced rims can vibrate when a car is being driven and are thus unsuitable for use on motorcars because of the accident risk they present.

Furthermore, since the GRA's are also used to charge the electric battery of the electric car, the track would require transformers to supply the power to the line, pushing the cost up. Further the extensive redesign would necessitate redesigning and electrical power load balancing the electronics of each electric car, a not inexpensive undertaking which would find it hard to achieve consensus among electric car manufacturers (several of whom have in the past been divided on proprietary lines when it comes to issues such as standardisation of electric charging units and connectors). Furthermore, paragraph 22 of this disclosure describes an operation whereby a user is required to use their smart-phone to urge the car to perform a turning manoeuvre. Unlike automated guidance tracks, this manoeuver introduces human error and would make the system unsafe or at least not user-friendly. In practice requiring technical procedures to be performed by a driver on a mobile device, while the car is in motion is contrary to driving regulations / laws in most countries. It also means the car, in addition to the track, would need to be equipped with multiple transceivers and sensors to receive, process and respond to the signal prompts from multiple mobile devices. This is likely to lead to an inefficient and error-prone, electrical interference-prone system which is expensive to manufacture, costly to assembly and which would require relatively more power to operate.

[9] Considering US5199358 (A), the device according to this teaching will not solve the problems of range which is a longstanding problem that has beset electric vehicles. Further, having AC and DC motors for each sled module would push the cost of manufacturing. In addition, for busy roads which service thousands of cars, there would be a requirement to have hundreds of sleds, which would further push the cost of manufacturing. And if a sled develops a mechanical fault, it would block the downstream traffic in that road vein. Thus, this device is not ideally suited for use by electric vehicles.

MO] It is the object of the present invention to obviate the problems that beset transit tracks or guideways of the prior art and mitigate the disadvantages suffered thereof, by providing a prefabricated eco-friendly, efficient and quick-build transit track that is user-friendly, relatively easy to assemble, which occupies less space on the ground, which causes minimal disruption to the ecosystem around it, which provides a solution to traffic congestion on conventional roads, and which encourages adoption of eco-friendly vehicles such as narrow-body electric vehicles.

Summary of the Invention

[11] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a light transport transit track for narrow-body electric vehicles comprising an assembly having a frame means that is detachably connectable to a column means by fastening means, the column being detachably connectable to a base means, the frame means comprising a substantially rigid elongate and dimensional frame that is provided with a substantially planar deck extending from a proximal end of the dimensional frame to a distal end, the deck having guide means disposable upon it and laid along a portion of its length, the base means being adapted to be detachably affixed firmly to a surface of a physical structure such as a building or to a foundation, wherein the assembly constitute a modular unit and can be connectable to or readily separable from another modular unit, wherein each column means is modular and can be connectable to or readily separable from a corresponding column means.

[12] Preferably each assembly of the light transport transit track comprises a modular unit that can be connectable to or decoupled from another modular unit or section.

[13] Coupling modular units together increases the length of the light transport transit track.

[14] Preferably, an assembly's modular unit can be detachably connected in-between two modular units to form a length of the light transport transit track.

[15] Each assembly's modular unit can be decoupled from at least one other assembly's modular unit to which it is connected to.

[16] Preferably, the light transport transit track comprises an over-ground structure that is constructed above ground.

[17] Alternatively, the light transport transit track can be built to articulate beneath the ground, for example to negotiate through a tunnel so as to avoid an obstacle such as a mountain.

[18] The light transport transit track can be built to articulate on ground level.

[19] Preferably, the frame means comprises a prefabricated rigid metal structure formed into a single unit.

[20] Alternatively, the frame means comprises a prefabricated rigid metal structure formed by co-joining a plurality of metal pieces [21] The frame means may comprise a prefabricated rigid non-metal structure formed into a single unit.

[22] The frame means may comprise a prefabricated rigid non-metal structure formed from co-joining a plurality of non-metal pieces.

[23] Preferably, the frame means comprises a metallic truss frame means.

[24] The frame means comprises a non-metallic truss frame means.

[25] Alternatively, the frame means comprises a truss frame means made from a suitable high tensile strength material.

[26] The frame means may comprise a circular or rectangular frame structure made from steel, or another suitable high tensile strength material.

[27] Preferably, the truss frame means has at least two primary elongate beams or chords disposed side-by-side and interlinked by horizontal members in the form of spaced apart struts, the struts being located along the length of the 15 frame, in-between the two primary elongate beams.

[28] The arrangement of the primary elongate beams and struts form decking means.

[29] Preferably, the primary elongate beams are in a triangular configuration adjacent a secondary elongate beam that is disposed laterally beneath the two primary elongate beams, and that is solidly linked to the two primary elongate beams by divergent column bars in the form of at least two diagonal struts incident from a point on the secondary elongate beam to form a "V" shape, and adjacent a further linkage in the form of at least one vertical column bar, the vertical column bar being at right angles to the secondary beam, and in solid communication between a point on the secondary beam and a strut linking the two primary elongate beams.

[30] The triangular configuration formed by the beams and struts provides strength and rigidity to the construction of the light transport transit track.

[31] The connection between the secondary elongate beam and the two primary elongate beams using diagonal struts and a vertical column provides strength and rigidity to the construction of the light transport transit track, in use, to support any weight that may be placed on the deck.

[32] Preferably, each diagonal strut is substantially at right angles to both the primary elongate beams and the secondary elongate beam.

[33] The diagonal struts provide bracing to keep the frame means rigid.

[34] Each diagonal strut may be at an angle other than at right angles to both the primary elongate beams and the secondary elongate beam.

[35] Preferably, the frame means is provided with panel shroud means to form a housing, in use to cover the external construction of the frame.

[36] The shroud means protects the frame means from damage.

[37] The shroud means provides a base which is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of photo-voltaic cells, street lights or other articles.

[38] Preferably, the deck is provided with a guardrail, in use to keep vehicles aboard the light transport transit track.

[39] The guardrail protects vehicles from inadvertently veering off the deck of the light transport transit track.

[40] Preferably, each column means comprises a substantially vertical pole or pier, which at a proximal end is detachably connectable to a part of the frame means, using the fastening means, and at a distal end, is detachably connectable to the base means.

[41] Each column means is adapted to detachably connect to a part of the frame means, using fastening means in the form of a pier cap that is in solid communication with a binder plate adjacent the primary elongate beams.

[42] Each column means may be adapted to connect to a part of the frame means, using a suitable abutment means such as a high tensile strength binder plate of metallic or non-metallic material disposable in solid communication 25 with the primary elongate beams.

[43] Each column means in use is disposed in an upright substantially vertical position so as to support the light transit track.

[44] Preferably, each column means comprises a modular substantially elongate pole that is provided with is a height adjuster means at one end, and a 30 base means at an opposing end.

[45] The height adjuster enables the column to be height variable.

[46] The base means is provided with a fixing plate that is detachably connectable to a pile cap foundation by screw-threaded bolts.

[47] Preferably, each column means is provided with collector channel means, having an inlet at a proximal end and an outlet at a distal end.

[48] The collector channel means' inlet is disposed generally below the deck of the light transport transit track, and articulates longitudinally along the length the column means towards the outlet.

[49] Alternatively, or additionally, each column means may be provided with collector channel means, having an inlet and an outlet and running longitudinally within the body of the column means.

[50] The collector channel means provides a conduit for drainage of rain water or melted snow from the deck of the light transport transit track.

[51] Preferably, each column means is adapted to connect to two adjacent secondary elongate beams using a set of U brackets connected to the extremities of the two secondary elongate beams.

[52] The U brackets are adapted to co-opt around the column means engulfing a section of it to form a firm immovable junction.

[53] Alternatively, each column means may be connected directly to the secondary elongate beam with bolts or by welding.

[54] Preferably, the base means is adapted to be anchored to a surface such as the ground.

[55] The base means may be adapted to be anchored to a building.

[56] The base means may be adapted to be anchored to the bottom of a riverbed, or a water body as that found in lakes.

[57] Preferably, the base means is provided with a concrete pile cap means that is provided with piles, in use, for fixedly and immovably anchoring the base means into a ground surface.

[58] The base means may be provided with brackets having screw holes and fixings for attachment to the column means.

[59] Preferably, the frame means of light transport transit track is formed from an environmentally friendly metallic material such as recycled steel.

[60] Advantageously, the frame means of the light transport transit track is formed from recycled steel tubing.

[61] The frame means may be formed from galvanised steel.

[62] The frame means may be formed from suitable environmentally friendly non-metallic materials.

[63] Preferably, the deck comprises a substantially flat passageway made of sheets means, such as substantially flat and solid metal sheets, in use to be detachably fastened to the frame means of the light transport transit track.

[64] The deck may be formed of sheet means such as non-metal sheets binded to the frame means of the light transport transit track using fasteners.

[65] The deck means may be formed of perforated metallic or non-metallic sheets detachably connected to the frame means of the light transport transit track using fasteners.

[66] The deck means may be formed of a suitable composite material immovably connectable to the frame means of the light transport transit track.

[67] Preferably, the sheet means in use is coupled with a surface covering means, generally laid out on the deck's upper surface, in use to form the surface of the light transport track.

[68] The sheet means in use is detachably coupled to the frame means of light transport transit track by nuts and bolts.

[69] The sheet means in use may be immovably coupled to the frame means of light transport transit track by welding.

[70] The surface covering means provides a flat surface onto which vehicles on the light transport track may traverse.

[71] Preferably the surface covering means comprises pre-fabricated slabs of concrete, in use affixed to the deck to form a road surface.

[72] The surface covering means may comprise pre-fabricated slabs of a plastics material or polymer, in use affixed to the deck to form a road surface.

[73] Alternatively, the surface covering means may comprise a composite material made from a suitable recycled material such as fly ash, reinforced plastic, mycelium, timbercrete, ferrock or hemperete.

[74] The surface covering means may comprise a composite material means such as a polymer impregnated with carbon fibre, graphene or chopped glass.

[75] The surface covering means provides a surface area for the tread of the wheels of a vehicle on the light transport transit track to grip.

[76] Preferably, an expansion joint is formed in-between each pair of slabs of surface covering, when affixed onto the deck.

[77] The expansion joint allows thermal expansion or thermal contraction with changing temperatures throughout weather seasons.

[78] Preferably, the deck is provided with guide means disposable on at least one surface of the deck.

[79] The guide means may be provided with a transceiver means in use for wireless communication with an on-board transceiver means located on a guide interface means of an electric vehicle.

[80] The guide means may be disposable on at least one surface that during use is immediately adjacent the guide interface means an electric vehicle that is on the track.

[81] Alternatively, or additionally, the guide means may be provided with strip means for a physical connection between the guide means and the electric vehicle's guide interface means.

[82] Preferably, the transceiver means is adapted to interface with an electric car's control system, in use for providing driving instructions to the electric car.

[83] The transceiver means may be provided with power transmission means for use in charging an electric car's battery while it is on the light transport transit track using electromagnetic induction.

[84] Alternatively, the transceiver means may be provided with power transmission means in use to charge an electric car's battery while it is on the light transport transit track using a signal cable means.

[85] The transceiver means of the guide means enables the light transport transit track's to interface to the electric vehicles drive system using the electric vehicles guide interface means, in use to ascertain the vehicle's position and autonomously control it along the track.

[86] Preferably, the struts comprise tension members formed from the frame to be spaced apart chords which co-join the primary elongate beams spaced apart along the lengths of the primary elongate beams.

[87] The tension members provide support or decking onto which the sheet means and surface covering means of the light transport transit track can be detachably installed.

[88] Preferably, the housing of the frame means is adapted for the fitment of conduit means, in use for installation of cable trays.

[89] The housing of the frame means can be used for fitment of cables used for lighting, signalling, solar panels, connecting battery packs, and for conduits for drainage and lines for utility cables.

[90] Preferably, the panel shroud means comprises a substantially rigid covering that is adapted to cover the frame means.

[91] The panel shroud means protects the contents of the housing formed by the interior of the frame means.

[92] Preferably, the panel shroud comprises recycled metal sheets, affixed to the upper frame mean's external boundaries, in use to isolate or cover the internal space of the frame means.

[93] The panel shroud means may comprise a suitable non-metallic sheath or covering to protect the lighting, signalling cables, and drainage and utilities lines fitted along within each section of the light transport track, from extreme weather including high temperatures, rain or snow.

[94] Preferably, each column means is connectable to the base means with nuts and bolts.

[95] The column means may be connectable to the base means by welding.

[96] Preferably, each base means is provided with precast piles, which can be sunk into position using concrete.

[97] The base means may be provided with pre-cast piles, in use to be sunk into the ground using fast-setting concrete.

[98] The pre-cast piles when sunk into the ground provides a firm foundation onto which a column can be mounted, so as to fixedly anchor and support each column and the dimensional frame affixed to the column.

[99] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a light transport track assembly frame as described in the first aspect above comprising the steps of prefabricating the frame means using steel or recycle steel such that it is a single modular unit, followed by galvanisation of the frame means, the steps being undertaken in a manufacturing environment.

[100] Preferably, the method uses steel blooms that are rolled into tubing.

[101] The method may use a suitable material other than steel blooms.

[102] Preferably, the uses hot rolled steel.

[103] The method may use cold rolled steel.

[104] Preferably, the method comprises prefabricating each frame means by casting molten steel into a mould.

[105] Alternatively, the method uses welding steel tubing together to form the frame means.

[106] Preferably, the method comprises prefabricating each frame means in size and thickness to support working loads up to 200kN upon its substantially planar deck.

[107] The method may comprise prefabricating each frame to support working loads greater than 200kN upon its substantially planar deck.

[108] Preferably, the frame means may be coated paints to protect it from damage or weather elements.

[109] The method may include coating the frame means with nanoparticles to protect it from damage or weather elements.

[110] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system for a light transport track assembly as described in the first aspect above, the computer system having at least one power source, at least one processor means, communication means, communication cables, a plurality of sensor means, a plurality of transceiver means, a plurality of visual indicator means, a plurality of transducers, at least one accelerometer means, at least one IR sensor means, and at least one power induction unit means, and at least one display means wherein the computer system is adapted to be installed on the light transport track described in the first aspect above, in use to monitor electric vehicles on the light transport track, including monitoring the position, direction and speed of each electric vehicle on the track, wherein the computer system is adapted to provide instructions to the drive-train of the electric car using the guide means, wherein the computer system is adapted to provide inductive power transfer to or from an electric vehicle on the light transport track.

[111] The plurality of sensors means may comprise visual sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, microwave sensors and other suitable sensors.

[112] The plurality of transducers may comprise ultrasonic transducers, infrared transducers, microwave transducers and other suitable transducers.

[113] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings [114] An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example, and with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view schematic of the light transport transit track assembly unit, showing the frame means, column means and base means; Figure 2 is a perspective underside view of the light transport transit track 25 assembly unit of Figure 1 above showing the frame means, column means and base means (without piles); Figure 3 is a frontal plan view schematic of the frame of the light transport transit track, showing the position of the primary elongate beams, the secondary elongate beam, guardrails, surface covering and vehicle guide; Figure 4 is an exploded top view schematic of a deck of the light transport track showing unconnected sections of a curved formation, the vehicle guide and couplers; Figure 5 is an exploded top view schematic of a deck of the light transport track showing connected sections, and a branch exiting from a straight line formation; Figure 6 is a side view of a schematic of the light transport transit track, showing an entrance barrier and the columns; Figure 7 is a side elevation of a schematic of the light transport transit track, showing surface covering slabs affixed to the deck; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a schematic of the surface covering of the light transport transit track, showing the surface covering slabs affixed to the deck; Figure 9 is a plan view of a schematic of the deck of the light transport track showing the position of the vehicle guide Figure 10 is a top view of a schematic of a the light transport transit track, showing a pin which interconnect two frame units; Figure 11 is a plan view of different formations and arrangements of the light transport track; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a schematic of a column of the light transport track showing the connection between two secondary elongate beams and one column, viewed from the line A-A' of figure 13; Figure 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the light transport track showing the columns, struts, beams, pier caps and base.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the light transport track showing a housing with cable trays beneath the deck Figure 15 is a plan view of a schematic of the light transport track showing a stacked formation.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a schematic of the light transport track showing the lower pad of a column with a fixing plate affixed to a pile cap that has piles using bolts.

Figure 17 is a plan view of a schematic of a pile cap of the light transport track, showing the arrangement of a fixing plate, bolts and piles.

Figure 18 is a side view of the light transport track showing the position of the pile cap, piles, the column and the secondary elongate beam.

Figure 19 is a perspective view schematic of the light transport track showing an embodiment of the light transport track installed adjacent the central reservation of a highway.

Details Description of the Embodiments

[115] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[116] The light transport transit track is modular, and has the advantages of prefabrication, portability, design flexibility, speed of erection, and ease of erection. Further, when once modular unit or section is damaged, it can be readily decoupled from the two sections to which it is connected, and replaced with a new undamaged and identical modular unit.

[117] Referring now to figure 1, a light transport transit track 1 assembly for narrow-body electric vehicles has a reinforced modular frame structure that is substantially truss-shaped. The truss-shaped frame 2 is a substantially rigid and elongate single unit formed into a single piece, which in one embodiment is formed into a triangular formation of three beams (two primary beams 5 and a secondary beam 6, figure 3), that are interlinked by struts 14, and that is provided with a skyward-facing flat deck 11 (figure 3). The primary elongate beams 5 are disposed side-by-side and co-joined by spaced apart horizontal members 15, the horizontal members 15 being located along the length of the frame 2 (figure 2) and substantially perpendicular to the two primary elongate beams 5. The truss frame 2, struts 14 and horizontal members 15 provide strength and rigidity to the construction of the light transport transit track 1. The horizontal members 15 comprise tension members, spaced apart along the track and are located to lie beneath the sheet material that is fixed to the frame to form the deck 11, providing support or decking onto which the sheet and surface covering of the light transport transit track can be installed.

[118] The deck 11 (figures 3, 4, 5) extends from one end of each frame unit to an opposing end, and rests on the two primary beams 5, which are also linked by the horizontal members 15. A vehicle guide 9 (figures 4, 5) is attached to the surface of the deck, generally along a portion of the length of the deck, and centrally of its surface to allow both two wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled vehicles respectively to traverse the track. The guide 9 is laid longitudinally along the length of each deck 11, substantially parallel to the beams. Alternatively, the guide may be installed beneath the deck 11.

[119] The frame 2 can be connected to at least one precast column 3 using a binder plate 10 (figure 2) that co-opts with a pier cap 16 by nuts and bolts (not shown), with the column 3 being connected to the pier cap 16 and the pier cap 16 connected to the binder plate 10. Additionally, and to strengthen the link between one assembly unit and another, two secondary beams 6 are each detachably connected to co-opting U brackets 17 (figure 12) which engulfs the column 3, to link the two secondary beams 6 together on either side of the column 3. This provides further bracing, rigidity and resilience to the light transport assembly.

[120] Each column 3 is a substantially vertical pole or pier, made from a high tensile strength material such as steel, bamboo fibre, composite plastic, carbon fibre or another suitable material, which at a proximal end can be connected to a part of the frame, and at a distal end is can be connected to the fixing plate 4, to firmly affix it to a surface of a physical structure such as a building or to a foundation.

[121] Each assembly of the light transport transit track is a modular unit or section that can be connectable to or decoupled from another modular unit or section. This means that each frame section can be connectable to or readily separable from another frame section (figure 10). This can be done by using a pin 18 which interlocks two frame sections together using couplers arraigned at the ends of each frame. Similarly, each column 3 is modular and can be connectable to or readily separable from a corresponding column 3, to increase or decrease the height of the column as required.

[122] In a preferred embodiment, each assembly's modular unit can be connected to at least two other corresponding assembly modular units. The units coupled together form a length of the light transport track, which can be increased in length by coupling on more modular units to preceding units in series.

[123] The frame 2 can be prefabricated according to measure and shape, to allow for varying elevations, corners and turns (figure 4, 5), node connections to conventional roads (figure 6) and uneven ground. Typical length for one modular frame unit can be between 10 metres to 15 metres, although there will be circumstances where each unit is shorter or longer than typical dimensions. However in such circumstances, and to comply with construction standards and regulations on distributed or concentrated loads on structures, the dimensions of the beams and the columns would require alteration. Further, instead of each frame being supported generally by two columns, the assembly design may be altered into a longer frame unit with three or more columns. A typical width (breadth) estimate for each frame unit can be between 2 metres (single lane) and 4.5 metres (dual lane). These dimensions can be varied to keep the track as small as practically possible, but minimally it should be sufficient to accommodate the width of a narrow-body electric car, or two narrow-body electric cars (in the case of two-way traffic formations), separated by a small barrier.

[124] The light transport transit track can be built to articulate on ground level (figure 11) to pass through a tunnel, so as to negotiate through a physical obstacle such as a mountain, or it can be constructed on the foundation of a 25 water source, such as those found in riverbeds and lakes.

[125] In a preferred embodiment, the frame is prefabricated into a rigid metal structure formed from co-joining a plurality of metal pieces. Alternatively, the frame may comprise a prefabricated rigid non-metal structure formed into a single piece. This may involve for example moulding of a high tensile plastics material or composite into the single triangular truss shape unit of the frame.

[126] Instead of the triangular truss formation, the frame can be made to embody a circular or rectangular frame structure made from steel, or another suitable high tensile strength material.

[127] In a preferred embodiment, the two primary elongate beams 5 are in a triangular configuration adjacent a secondary elongate 6 beam that is disposed laterally beneath the two primary elongate beams 5 (figure 3, 13), and that is joined to the two primary elongate beams by divergent column bars in the form of at least two diagonal struts 14 incident from a point on the secondary elongate beam to form a "V" shape. The diagonal struts 14 sit adjacent a further linkage in the form of at least one vertical column bar 19 (figures 2, 3), the vertical column bar 19 being at right angles to the secondary beam 6, and in solid communication between a point on the secondary beam and a strut 15 linking the two primary elongate beams 5. The triangular configuration formed by the beams and struts provides strength and rigidity to the construction of the light transport transit track.

Further the connection between the secondary elongate beam 6 and the two primary elongate beams using diagonal struts 14 and a vertical column 19 also provides strength and rigidity to the construction of the frame 2.

[128] Thus, each diagonal strut 14 is at right angles to both the primary elongate beams 5 and the secondary elongate beam 6, to maximise the rigidity of the frame and provide bracing to the frame 2. However, if required, each diagonal strut may 14 be at an angle other than at right angles to both the primary elongate beams 5 and the secondary elongate beam 6.

[129] In order to further protect the frame from damage or adverse weather, a shroud housing 20 (figures 3, 14) in the form of substantially rigid flat panels may be affixed to the frame as cladding, using nuts and bolts or by welding to form a housing which covers the external construction of the frame 2. This is important because the shroud housing 20 also provides a base onto which brackets can be latched (not shown), for the mounting of photo-voltaic cells, street lights or other articles like billboards.

[130] In a preferred embodiment, the shroud housing 20 is adapted to support photo-voltaic cells for the provision of solar power to the light transport track. To do this, different types of solar cells can be used, although thin-film solar cells are preferred. The cables for the solar cells can run inside the housing on cable trays 21 (figure 14), which can also house a battery bank, charge controllers, fuse boxes and inverters. Here it is important that the electrical cabling to the solar cells from modular unit to the next is not connected in long stretches of series formation, but in alternating formations, for example in alternating series to parallel then back to series formations. This is important to ensure that if one section or unit of the light transport track is damaged, and associated cable connections are cut or severed as a result of the damage, or during replacement, the isolated cables do not inadvertently knock down power supply or signal supply to the rest of the solar panels downstream or upstream.

Instead the electrical wiring should be such that only the light transport track module or unit that has been damaged, and possibly only those units or modules immediately to either side of it are affected.

[131] In a preferred embodiment, the deck 11 has a guardrail 7 (figure 13) affixed on either sides of it, in use to prevent vehicles aboard the light transport transit track from inadvertently veering off the deck 11. Thus, the guardrail 7 can be prefabricated as part of the frame, or can be made separately and connected to the frame using nuts and bolts or by welding.

[132] Each column 3 when installed is designed to be disposed in an upright substantially vertical position so as to support the frame of the light transit track that is installed atop it (figures 14, 18 &19). To do this, the column connects to a part of the frame using a pier cap 16 that is detachably connected to a binder plate 10, the plate being disposed beneath the ends of the primary elongate beams 6. But a different connection mechanism can be employed. If the binder plate 10 is used, then it is important to select a thick high tensile strength plate of metallic or non-metallic material. Further noise dampers may be provided to be installed in-between the plate, and the pier cap, and between the plate and the frame 2, to reduce noise generated by the parts when cars are passing on the track, or in strong winds.

[133] In a preferred embodiment, the column 3 is provided with a height adjuster at one end, and a base unit comprising a fixing plate 4 at an opposing end. The height adjuster enables the column to be height variable, whereas the fixing plate 4 detachably affixes the column 3 to a foundation comprising a pile cap using bolts 23 (figures 17 & 18). The height adjuster may take the form of a threaded section within a pier cap 16, into which a threaded head of the column 3 is screw threaded. A base unit may be adapted to be anchored to a surface such as the ground or to the surface of a building. As an option, the base may be adapted to be sunk (figure 11) beneath a riverbed, or adjacent the bottom of a water body such as that found in lakes.

[134] Each column 3 is provided with a collector channel (not shown) which runs longitudinally within a part of the body of the column 3, and has an inlet at a proximal end and an outlet at a distal end. The inlet of the collector channel is disposed generally below the deck 11 of the light transport transit track, and provides a conduit for drainage of rain water or melted snow from the deck of the light transport transit track 1. This means that any water or melted ice that collects on the light transport track can be led away under gravity from the flat surfaces to be ejected at the outlet. When planning constructing of the light transport track at location, these outlets should wherever possible be adjacent any available drainage infrastructure or should be provided with such drainage infrastructure to prevent pools of undrained water forming in the vicinity during rainfall.

[135] The connection between each column 3 and a foundation can be 20 done in a number of ways. Couplers such as brackets and screw threaded bolts 23 can be used to connect each column 3 to the foundation. Alternatively, the connection may be achieved by welding.

[136] In a preferred embodiment, the piles 24 are pre-cast, formed in high strength concrete, with varying reinforcements. Alternatively, they may be cast-in-situ, from concrete or another suitable material, which can be sunk into position using Drilled shafts, taking into consideration quality of upper soil layers, resistance of uplift forces and resistance to lateral loads.

[137] Typical sizes of the piles 24 and base depends on the terrain, the height of the track and the depth to which the piles will be sank. But generally for flat terrain, each pile can be between 15cm and 30cm in radial diameter and generally up to 15 metres deep. However the dimensions depend on working loads, the terrain in which they are to be sunk, and how close they are to existing structures. Further, environmental factors such as susceptibility of a region to geological surface phenomena such as earthquakes or adverse weather such as cyclones and typhoons will instruct engineers towards the type of foundation that would be optimal. The piles 24 when sunk into the ground provide a firm foundation onto which a column 3 can be mounted, so as to fixedly anchor and support the frame 2 subsequently affixed to the column 3. If larger piles 24 cannot be used, micro-piles may be used instead. Furthermore, the piles 24 can be pre-coated, after casting, with epoxy bitumen to provide an impervious and chemically inert barrier.

[138] In a preferred embodiment, the frame of light transport transit track 1 is formed from an environmentally friendly metallic material such as recycled steel in particular recycled steel tubing. Alternatively, the frame can be formed of ordinary galvanised steel tubing. As an option, other material such recycled steel beams or environmentally friendly non-metallic materials can also be used as raw materials. The use of galvanised steel is important because of the corrosion resistant properties they provide to the light transport transit track.

[139] The deck 11 is a substantially flat passageway made of sheets material, such as solid or perforated metal sheets, which are detachably connectable to the frame using nuts and bolts or by welding. Alternatively, the deck 11 may be formed of non-metal sheets or other suitable composite material sheets which can also be affixed to the frame by a suitable attachment means.

[140] The deck 11 is provided with surface covering (figures 7 & 8), generally laid out on the deck's upper surface and affixed to the sheet material from which the deck is formed. This is important in order to provide a road surface on which electric vehicles can traverse. The surface covering can comprise pre-fabricated and replaceable slabs 8 of concrete which are individually affixed to the deck 11 using nuts 26 and bolts 25 during final assembly on site, to form a road surface. This is also important because it can allow cambering of the slabs on bends.

[141] Alternatively the surface covering may comprise pre-fabricated and replaceable slabs 8 of a plastics material or polymer, which can also be used to form a road surface. Optionally, the surface covering may comprise composite surfacing made from material such as fly ash, reinforced plastic, mycelium, timbercrete, ferrock, hemperete. Further, a polymer impregnated with either one or more of carbon fibre, graphene and chopped glass may be used. The surface covering provides a surface area for the tread of the wheels of a vehicle on the light transport transit track to grip.

[142] In order to compensate for thermal expansion or thermal contraction with changing temperatures throughout weather seasons, an expansion joint is formed in-between each pair of pre-fabricated slabs of surface covering, during installation. Similarly, a heater may be provided to provide low heat to the deck during snowfall, so as to melt any ice that collects on the surface.

[143] In order for the light transport track 1 to communicate with vehicles that are traversing on it, the deck is provided with a vehicle guide 9 (figures 3 & 9) having at least one transceiver device that is controlled and connected to a computer system, so as to enable wireless communication with a suitable on-board transceiver of an electric vehicle. The vehicle guide 9 is generally disposable on at least one surface of the deck that is found immediately adjacent a guide interface (not shown) of an electric vehicle, when an electric vehicle is on the track. One way of achieving this is to install the vehicle guide 9 at the surface of the deck, generally centrally of the deck. The transceiver device can then be installed within the housing of the light transport track, with one or more transmitters and receivers distributed along, beneath or within the vehicle guide, body -in a protective casing. The proximity will enable the light transport track's transceiver to be low-powered, and to easily communicate with an electric car's transceiver (which will be designed to be in electrical communication with the vehicles control system), in use for providing driving instructions to the electric car's drive train. In addition, the vehicle guide 9 is also provided with a power source, for charging an electric car's battery while it is on the light transport transit track 1. One way of achieving this is by using known wireless charging technologies that utilise electromagnetic induction. Here charge controllers, electrical load balancing, grounding and isolators are necessary to ensure safe power transfer. Furthermore, since the light transport track is provided with solar energy derived from photo-voltaic cells, the vehicle guide's power source is localised, and does not require bulky transformers.

[144] The electric car's guide interface is important in keeping the vehicle on the light transport track. Thus, it is provided with at least one transceiver (which communicates with the vehicle guide of the track), processing means, communication cables, a power source and stabilising wheels, and is adapted to be retrofitted beneath a narrow body electric car. Further, it may be provided with lidar sensors to map the vehicles position, to follow and track the vehicle guide and help keep the electric vehicle on the light transport track as it is automatically propagated down the track.

[145] Alternatively, or additionally, the vehicle guide 9 can take the form of at least one pair of strips (not shown) that run along the length of the track, and which are adapted to co-operate with a pantograph-like device retrofitted underneath an electric vehicle. Thus upon activation the pantograph-like device extends out from its normally retracted position, to touch the strips, creating a physical electrical connection between the deck and the electric vehicle. Other known methods of establishing electrical connections between moving parts, for example using brushes may also be utilised [146] One advantage of the vehicle guide 9 is it enables the light transport transit track to interface to the electric vehicles drive system, to ascertain its position and autonomously control the vehicle along the track.

[147] The panel shroud housing 20 of the frame (figure 14) is adapted for the fitment of a conduit such as metal or plastic tubing, for installation of cable trays used for lighting, signalling and lines for drainage and utilities. The shroud housing 20 can be made from recycled metal sheets, affixed to the upper frame external boundaries, to isolate or cover the internal space of the frame. Access doors can be provided to reach the inside.

[148] Alternatively, the shroud housing 20 can be made from a suitable non-metallic sheath or covering to protect the lighting, signalling cables, and drainage and utilities lines fitted along each section of the light transport track, from extreme weather including high temperatures, rain or snow.

[149] A method of manufacture of the light transport track assembly as described herein is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of prefabricating steel blooms into steel tubes at high temperatures, co-joining a plurality of steel tubes into the frame structure described herein, and immersing the prefabricated frame into liquid zinc in hot-dip galvanisation at a temperature of around 450 degrees centigrade, the steps undertaken in a manufacturing environment.

[150] As an alternative, the method may utilise a suitable material other than steel. Further, the method may use cold galvanisation. In addition, the method may include coating the frame with paints and protective coating to protect it from damage or weather elements. Furthermore, provision for expansion joints, couplers, continuity joints can be made during the manufacturing process.

[151] It is important that each frame is fabricated in size and thickness to support working loads of up to 200kN upon its substantially planar deck. This is because each modular unit is designed to support the weight of at least four narrow-body electric vehicles. Thus, during the elongation phase of the prefabrication, each steel tube is prefabricated such that if tolerances and passenger weight are accounted for, the frame will support at least 200kN of working loads.

[152] One advantages of prefabrication is that final assembly of the frame, columns and base on site is speedy. Further, since the frame is prefabricated, any flaws can be identified during the manufacturing process, and rectified.

[153] In order to provide further strength, the columns 3 may be prefabricated from reinforced concrete, and be of varying heights as required. Alternatively the columns can be prefabricated to lengths of for example a metre high, or two metres, which are subsequently conjoined on site, when constructing the track. Further the size and thickness of each column 3 should be such that it should be able to support 300kN of working loads. This is because the columns are installed in a vertical position, and must withstand a distributed weight of both the frame and the concentrated weight of the vehicles (including passengers) aboard the light transport track.

[154] In a preferred embodiment, the light transport track 1 is provided with a computer system which has at least one power source, at least one processor, communication interfaces with fixed line telephony, radio transceivers and communication cables. Further a plurality of sensors, IR transceivers, visual indicators such as lights spaced apart on the deck, on parts of the housing, or on the guardrails; sound transducers (for example an alarm), at least one accelerometer, and at least one power induction unit are provided to be installed on the light transport track. These are used for communicating with an electric vehicle, monitoring electric vehicles on the track, including monitoring the position, direction and speed of each electric vehicle on the track, to charge the batteries of electric cars, and to provide lighting on parts of the track. Some of the sensors can be installed on each modular unit of the assembly, or on alternating units, as required.

[155] The computer system is important because it is adapted to provide instructions to the drive-train of the electric car using the vehicle guide 9, and is adapted to provide inductive power transfer to or from an electric vehicle on the light transport track, to charge the batteries of the electric vehicle. Further the computer system is adapted to provide intelligence to a remote monitoring control centre (where some servers may be located) about conditions on the track.

[156] In order to use the light transport transit track, a driver would enter the address of their destination onto the navigation system of a car that is adapted for the light transport transit track. These navigation details can also be entered into a mobile application that communicates with the computer system of the light transport track. Thus, the mobile phone or a transceiver on the electric car transmits this message via radio waves to the nearest receiver of the light transport track's computer system. This message includes a request to computer system that a vehicle would like to enter the system at any suitable node within a certain area. The computer system records the vehicles identify using a tag provided by the request, provisioning a time slot for the new electric vehicle that is set as a client with a unique identity number (ID) to the computer system's server. A response to the driver provides suitable nodes. The driver selects the node at which he would like to enter the light transport system track and drives to this location. Once the driver arrives at the entrance of the chosen node of the light transport track (or at a different node, if such is closer), the car is driven onto a cattle grid which leads onto a ramp. A transceiver on the electric vehicle informs a transceiver on the light transport track of the vehicle's arrival, and presents its handshaking information. The transceiver submits the handshaking request to the computer system which checks and verifies the tag or ID. Once confirmed an automatic barrier raises and the light transport track's vehicle guide establishes a link with the transceiver beneath the electric vehicle, taking control of the electric vehicles drive train. The driver can at that point take his foot from the controls and let go of the steering wheel. The car will then be fully controlled by light transport track, which will use the information submitted to move the car to an exit node which connects to conventional roads that is closest to the driver's destination.

The vehicle guide 9 uses the cars own power to accelerate, decelerate, turn or stop, as required and assisted by data from sensors on the track, sensors on the electric vehicle, and sensors from the guide interface. The electric motor in the electric car drives the car at all times, without requiring any additional fuels.

Further, the light transport track charges the battery of the electric car.

[157] If the driver needs to get off the light transport track, the car will leave at the next available exit, to connect to conventional roads.

[158] Vehicles on the light transport track are kept at equal spaces from each other for safety as the computer system will use data from the sensors to know how many cars are on the track at any given point. The sensors are used to monitor and provide intelligence to a central computer server at the remote location. Once a car exits the track, its ID is dropped from the list of clients to the server. This means the computing system uses the IDs generated to quantify how many cars on the system at any given time. If a network of light transport track is approaching a predefined full capacity level, the computing system will temporarily suspend issuance of any ID's, and prevent any additional electric cars joining the light transport track until some cars have exited. This means a user will get an estimate on waiting times to join the track, or could be rerouted to sections with more capacity. However, in practice this is unlikely to present a problem, especially when multiple light transport track routes exist.

[159] One benefit of the light transport track is that cars are always kept at a safe distance to each other, thus there is no requirement for stopping as vehicle guide slows down the speed of each car as required.

[160] A typical narrow body electric car is approximately about half the size of a typical saloon or a sports utility vehicle. Thus, with wide adoption, 2 narrow body electric cars on the light transport track would occupy generally the same amount of space occupied by a single conventional car. Similarly, different formations of the light transport track can be constructed (figures 11 & 15). Thus, a double story model (figure 15) has the potential to shift traffic from conventional roads by an order of between 4 to 8 conventional cars.

[161] Machine learning can be incorporated into the computing system to process, examine and build algorithms from the data that is generate by the light transport track, including the number of cars on the track at any given time, the number of journeys, popular routes, travel journey times and suchlike.

[162] Electromagnetic inductive charging means the narrow body electric cars which use the light transport track can be fitted with smaller batteries. Further since the light transport track is powered by clean energy including solar panels, the battery packs stored in the housing of the light transport track can be used as an auxiliary energy storage units to also charge the batteries of electric cars on the light transport track.

[163] Pull-off areas can be provided to allow cars which develop a fault to park into. Visual indicators such as amber lights can then be lit on that section of the track, and a fault registered to the monitoring control center. Similarly, the computing system can be adapted to undertake a general mechanical / electrical examination of each vehicle using the guide interface, cameras and the like, to ascertain whether a car is mechanically sound for use on the light transport track.

[164] If a vehicle stops on a length of the light transport track, sensors on the module will detect the stationary vehicle and immediately send messages to computer system which will alert other vehicles in the vicinity or heading towards that vein of the light transport track of the obstruction. The light transport track software will automatically reroute all vehicles away from the obstacle, and prevent them from coming into contact with the stationary car. A service machine can then be sent out to remove the car from the track.

[165] In stacked formation, the light transport track's computer system can reroute traffic to higher tracks if lower routes are operating at optimal numbers.

However it must be borne in mind that stacked tracks will require redesign of the frame, columns and piles, so as to safely accommodate the extra working loads.

[166] The underneath of the light transport track can be fitted with wind turbines, or micro-electromagnetic generators to supplement the solar cells and provide additional power to the batteries that are kept in the shroud housing.

[167] Any excess power that is generated by the light transport track can be fed into the energy grid.

[168] The invention provides an eco-friendly, energy-efficient and quick-build transit track that can be erected with relative ease quicker than conventional roads, one which occupies less space on the ground, and which causes minimal disruption to the ecosystem around it during construction, and which provides a clean energy solution to traffic congestion on conventional roads, encouraging the adoption of eco -friendly vehicles such as narrow-body electric vehicles.

[169] Having described the invention with reference to a few embodiments, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in form and detail without departing from the core inventive concept.

Claims (25)

1. Claims 1. A light transport track comprising an assembly having a frame that is detachably connected to at least one column by a fastening means, each column being detachably connected to a base, the frame comprising a substantially rigid elongate and dimensional frame that is provided with a substantially planar deck extending from a proximal end of the dimensional frame to a distal end, the deck having a guide disposed upon it and laid along a portion of its length, the base being adapted to be detachably affixed firmly to a surface of a physical structure such as a building or to a ground foundation, wherein the assembly constitute a modular unit and can be connected to or readily separable from another modular unit, C\I wherein each column is modular and can be connected to or readily separable from a corresponding column.
2. CD 2. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein each assembly of the light transport transit track comprises a modular unit that can be connectable to another modular unit or section or decoupled from another modular unit or section to which it is connected to, wherein coupling several modular units together in series formation increases the length of the light transport transit track.
3. 3. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a prefabricated rigid metal structure formed into a single unit.
4. 4. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a prefabricated rigid metal structure formed by co-joining a plurality of metal pieces.
5. 5. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a prefabricated rigid non-metal structure formed into a single unit by co-joining a plurality of non-metal pieces.
6. 6. A light transport track according to claims 1 and 5, wherein the frame comprises a truss frame means.
7. 7. A light transport track according to claims 1 and 5, wherein the frame comprises a dimensional frame structure that is substantially circular or substantially rectangular.
8. 8. A light transport track according to claim 6, wherein the truss frame means has at least two primary elongate beams or chords disposed side-by-side and interlinked by horizontal members in the form of spaced apart struts, the struts being located along the length of the frame, in-between the two C\I primary elongate beams.
9. 9. A light transport track according to claim 8, wherein the primary elongate CO beams are so arranged to form decking means using the struts; the strutsCDcomprising tension members formed from the frame into spaced apart chords which co-join the primary elongate beams along the lengths of the primary elongate beams, the tension members being adapted to provide a surface onto which the sheet means and surface covering means can be detachably installed.
10. 10. A light transport track according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the primary elongate beams are in a triangular configuration adjacent a secondary elongate beam that is disposed laterally beneath the two primary elongate beams, and that is solidly linked to the two primary elongate beams by divergent column bars in the form of at least two diagonal struts incident from a point on the secondary elongate beam to form a "V" shape, and adjacent a further linkage in the form of at least one vertical column bar, the vertical column bar being at right angles to the secondary beam, and in solid communication between a point on the secondary beam and a strut linking the two primary elongate beams.
11. 11. A light transport track according to claim 10, wherein each diagonal strut is substantially at right angles to both the primary elongate beams and the secondary elongate beam.
12. 12. A light transport track according to claim 10, wherein each diagonal strut is at an angle other than a right angle to both the primary elongate beams and the secondary elongate beam.
13. 13. A light transport track according to claims 1, and 5 to 8, wherein, the frame C\I is provided with a panel shroud housing formed from a substantially rigid material, which on the inside can receive conduit means, the shroud CO housing covering the frame's external construction, and being providedCDwith brackets for the mounting of articles such as photo-voltaic cells and street lights.
14. 14. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein the deck is provided with a guardrail.
15. 15. A light transport track according to claim 1, wherein each column comprises a substantially vertical pole or pier, which at a proximal end is detachably connected to a part of the frame using the fastening means, and at a distal end, is detachably connected to the base.
16. 16. A light transport transit track according to claim 15, wherein the fastening means comprises a pier cap that is in solid communication with a binder plate adjacent the primary elongate beams.
17. 17. A light transport transit track according to claim 15, wherein the fastening means comprises an abutment means such as a high tensile strength binder plate.
18. 18. A light transport transit track according to claims 1 and 15, wherein at least one column comprises a modular substantially elongate pole that is provided with a height adjuster means at one end, and is connected to a base at an opposing end.
19. 19. A light transport transit track according to claims 1, 10 and 18, wherein the base is provided with a fixing plate that is detachably connectable to a pile C\I cap foundation by screw-threaded bolts.
20. 20. A light transport transit track according to claims 1, 15, and 18, wherein CO the base is provided with a concrete pile cap means that is provided withCDpiles, in use, for fixedly and immovably anchoring the base means into a ground surface.
21. 21. A light transport transit track according to claims 1 and 14, wherein the deck comprises a substantially flat passageway made of sheets that are immovably and detachably fastened to the frame.
22. 22. A light transport transit track according to claims 21, wherein the sheets are coupled with a surface covering means, laid out on the deck's upper surface to form the road surface of the light transport track.
23. 23. A light transport transit track according to claim 1, wherein the guide comprises a vehicle guide which is provided with a transceiver means for wireless communication with an on-board transceiver means located on a guide interface means of an electric vehicle, the transceiver means being is adapted to interface with an electric car's control system to autonomously provide driving instructions to an electric car's drive-train and to ascertain its position on the track, wherein in one embodiment the vehicle guide has strip means for a physical connection between it and the electric vehicle's guide interface means.
24. 24. A light transport transit track according to claim 23, wherein the transceiver means is provided with electrical power to charge an electric car's battery while it is on the light transport transit track.
25. 25. A computer system for a light transport track assembly as claimed in claims 1 to 24, the computer system having at least one power source, at C\I least one computer processor, communication means, communication cables, a plurality of sensors such as visual sensors, ultrasonic sensors CO and microwave sensors; a plurality of transceivers, a plurality of visualCDindicators, a plurality of transducers such as ultrasonic transducers and microwave transducers; at least one accelerometer, at least one IR sensor, at least one power induction unit, and at least one display unit, all operably connected, wherein the computer system is adapted to be installed on the light transport track, in use to monitor electric vehicles on the light transport track, including monitoring the position, direction and speed of each electric vehicle on the track, wherein the computer system is adapted to provide instructions to the drive-train of the electric car using the vehicle guide, wherein the computer system is adapted to provide inductive power transfer to or from an electric vehicle on the light transport track