US3527170A - Suspended railway car aerodynamically supported - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent Warner H. Witmer Apt. J107, Quakertovvn West Apartments, Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951 [21] Appl. No. 716,238

[22] Filed March 26, 1968 Patented Sept.8,l970

[72] inventor [54] SUSPENDED RAILWAY CAR AERODYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED 6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 104/89, 104/23,104/134,104/155,105/148,105/150, 180/15,198/1,212/134 [51] 1m.C1 11 3 01, B611) 13/08, Bv 3/04 [50] Field oi'Search 104/23, 23FS, 89,134, 136,138,155;114/67.1; /148, 149, ;74/207; /15; 187/17; 198/177;

Primary Examiner-Arthur L. La Point Assistant Examiner-Howard Beltran Attorney- Harold W. Adams ABSTRACT: A high speed guided flying transport vehicle for traveling along a guide rail in spaced relation to the guide rail and supported by aerodynamic lift.

iatented Se t. 8; 1970 Sheet MENTOR WARNER H. W/TMER ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 8, 1970 3,527,170

Sheet 2 of 3 INVENTOR WARNER H. W/TMER ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 8, 1979 3,527,170

Sheet 0f 3 INVENTOR FIG. 5. WARNER H. W/TMEI? ATTORNEY SUSPENDED RAILWAY CAR AERODYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED BACKGROUND INFORMATION Although high speed transportation devices are known utilizing an air bearing or air hydrostatic bearing support, they inherently require that the road bed or supporting structure for the vehicle be of sufficient strength and size to support the weight of the vehicle. The reason for this is that the lift supplied by hydrostatic action-reaction forces is directly related to the weight of the vehicle. Therefore, as with a conventional railway train, the road bed and tracks are expensive to install and maintain. In addition, with conventional ground effect type vehicles, any debris or large objects on the road bed or rail can produce severe safety hazards.

Conventional high-speed trains utilizing the ground effect principle have dispensed with wheels because of their encumbering speed restrictions and also to eliminate vibration or noise. Trains guided by rails are safer than other vehicles controlled by the operator and permit a much higher speed of operation with far greater safety. These and other problems have been alleviated in air bearing vehicle designs in which the vehicle is supported by cushions of air and which are guided by a track over which the vehicle travels to provide a system free of restrictions due to steering problems. However, even with the advantage of an air cushion with its consequent low friction, a vehicle designed for hydrostatic support on a track still requires a road bed or suspension system capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle. Further, ground effect type vehicles require a contoured shape to work most effectively to stabilize sideways thrust of the vehicle for maximum effectiveness. This construction permits debris to collect in the road bed or rail and thus raises a serious question of safety.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved high speed land transportation device.

Another object is to provide a high speed land transportation system utilizing a continuous relatively smooth overhead monorail service along which a low pressure air bearing aeronautically supported vehicle is guided.

A further object of this invention is to provide a high speed monorail transportation device wherein the under surface of a guiding rail structure corresponds in configuration with a matching upper wing surface of the vehicle which is maintained in a spaced relation with the under surface of the monorail by a low pressure aerodynamic air cushion having a bearing surface substantially equal to the wing surface area of the vehicle.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a high speed transportation vehicle including propulsion means for the vehicle and means for providing a continuous high volume low pressure air flow to an aerodynamic air bearing wing construction.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a high speed transport vehicle wherein both propulsion and aerodynamic support are derived from a single source of power.

These and many other objects and advantages may be achieved by means of a high speed transport vehicle in accordance with the principles of this invention which in general may include a vehicle for travelling along a monorail and provided with a wing surface over which in operation a low pressure, high velocity air fluid flow is maintained between the wing surface and a matching monorail surface. The fluid flow between the wing surface and the corresponding monorail surface maintains both an aerodynamic lift and a cushion effect whereby the vehicle is maintained in a spaced relation with the monorail surface. In principle, the vehicle flys the same as an airplane. The high velocity low pressure air stream forming the air cushion between the wing surface of the vehicle and the corresponding surface of the monorail is forced in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle. As the under surface of the vehicle is exposed to a higher atmospheric pressure, the resulting press-differential lifts the vehicle removing the vehicles weight from the monorail suspension or supporting system. In addition, the air innerface between the wing surface of the vehicle and the corresponding surface of the monorail acts as a low friction air bearing.

The objects and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when read in view of the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the wing surface of the vehicle and the corresponding under surface of the monorail cross section:

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the aerodynamic lift principle of the in vention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention wherein the wing surface ofthe vehicle and the under surface ofthe rail are substantially flat;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view ofa third embodiment of the invention wherein both the wing surface of the vehicle and the supporting monorail are substantially cylindrical in cross section;

FIG. 5 is a further alternative embodiment of the invention including multiple rails and wings; and

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of a vehicle in accordance with the principles of this invention and includ ing a modified wing.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a high speed tranportation vehicle in accordance with the principles of this invention and which generally comprises a train 11 of vehicles 12 connected in trail for movement along a monorail structure 13 supported by post 14. The monorail structure is generally of convex configuration corresponding with a wing 15 of each ofthe vehicles 12. As will be explained, the monorail 13 may be fabricated from relatively light material or from sheet metal because support for the vehicle is provided by aerodynamic lift. Because of the light construction of monorail 13, the supporting posts 14 may also be of relatively light construction and widely spaced.

Each of the vehicles 12 may be provided with a lower passenger or cargo compartment 16 attached and depending from the support wing 15. The curved wing 15 includes a vertically extending slot or passage slot 17 at the exit portion 30 of which an air stream issues orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the train 11. The passage slot 17 may be continuous along the length of each vehicle 12 or a plurality of spaced vertical passages may be provided depending upon the weight and size of the vehicle 12 and the lift force required to overcome the force of gravity and to aerodynamically support the vehicle. A conventional jet engine 18 provides thrust for the train and a portion of the compressed air from the engine is passed into a chamber 19 connecting with the passage 17 to establish a low pressure high velocity air stream diverging at 30 into a plenum chamber 20 formed between the lower curved surface 21 of the convex shaped monorail 13 and the upper surface 26 of the wing 15. This low pressure high volume stream of air exhausts through vents 22. If preferred, an independent source may be provided to establish a high velocity, low pressure fluid stream such as by conventional compressors.

As shown in FIG. 2 air flowing into an intake 25 ofjet engine 18 is compressed and a portion of the engine air stream directed into plenum chamber 20 where it divides into substantially equal streams. lnpingement of the air from the slot 17 at the exit 30 against the undersurfaces 21 of the monorail 13 splits the air stream into streams 23 and 24 which flow outwardly along and between a first inner wing surface 26 and the surface 21 to effectively form the plenum chamber 20. Ends 27 of the wing 15 are turned over the rail 13 to retain the vehicle on the rail in the event of failure of the jet engine 18. The airstreams 23 and 24 perform four actions. The high velocity air streams between the airfoil wing surface 26 and the undersurface 21 of the monorail l3 creates an aerodynamic pressure differential between the chambers and the exterior wing surface which lifts the vehicle in a manner to counter balance the action of the force of gravity. Additionally, the airdrag forces of the stream flowing in the plenum chamber 20 includes a vertical and horizontal vector force component. The horizontal vector force components of the drag forces of air streams 23 and 24 counter balance each other to horizontally stabilize the vehicle relative to the rail. The verticle vector force components of the drag forces act in a manner to aid in lifting the vehicle with a concave wing surface as shown in FIG. 2 contrary to conventional airplane drag forces which never aid lift and are in a direction opposite to thrust. Or the combined action of the aerodynamic lift and the forced air between the monorail and wing surface and equilibrium distance is stabilized to allow the wing surface 26 to lie close to but not touching the monorail surface 21. Because of this equilibrium condition a third principle action of the air streams 23 and 24 is to provide a very low friction air bearing between the under surface 21 of the monorail l3 and the wing surface 26 of the wing 15. Consequently, a thrust force provided by the train 11 by the jet engines 18 is effectively transferred to forward motion because of the very low opposing friction forces. A fourth action of the air streams 23 and 24 is to effectively dampen or cushion shock transmitted forces from irregularities on the monorail surface or due to external air turbulence to the passenger or cargo compartment I6. In fact, passengers and cargo ride on a cushion of air.

At the completion of aerodynamic air flow through the plenum chamber 20, the stream is vented at holes 22. To assure passenger safety in the event of engine failure, the overhang or lips 27 allows friction braking of the vehicle. The structure of this vehicle and monorail eliminates the hydrostatic action-reaction forces in conventional air bearing supports, provides a very low friction air cushion and also stabilizes the vehicle against lateral sway.

The drag forces of streams 23 and 24 continue to aid. lift of the vehicle even after a high speed is obtained at which time coventional drag forces become operative on the external surfaces of the vehicle which as in the case of an airplane are always in opposition to thrust.

An alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 3, operates in the same manner although less efficient in operation because all drag forces are offset and there is no verticle force component to assist in lifting the vehicle. In this embodiment a cargo or passenger transport vehicle 31 is attached to and suspended from a flat wing 32 and is confined within a flat guide rail 33, the portions 34 of which are inturned to provide channels 35 within which ends 36 of the wing 32 are received. The channels 35 are of sufficient width to permit verticle adjustment ofthe wing. Projecting shoulders 37, the under surface of the rail, and upper surface 39 of the wing forms a plenum chamber 40, through which, a low pressure, high velocity air stream is directed through a centrally positioned verticle passage 41. The air stream flowing through passage 41 into plenum chamber 40 divides into equal streams 42 and 43 which flow transversely of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and are vented through vent passages 44 formed by shoulders 37 and the ends of wings 32.

Propulsion of the vehicle 31 is provided by a conventional jet reaction power plant 45 mounted under the compartment. A portion of the jet stream from engine 45 is diverted into passage 41 and through the plenum chamber 40 providing aerodynamic lift because of the high velocity, low pressure air flow over wing surface 39. Because the streams are equal and opposite in direction all drag forces are cancelled. As the vehicle flys within the guide rail, the guide rail and supporting columns may be fabricated of light weight material there being minimum hydrostatic action-reaction forces. When the lift forces are removed, the wing and guide rail permit friction braking in an emergency. Normally, braking is provided by reverse thrust from the jet engine.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the invention in which the guide rail 51 is tubular in cross section and wing 52 attached to a compartment 53 is semi-circular in configuration and of slightly larger diameter than the rail. Propulsion is provided by ajet-reaction power plant 54 and a portion of the jet stream diverted between the inner wing surface and exterior surface of rail 51 through a centrally positioned passage 55. Fluid flow within plenum chamber 56 is transverse to the direction of vehicle travel and creates a pressure differential between the inner and exterior wing surfaces establishing aerodynamic lift before discharge through ducts 57. As in FIGS. 1 and 2 verticle drag forces of the fluid stream aid in lift while horizontal drag forces offset one another and laterally stabilize the vehicle 53 on the rail. When lift forces are removed, the vehicle is lowered onto the rail to provide friction braking. A flexible membrane 58 shown partially broken away over the forward portion of the wing may be provided to act as a baffle for air flow inwardly directed at high train speeds which act to change the direction of the forced air fiow from the slot transverse to the longitudinal axis of the train. As shown in side view FIG. 5, the forward portion of the wing 15 so as to act as a scoop 60 for incoming air to further aid a pressure differential between the plenum chamber and the outer surface of the vehicle.

A further alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6 may include two guide rails 70 and a vehicle 71 provided with two corresponding wings 72. As the principle of operation and remaining structure is the same as in FIG. I, a detailed description of this embodiment is not believed necessary.

Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail, numerous changes and modifications may be made within the principles of the invention. For example, the fluid medium does not necessarily have to be air whereby an undersea vehicle whereof the ambient fluid is water and the forced fluid is also water may be constructed within the principles of the invention, and in addition the term monorail does not limit the scope of the invention to include multiple winged or multiple surfaced tracks. In addition the forced air flow may issue from a forward slot and be in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the train. Therefore it is intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A flying transport vehicle for traveling along a guide rail comprising: at least one rigid elongated guide rail; means for supporting said guide rail; a vehicle supported in spaced relation to said guide rail; at least one wing formed on said vehicle, said wing conforming in configuration to a portion of said guide rail and spaced therefrom; a first rigid wing surface on said wing spaced from said guide rail and forming a plenum chamber there between extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of said guide rail and opening into the ambient; a second rigid exterior wing surface on said wing exposed to ambient pressure; a means for providing a relatively higher velocity stream of fluid mounted on said vehicle; centrally positioned means interconnecting the stream of fluid and said plenum chamber, said stream of fluid passing between said guide rail and said first wing surface in said plenum chamber reducing the pressure on said first wing surface relative to the ambient pressure on said second wing surface, thereby exerting a lift force on said wing to lift said vehicle in spaced relation to said guide rail and thereby providing a low friction fluid bearing for propelling said vehicle on said guide rail thereby providing a flying vehicle guided by said rail.

2. A flying transport vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said vehicles are connected in train.

3. A flying transport vehicle as defined in claim I wherein said guide rail is convex and said first wing surface is concave in configuration, said high velocity low pressure fluid stream dividing and flowing in substantially equal volumes and in opposite directions in said transverse passage producing a lift cle in the event of power failure.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for providing a relatively higher velocity stream of fluid comprises a jet engine for providing thrust for said vehicle.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein separate compressor means are provided for reducing said pressure within said plenum chamber.

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