US20110042474A1 - Trackway for Personal Rapid Transport Systems - Google Patents

Trackway for Personal Rapid Transport Systems Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110042474A1
US20110042474A1 US12/738,432 US73843208A US2011042474A1 US 20110042474 A1 US20110042474 A1 US 20110042474A1 US 73843208 A US73843208 A US 73843208A US 2011042474 A1 US2011042474 A1 US 2011042474A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
trackway
track
grid
running surface
tracks
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/738,432
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English (en)
Inventor
Martin V. Lowson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Advanced Transport Systems Ltd
ULTra Global Ltd
Original Assignee
Advanced Transport Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Advanced Transport Systems Ltd filed Critical Advanced Transport Systems Ltd
Assigned to ADVANCED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS LIMITED reassignment ADVANCED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOWSON, MARTIN V.
Publication of US20110042474A1 publication Critical patent/US20110042474A1/en
Assigned to ULTRA PRT LTD reassignment ULTRA PRT LTD CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ADVANCED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS LIMITED
Assigned to ULTRA GLOBAL LIMITED reassignment ULTRA GLOBAL LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ULTRA PRT LIMITED
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
    • E01B25/08—Tracks for mono-rails with centre of gravity of vehicle above the load-bearing rail
    • E01B25/10—Mono-rails; Auxiliary balancing rails; Supports or connections for rails
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B61B5/00—Elevated railway systems without suspended vehicles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
    • E01B25/28—Rail tracks for guiding vehicles when running on road or similar surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a trackway for a personal rapid transport system.
  • a personal rapid transport (PRT) system comprises a dedicated trackway on which individual vehicles travel between stations. Each vehicle contains only one passenger or group of passengers, and the vehicle travels continuously between the starting point and the destination without stopping at any intermediate stations. PRT systems thus provide a compromise between a conventional mass transport system such as buses, trains and metro systems, and individual passenger cars.
  • Typical PRT systems use a rail system to provide guidance for the vehicles. This may be a monorail or dual rail, and points similar to standard railway points are used to direct the vehicles at junctions.
  • An example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,796.
  • a further known PRT system is disclosed in UK Patent No. 2384223.
  • a trackway is provided in preformed sections.
  • the running surface of the trackway is formed of reinforced concrete.
  • it is found that it would be desirable to reduce noise as vehicles run over concrete running surfaces, particularly when the surface is wet; to improve friction and reduce ice and snow collecting on the running surface, restricting operation of the system during such weather conditions.
  • U.S. 2004/0089189 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,620 disclose transportation systems having a trackway comprising rails which support the vehicles.
  • the region of the trackway between the rails is provided with a walkway having an open-work structure.
  • a trackway for a personal rapid transport system comprising a track having a running surface along which, in use, run wheels of vehicles of the system, characterized in that the running surface comprises a preformed grid-like structure.
  • the grid-like structure may be flexible to enable it to conform to the movement of the vehicle so that flexing of the structure enables snow and ice to be shed from the surface. As the grid-like structure is supported at a height above ground, any water, snow and ice can fall off the running surface to the ground without the need for additional drainage.
  • the grid-like structure may comprise a plurality of intersecting grid members which may be separate intersecting members or be whole in the form of grooves and ridges. Embodiments of suitable grid-like structures may improve friction between the surface and the vehicle wheels by up to approximately 30% whilst minimising wear of vehicle tyres.
  • the grid members may extend obliquely to the direction of travel of vehicle wheels travelling over the running surface.
  • the intersecting grid members may define holes passing between adjacent grid members through the track.
  • the holes may have a pitch within the range of 20-60 mm, and the pitch may vary along the length of the running surface.
  • the pitch size enables easy manufacture and more snow and ice can easily fall off the surface through the holes. Variation in the pitch may reduce noise, and varies any noise, making it less of a nuisance.
  • the holes also provide a structure which allows light to pass through making the structure more environmentally attractive.
  • the track may comprise a plurality of preformed sections longitudinally interconnected to form a continuous running surface.
  • the track sections may be interconnected, or adjoin one another, at an oblique angle. This oblique angle may be varied randomly between successive sections. This allows the tyre loading to be transferred smoothly between sections. It prevents the tyres hitting the down stream section with impact, thus preventing damage to the running surface, further reducing noise and tyre wear.
  • the track may be one of a pair of elongate, parallel tracks of each track section, each track section also comprising a plurality of cross-members which support the tracks.
  • the grid-like structure of the running surface provides a strong structure and consequently may be simply formed of fibre reinforced plastics material or the like, thus making the structure easy to manufacture, less expensive and flexible
  • the tracks may have substantially flat upper surfaces acting as the running surfaces.
  • the running surfaces may comprise a top surface coating of an anti-skid material to improve friction between the tyres of the vehicles and the surface.
  • the grid-like structures provide increased friction with the vehicle tyres whilst minimising wear.
  • the snow and ice has poor adhesion to the running surface and the snow and ice shed from the grid surface. Further the grid-like running surface is quieter when vehicles run over its surface even when the surface is wet.
  • each section of the trackway comprises a pair of parallel side beams interconnected by said cross members, the tracks extending parallel to the side beams.
  • the load on the tracks is transferred to the cross members and into the side beams.
  • the cross members are connected to the side beams at the lower regions of the side beams, so that the side beams form side walls which extend upwardly from the cross members, possibly to a level above the running surfaces.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of part of a trackway for a personal rapid transport system
  • FIG. 2 is a cross section view taken along the axis A-A of the trackway of FIG. 1 .
  • the trackway comprises a series of track sections 100 which are laid end-to-end to form a continuous trackway for passage of vehicles.
  • Each section 100 comprises a plurality of spaced-apart parallel identical cross members 101 , each comprising a hollow, thin walled rectangular cross section beam with rounded corners, extending laterally across the width of the trackway.
  • the cross members 101 extend between a pair of side beams 103 , 105 .
  • the side beams 103 , 105 are identical thin walled rectangular cross-section members which extend along the sides of the track section 100 .
  • each side beam 103 , 105 is welded to the cross members 101 at the base of the side wall 103 , 105 . Accordingly, the side beams 103 , 105 each extend vertically above the cross members 101 . In the embodiment shown, the vertical dimensions of the cross members 101 and the side beams 103 , 105 are 100 mm and 450 mm respectively.
  • the cross members 101 are located at equidistant intervals of approximately 2 m along the length of the trackway.
  • First and second elongate tracks 111 , 113 are secured to the upper surfaces of a first pair of elongate support members 115 , 117 and a second pair of elongate support members 119 , 121 , respectively.
  • the support members 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 extend along the length of the respective track 111 , 113 .
  • the support members are identical thin walled rectangular cross section beams.
  • the support members 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 are welded to the upper surfaces of the cross members 101 perpendicular to the cross members 101 .
  • the tracks 111 , 113 are secured to the support members 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 either by edge clamping or retaining bolts (not shown).
  • a cable tray 123 with a lid 125 for housing the cabling for the trackway is situated between the tracks 111 , 113 .
  • the cable tray and lid 123 , 125 extend along the length of the trackway parallel to the facing longitudinal edges of the first and second tracks 111 , 113 .
  • the cable tray 123 sits between a pair of supports 127 , 129 .
  • the cable tray supports 127 , 129 are welded to the upper surface of the cross members 101 .
  • the upper surfaces of the first and second track members 111 , 113 are substantially flat and provide first and second running surfaces 131 , 133 respectively, along which run wheels of vehicles of the personal rapid transport system.
  • a single running surface may be provided on a single track which is the full width of the vehicle.
  • the trackway section 100 may be supported in an elevated position as disclosed, for example, in UK Patent No. 2384223.
  • the first and second tracks 111 , 113 comprise preformed grid-like structures.
  • the track may, for example, be made from a fibre reinforced plastics material (FRP).
  • FRP fibre reinforced plastics material
  • the grid may be formed of any other, suitable material. If FRP is used, material is moulded in an open mould using a fibre deposition head that feeds continuous fibre rovings that are passed through a pre-wetting bath of resin.
  • the top surfaces of the tracks are coated with an anti-skid material which may comprise a variety of materials, for example, shot-blast grit, silica sand or calcinated bauxite embedded in a resin.
  • the grid-like members forming the tracks are secured to their respective support members 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 in longitudinally adjoining sections, each section being approximately 6 m in length.
  • the sections of the first and second tracks 111 , 113 adjoin adjacent sections at an oblique angle, for example 45°.
  • the sections may be bonded together with a suitable adhesive or, alternatively clamped at the underside surface of the track members by a C-clamp with a captive nut (not shown).
  • the oblique angles of the joints between successive sections may vary along the trackway, possibly randomly.
  • the tracks are then bonded to the supporting structure for additional stability.
  • Each track member 111 , 113 comprise a framed section of a plurality intersecting grid members.
  • the grid members intersect each other at 90° and extend from the frame at an oblique angle such that the grid members leave between them a plurality of square holes which may have a pitch in the range of 20-60 mm.
  • the pitch of the holes is 38 mm, created by forming the grid with grid members that are 25 mm deep by 5 mm thick, with the perpendicular distance between grid member centrelines being 38 mm.
  • the grid members are at an oblique angle to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The oblique angles may be randomly variable between the sections of track members.
  • the grid-like structures may be formed of intersecting ridges or grooves in the running surface.
  • a vehicle is guided over the running surfaces 131 , 133 of the trackway such that tyres on each side of the vehicle run over the running surfaces of the first and second tracks 111 , 113 , respectively.
  • the tyres are centred on the running surfaces 131 , 133 of the first and second tracks 111 , 113 .
  • the grid-like structures of the running surfaces provide increased friction between the tyres and running surface whilst minimising wear to the tyres, preventing slipping or skidding of the vehicles even in wet conditions whilst reducing noise. Friction is further improved if an anti-skid coating is provided on the running surface.
  • the support members 115 , 117 , 119 , 121 elevate the grid structures of the first and second tracks 111 , 113 such that ice and snow will not collect on the running surface such that the running surface is kept clear. Consequently, the PRT system can operate in severe weather conditions.
  • the tracks 111 , 113 are flexible, they will flex slightly as vehicles pass along them. This flexing will serve to dislodge any compacted snow or ice that may have accumulated, allowing the snow or ice to fall to the ground below.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
US12/738,432 2007-10-19 2008-10-17 Trackway for Personal Rapid Transport Systems Abandoned US20110042474A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720558.6 2007-10-19
GB0720558A GB2453790B (en) 2007-10-19 2007-10-19 Trackway for personal rapid transport systems
PCT/GB2008/003544 WO2009050491A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2008-10-17 Trackway for personal rapid transport systems

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110042474A1 true US20110042474A1 (en) 2011-02-24

Family

ID=38814193

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/738,432 Abandoned US20110042474A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2008-10-17 Trackway for Personal Rapid Transport Systems

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20110042474A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP2203594B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP2011501001A (ko)
KR (1) KR20100131415A (ko)
CA (1) CA2702311A1 (ko)
GB (1) GB2453790B (ko)
WO (1) WO2009050491A1 (ko)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113123177A (zh) * 2019-12-31 2021-07-16 比亚迪股份有限公司 防滑钢板及其加工方法、轨道梁

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8206406B2 (en) 1996-12-12 2012-06-26 Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. Disposable sterile surgical adaptor
US9576478B2 (en) 2014-07-29 2017-02-21 Here Global B.V. Apparatus and associated methods for designating a traffic lane
CN112376388B (zh) * 2020-10-21 2023-04-11 北京城建集团有限责任公司 一种用于prt的钢结构箱梁桥分叉段桥结构及其工法
CN113502724B (zh) * 2020-10-21 2023-04-11 北京城建集团有限责任公司 一种用于prt的钢结构箱梁桥直线段桥结构及其工法

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4061089A (en) * 1975-09-02 1977-12-06 Elbert Morgan Sawyer Personal rapid transit system
US5566620A (en) * 1995-11-16 1996-10-22 Siewert; Bradley D. Levitated rail system
US5778796A (en) * 1994-06-21 1998-07-14 Kim; In Ki Switch system for personal rapid transit
US5845581A (en) * 1996-05-07 1998-12-08 Svensson; Einar Monorail system
US20010028001A1 (en) * 1996-11-04 2001-10-11 Vennell Robert Paul Polymer embedment of rails
US20040089189A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-05-13 Henderson J. Kirston Elevated open-center transit guideway with open-mesh screen emergency walkway

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH336854A (de) * 1954-10-05 1959-03-15 Alweg Forschung Gmbh Tragkörper für Einschienenfahrzeuge
JPS5841361B2 (ja) * 1976-06-04 1983-09-12 曙ブレーキ工業株式会社 高速滑走車両用軌道
DE2747049A1 (de) * 1977-10-20 1979-05-03 Zueblin Ag Bruecke aus betonfertigteilen fuer radfahrzeuge mit spurkranzloser seitenfuehrung
EP0250395A1 (en) * 1985-03-27 1988-01-07 Armerad Betong Vägförbättringar Ab A pillar-supported elevated lane for bus traffic
JPH11152702A (ja) * 1997-11-20 1999-06-08 Sekisui Chem Co Ltd タイヤ式軌道輸送車両の走行軌道用床板
DE10152601A1 (de) * 2001-09-18 2003-04-17 Weco Bahnueberwege Und Auffang Gleiskörperabdeckung
GB0201097D0 (en) 2002-01-17 2002-03-06 Advanced Transp Systems Ltd Advanced transport system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4061089A (en) * 1975-09-02 1977-12-06 Elbert Morgan Sawyer Personal rapid transit system
US5778796A (en) * 1994-06-21 1998-07-14 Kim; In Ki Switch system for personal rapid transit
US5566620A (en) * 1995-11-16 1996-10-22 Siewert; Bradley D. Levitated rail system
US5845581A (en) * 1996-05-07 1998-12-08 Svensson; Einar Monorail system
US20010028001A1 (en) * 1996-11-04 2001-10-11 Vennell Robert Paul Polymer embedment of rails
US20040089189A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2004-05-13 Henderson J. Kirston Elevated open-center transit guideway with open-mesh screen emergency walkway

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113123177A (zh) * 2019-12-31 2021-07-16 比亚迪股份有限公司 防滑钢板及其加工方法、轨道梁

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20100131415A (ko) 2010-12-15
CA2702311A1 (en) 2009-04-23
JP2011501001A (ja) 2011-01-06
GB2453790A (en) 2009-04-22
GB0720558D0 (en) 2007-11-28
EP2203594B1 (en) 2013-06-19
EP2203594A1 (en) 2010-07-07
GB2453790B (en) 2011-11-16
WO2009050491A1 (en) 2009-04-23

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AS Assignment

Owner name: ULTRA PRT LTD, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:ADVANCED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:027074/0782

Effective date: 20100417

AS Assignment

Owner name: ULTRA GLOBAL LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ULTRA PRT LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:027075/0941

Effective date: 20110921

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION