External vehicle propulsion infrastructure

Abstract

A transportation system typically employed in the field of raw materials handling, which system includes a route extending between a first and second point and at least a first, but typically a plurality of self-propelled vehicles operatively propelled along the route to carry payloads between the first and second points. An external drive system is located at least at a first predetermined location along the route. The external drive system is configured to interact with the first self-propelled vehicle when same is propelled proximate the predetermined location. Interaction between the first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system results in the provision of additive or supplementary propulsion by the external drive system to the first self-propelled vehicle or generation of electric potential energy.

Description

[0001] EXTERNAL VEHICLE PROPULSION INFRASTRUCTURE

[0002] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the field of raw materials handling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a propulsion infrastructure system, typically used during hauling, such as raw material handling, aimed at improving system-level energy efficiencies.

[0004] Increased focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact, also in the mining and construction industries, calls for efficiency improvements in excavation and raw materials handling processes. To this end, focus is shifting towards smaller, lighter and / or more efficient haul trucks (lighter in this case facilitates implementation of more energy efficient technologies, greater autonomy and, in some cases, renewable energy).

[0005] Drivetrains of current haul trucks represent a non-negligible proportion of the overall haul truck weight. Drivetrains need to be sized to allow haul trucks, when fully loaded, to ascend steep inclines. Suitable drivetrains are therefore relatively large and heavy (compared to the overall system weight). Furthermore, implementation of electrically powered drivetrains, which is in line with the object of implementing more energy efficient and / or environmentally friendly drivetrain solutions, require large on-board batteries which, again, negatively impacts the system weight.

[0006] It is believed that a reduction in the overall weight of the haul truck could play a vital role in reducing a system-level environmental impact associated with raw material hauling. This may be achieved by an overall reduction in the energy expended during hauling, but furthermore, by bringing the total weight into an order more suitable for use of alternative, environmentally efficient and / or renewable energy resources.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide external vehicle propulsion infrastructure with which the weight of on-board infrastructure could potentially be reduced without a reduction in overall system performance.

[0008] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a transportation system that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide a transportation system which will be a useful alternative to existing systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a transportation system including: a route extending between a first and second point; at least a first self-propelled vehicle operatively propelled along the route to carry a payload between the first and second points; an external drive system located at a predetermined location along the route and configured to interact with the first self-propelled vehicle when same is propelled proximate the predetermined location.

[0011] The first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system may be configured such that during interaction, a predetermined spacing or gap is defined and substantially maintained between a mobile interacting module of the first self-propelled vehicle and a stationary interacting module of the external drive system.

[0012] The external drive system may comprise a reference track relative to which the stationary interacting module is mounted.

[0013] The first self-propelled vehicle may comprise a floating substructure, a biasing mechanism and a physical contact arrangement. The floating substructure may be supported relative to a main structure of the first self-propelled vehicle such that it is allowed displacement within at least a first degree of freedom. The mobile interacting module may be mounted to or relative to the floating substructure or may be carried by the floating substructure. The first degree of freedom may be an articulating degree of freedom or a substantially linear degree of freedom. Irrespective of the type, the degree of freedom facilitates displacement of the floating substructure in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the reference track extends.

[0014] The biasing mechanism may operatively bias the floating substructure in a direction towards the reference track.

[0015] The physical contact arrangement may be associated with the floating substructure and may operatively contact the reference track to define and substantially maintain the predetermined spacing or gap.

[0016] The physical contact arrangement may extend from the floating substructure. In use, the physical contact arrangement may be displaced along the reference track. The physical contact arrangement may take the form of a wheel (or set of wheels), a roller (or set of rollers), a sprocket (or a set of sprockets) or a slide (or set of slides).

[0017] The mobile interacting module may be associated with permanent magnets.

[0018] The external drive system may be modular and may typically be non-permanently installed at the predetermined location. An anchor arrangement may be provided with which the external drive system may operatively be anchored relative to a fixed position at the predetermined location.

[0019] In one embodiment, the external drive system may comprise a substantially rigid and elongate structure. In such a case, the reference track may typically comprise a beam or a channel.

[0020] In another embodiment, the external drive system may comprise a linked assembly of interlinked track parts. In such a case, the reference track may comprise interlinked track shoes or interlinked chain links. Also in such a case, the external drive system may be spoolable.

[0021] Combinations of these embodiments may be feasible.

[0022] The stationary interacting module may either be incorporated with the reference track, fixed to the reference track or embedded within the reference track.

[0023] The stationary interacting module may comprise an electromagnetic drive unit operatively comprising a substantially lengthwise extending stator comprising a yoke with embedded windings.

[0024] In some examples, the stationary interacting module may comprise a Litz cable operatively provided with high frequency alternating current.

[0025] The predetermined location may be associated with a drive section or a harnessing section.

[0026] A “drive section” of the route may be a section where positive propulsion is provided to the vehicle, while a “harnessing section” of the route may be a section where energy is harnessed from the vehicle. Typically, the drive section is either an inclining section of the route where additive drive is provided to propel the vehicle or a section of the route where the vehicle is or needs to be accelerated. Also, the harnessing section is either a declining section or a section where the vehicle is or needs to be decelerated or braked.

[0027] The external drive system may be interchangeable or configurable into either drive or harnessing configuration. Alternatively, the external drive system may be preconfigured in either the drive configuration or the harnessing configuration (in which case, different types of external drive systems may be provided depending on whether they will be used in a drive or harnessing section).

[0028] When the external drive system is configured in the drive configuration, the interaction between the vehicle and the external drive system may take the form of additive and / or supplementary propulsion provided by the external drive system to the vehicle. The additive and / or supplementary propulsion may be provided by means of a linear electromotive drive system, typically in the form of a linear electromagnetic drive system.

[0029] On the other hand, when the external drive system is configured in the harnessing configuration, the interaction between the first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system may take the form of generation of electric potential energy by means of inductive regenerative charging of a battery system associated with the vehicle, and / or transmitting of electric potential energy to an external source.

[0030] Typically, though not exclusively, the route may comprise a plurality of predetermined locations. In such cases, the system includes a plurality of distinct external drive systems such that each of the plurality of predetermined locations is provided with a distinct external drive system (configured for the specific type of location, as aforementioned).

[0031] The predetermined spacing or gap may be in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm. Preferably the gap may be between 20 mm and 40 mm, such as about 25 mm.

[0032] Typically, the external drive system (or each external drive system) may be connected to or associated with an external power source, storage facility and / or electrical circuit.

[0033] The vehicle may have wheels or tracks which may typically be provided in contact with a road surface of the route during interaction with the external drive system.

[0034] In some example implementations, the system may form part of a mining operation. In such cases, the first self-propelled vehicle may be a mining haul vehicle (typically carrying goods, persons or raw material). In some cases, the first and second points may be raw material loading and unloading points.

[0035] Furthermore, the system may include a plurality of self-propelled vehicles along the route.

[0036] The route may take the form of a network of roads.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the external drive system may comprise a coupling device for mechanically and releasably coupling to the first self-propelled vehicle during interaction. In such cases, the external drive system may comprise a lift or cable system coupled to the coupling device for exerting a pulling force on the first self-propelled vehicle. This may be combined with other embodiments described herein as a supplementation of the drive provided to the vehicle within one of the drive sections.

[0038] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a self-propelled vehicle, for use in a transportation system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the vehicle, comprises: a main structure; an on-board drivetrain for operatively propelling the vehicle along a route; load compartment for operatively carrying a payload; a floating substructure supported within at least a first degree of freedom relative to the main structure; a mobile interacting module mounted relative to the floating substructure; and a physical contact arrangement associated with the floating substructure which operatively contacts a reference track of an external drive system having a stationary interacting module, the physical contact arrangement provided operatively to define and substantially maintain a predetermined spacing or gap between the mobile interacting module and the stationary interacting module.

[0039] The first degree of freedom may again comprise an articulating degree of freedom or a substantially linear degree of freedom. Irrespective of the type, the degree of freedom may facilitate displacement of the floating substructure in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the reference track of the external drive system operatively extends.

[0040] The vehicle may further comprise a biasing mechanism which may operatively bias the floating substructure in a direction towards the reference track. The biasing mechanism may be a spring (coil spring, tortional spring, or the like), a pneumatic system such as a bellows or air cushion, or the like.

[0041] The physical contact arrangement may extend from the floating substructure and may comprise a wheel (or a set of wheels), a roller (or a set of rollers), a sprocket (or a set of sprockets) or a slide (or a set of slides).

[0042] The mobile interacting module may be associated with permanent magnets.

[0043] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an external drive system for use in a transportation system according to the first aspect of the invention, the external drive system comprising: a reference track configured for physically interacting with a physical contact arrangement of a self-propelled vehicle of the system; a stationary interacting module mounted relative to the reference track, configured for interacting with a mobile interacting module associated with the self-propelled vehicle.

[0044] The external drive system may be modular and may operatively be installed at a predetermined location in non-permanent fashion. The external drive system may further comprise an anchor arrangement with which the external drive system may operatively be anchored relative to a fixed position at the predetermined location.

[0045] In one embodiment, the external drive system may comprise a substantially rigid and elongate structure. In such a case, the reference track may typically comprise a beam or a channel.

[0046] In another embodiment, the external drive system may comprise a linked assembly of interlinked track parts. In such a case, the reference track may comprise interlinked track shoes or interlinked chain links. Also in such a case, the external drive system may be spoolable.

[0047] Combinations of these embodiments may be feasible.

[0048] The stationary interacting module may either be incorporated with the reference track, fixed to the reference track or embedded within the reference track.

[0049] The stationary interacting module may comprise an electromagnetic drive unit operatively comprising a substantially lengthwise extending stator comprising a yoke with embedded windings. In some examples, the stationary interacting module may comprise a Litz cable operatively provided with high frequency alternating current.

[0050] The external drive system may be coupled to an external power source.

[0051] The predetermined location may be associated with a drive section or a harnessing section.

[0052] A “drive section” of the route may be a section where positive propulsion is provided to the vehicle, while a “harnessing section” of the route may be a section where energy is harnessed from the vehicle. Typically, the drive section is either an inclining section of the route where additive drive is provided to propel the vehicle or a section of the route where the vehicle is or needs to be accelerated. Also, the harnessing section is either a declining section or a section where the vehicle is or needs to be decelerated or braked.

[0053] The external drive system may be interchangeable or configurable into either drive or harnessing configuration. Alternatively, the external drive system may be preconfigured in either the drive configuration or the harnessing configuration (in which case, different types of external drive systems may be provided depending on whether they will be used in a drive or harnessing section).

[0054] When the external drive system is configured in the drive configuration, the interaction between the vehicle and the external drive system may take the form of additive and / or supplementary propulsion provided by the external drive system to the vehicle. The additive and / or supplementary propulsion may be provided by means of a linear electromotive drive system, typically in the form of a linear electromagnetic drive system.

[0055] On the other hand, when the external drive system is configured in the harnessing configuration, the interaction between the first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system may take the form of generation of electric potential energy by means of inductive regenerative charging of a battery system associated with the vehicle, and / or transmitting of electric potential energy to an external source.

[0056] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for setting up a route for at least a first self-propelled vehicle, the route extending between a first point and a second point, the method comprising the steps of:

[0057] 51) identifying along the route at least a first predetermined location associated with at least a first section; and

[0058] 52) providing each section with an external drive system according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0059] Step S1 may comprise the sub-step of classifying each section as one of a drive section and a harnessing section. Step S2 may comprise the sub-step of providing each section with an external drive system configured in one of a drive configuration and a harnessing configuration (typically, based on the classification as a drive section or a harnessing section as classified as part of step S1).

[0060] A section may be classified as a drive section when a slope (average slope or maximum slope) within said section inclines beyond a predetermined amount or if the vehicle will operatively be accelerated within said section.

[0061] A section may be classified as a harnessing section when a slope (average slope or maximum slope) within said section declines beyond a predetermined amount or if the vehicle will operatively be decelerated or braked within said section.

[0062] Step S2 may comprise at least some of the following sub-steps in respect of each section (drive or harnessing section):

[0063] 52.1) placing the external drive system on a road surface within the relevant section and arranging same to extend lengthwise along said section;

[0064] 52.2) utilising an anchor arrangement to anchor the external drive system relative to the road surface; and

[0065] 52.3) providing the external drive system with or in contact with an external power source.

[0066] Step S2.1 may be preceded by the step of unspooling the external drive system from a spool.

[0067] Step S1 may furthermore comprise identifying along the route more than one predetermined location, each of which is associated with a respective further section all or at least some of the above steps may be repeated for each such further section.

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0070] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a transportation system in accordance with the invention;

[0071] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a vehicle forming part of the system of Figure 1 ;

[0072] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a floating substructure associated of the vehicle of Figure

[0073] 2;

[0074] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an external drive system forming part of the system of Figure 1 , in which a reference track is made up of interlinked track shoes;

[0075] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the external drive system of Figure 4;

[0076] Figure 6 shows a partial perspective view of an example embodiment of a reference track with incorporated stationary interacting module forming part of the system of Figure 1 ; and Figure 7 shows a side view of the example embodiment of the reference track with incorporated stationary interacting module of Figure 6, in a rolled-up or spooled configuration.

[0077] DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0079] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of a transportation system (or just “system”), in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0080] The system 10 comprises a route 12 between a first point 14 and a second point 16. It will be appreciated that the system 10 can take various forms and that the type of route 12 and the type of first and second points (14, 16), will take different forms depending on the type of system 10. The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the general type or species that the system 10 takes or belongs to. It will also be appreciated that the system may comprise more than a first and second point, and that the route may comprise various routes, or a network of routes and / or roads with intersections and the like. For the purpose of the present example only, the system 10 as described hereinafter will be taken to be located at a mining operation where the system is used to transport raw material between a loading point, being the first point 14 and an unloading point, being the second point 16. Other loads transportable in such a scenario include goods, personnel, hardware and machinery, and the like.

[0081] The system 10 includes at least a first self-propelled vehicle 18 which, in the present example, takes the form of a haul truck. The vehicle 18 comprises a main structure 20, such as a chassis or frame and an on-board drivetrain 22 with which wheels 24 are driven in use. The drivetrain 22 may include an internal combustion motor with a gearbox arrangement, an electric motor with batteries and other electrical components, or the like. In some cases, the wheels 24 may be replaced by tracks. The vehicle 18 is considered a “self-propelled” vehicle in that drivetrain 22 allows the vehicle 18 to be propelled substantially on its own along the route 12. The vehicle 18 also includes a load compartment 26 for carrying or transporting a load 28, such as raw material in the form of excavated ore.

[0082] The system 10 furthermore comprises at least a first external drive system 30 or external energy transmission system. As will become apparent from what follows, the external drive system 30 does not extend along a whole length of the route 12. Instead, the external drive system 30 is a discrete subsystem of the system 10 which extends for a limited distance along the route 12. The external drive system 30 is strategically placed or installed (as discussed more fully below) at a predetermined location 32 along the route 12.

[0083] As will be discussed more fully below, the external drive system 30 or energy transmission system may take various forms. In general terms, the external drive system 30 is configured to interact with the vehicle 18 when same is propelled proximate or relative to the predetermined location 32. Therefore, during a discrete portion of the route 12, the external drive system 30 interacts with the vehicle 18.

[0084] As more fully discussed below, in one example, the interaction between the external drive system 30 and the vehicle comprises either additive or supplementary power or drive provided by the external drive system 30 to the vehicle 18. In another example, the interaction between the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18 comprises regenerative charging of batteries carried onboard the vehicle 18 (and forming part of the drivetrain 22).

[0085] The efficiency of the system in such examples is dependent on the existence of a predetermined spacing or gap 34 between the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18 (or rather, between specific components of the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18). This spacing or gap 34 needs to be defined and maintained substantially constant during the interaction. Typically, the spacing or gap 34 is 25 mm or smaller. However, depending on the application, the spacing or gap 34 may fall within a range of between 10 mm and 50 mm or more particularly between 20 mm and 40 mm. The size of the spacing or gap 34 may fall outside of these ranges if the application permits or requires it. The spacing or gap 34 is defined at an operative interface 36 of components located on the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18, respectively. The system 10 is specifically configured to facilitate and maintain this spacing or gap 34 at the interface 36, as discussed more fully below.

[0086] The interface 36 and therefore the spacing or gap 34 are defined between a mobile interacting module 38 associated with the vehicle 18 (“mobile” here is considered relative to the route 12 or the external drive system 30), and a stationary interacting module 40, associated with the external drive system 30.

[0087] The vehicle 18 includes a floating substructure 42, typically in the form of a floating subframe, to which the mobile interacting module 38 is mounted or by which it is supported. “Floating” in this sense relates the substructure 42 being mounted or supported relative to the main structure 20 of the vehicle 18 within at least a first a degree of freedom. Therefore, the floating substructure 42 is displaceable relative to the main structure 20.

[0088] Typically, the degree of freedom is a linear displacement degree of freedom, which allows the floating substructure 42 to be displaced in a direction (indicated by reference numeral 44) which is perpendicular to a direction of travel or a direction in which the external drive system 30 extends (this direction indicated by reference numeral 46). In some implementations, the floating substructure 42 may be fixed to the main structure 20 by means of articulating components, such as wishbones (not shown).

[0089] A biasing mechanism 48, typically in the form of springs, air bags or the like, biases the floating substructure 42 in a direction of the external drive system 30 (typically along the degree of freedom).

[0090] The floating substructure 42 is associated with a physical contact arrangement. In some cases, the physical contact arrangement takes the form of one or a set of wheels 50. In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the wheels may be replaced by rollers, sprockets or slides. The size of the wheels 50 (or of the rollers, sprockets or slides) is critical in defining and maintaining the spacing or gap 34. Typically, therefore, the physical contact arrangement extends from the floating substructure operatively in a direction of the reference track (as discussed below). Alternatively, the reference track may extend upwards to allow interaction with a bearing surface or other contact arrangement of the floating substructure.

[0091] The external drive system 30 comprises a longitudinal reference track 52 relative to which the stationary interacting module 40 is mounted. The reference track 52 may take various forms, such as a longitudinally extending beam or channel (extending in the direction 46) or (as shown in figures 4 and 5) a track 54 made up of interlinked track shoes 56. Again, a spacing between the reference track 52 and the stationary interacting module 40 is critical in defining the spacing or gap 34.

[0092] Another example embodiment of the reference track 52 is shown in figures 6 and 7. Here the track comprises a chain-type linked assembly. However, now the stationary interacting module 40 (comprising inductive coils, not shown in figures 6 and 7) is contained within or carried by the track 52. The linked assembly typically has a depth of 10-20cm to facilitate carrying the inductive coils. In some examples, the stationary interacting module 40 may now comprise a cable, such as a Litz cable, which may be provided with high frequency alternating current.

[0093] An advantage of using a chain-type linked assembly as shown in figures 6 and 7, is the ease with the track 52 and incorporated stationary module 40 can be spooled, reeled or rolled up. This facilitates quick, easy and cost-effective deployment, disassembly or redeployment throughout the mining environment (especially during route changes and expansion of the mining operations).

[0094] It is believed the linked assembly may be provided in sections spanning between 50 m and 100 m lengths. Various lengths may be coupled together as the need dictates.

[0095] In use, during the interaction as discussed, the physical contact arrangement (for example wheels 50) physically contact the reference track 52 and runs thereon and there along. The biasing mechanism 48 ensures that contact is relatively consistently maintained between the wheels 50 and the reference track 52. In this way, the spacing or gap 34 is maintained (within acceptable tolerances). The floating substructure 42 and the reference track 52 therefore physically interact during use to define and maintain the spacing or gap 34.

[0096] Typically, the reference track 52 is mounted below the floating substructure 42 such that the biasing mechanism 48 biases the floating substructure downward. That said, alternative configurations, such as where the reference track 52 is mounted to the side of the floating substructure 42, or a configuration where the wheels 50 run on an inner flange or inner surface of a flange of a channel of the reference track 52, therefore wherein the floating substructure 42 is biased upwards, would be feasible. In principle, positive contact between a surface of the refence track 52 and the wheels 50 is maintained to maintain the spacing or gap 34.

[0097] The reference track 52 is typically anchored relative to a surface 58 on which it is supported. It is foreseen, especially, but not exclusively, in cases where the reference track 52 comprises interlinked track shoes, that the reference track 52 and in fact the whole external drive system 30 may comprise a mobile unit which may be installed or anchored relative to the predetermined location 32 temporarily. As the mining operations expand or as the route is changed, the external drive system 30 may therefore be relocated. The external drive system 30 is powered by an external power source (not shown).

[0098] It should be noted that during interaction between the external drive system 30 and the vehicle 18, the wheels 24 of the vehicle 18 are in contact with the surface 58 and the vehicle 18 is therefore supported by the surface 58.

[0099] Reference is now specifically made to the example of figure 1 , and in particular, to the first external drive system 30 mounted at the first location 32, which is an inclining portion of the route 12. Here, the external drive system 30 is configured to provide additive or supplementary drive or propulsion to the vehicle 18. The external drive system 30 is therefore configured as a linear electromotive or electromagnetic drive system or motor. The stationary interacting module 40 therefore takes the form of a substantially linearly extending stator comprising a yoke with embedded windings while the mobile interacting module 38 includes a reaction structure or plate (serving as a “rotor”, even though the propulsion in this case is substantially linear relative to the stator) which comprises permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are mounted to a substructure.

[0100] Also as shown in figure 1 , the system 10 may include a second external drive system 30, which may be located at a second predetermined location 60. In this example, the second predetermined location 60 may be located at a portion of the route 12 which is substantially flat or horizontal, but which may, for example, be associated with a portion of the route 12 where the vehicle needs to accelerate.

[0101] It is foreseen that individual external drive systems 30 may be provided along the route in portions where relatively large or high amounts of power would be required to propel the vehicle 18. By providing external drive systems 30 which are configured to supplement drive provided to the vehicle 18 whilst traversing specific portions of the route, on-board power requirements of the drivetrain 22 of the vehicle 18 may be reduced. Such a reduced on-board power requirement is associated with a physically smaller drivetrain 22 which is relatively lighter than drivetrains of comparable vehicles not provided as part of a system 10 including external drive systems 30. By reducing an overall weight of the vehicle 18, same may be more effective and overall energy consumption requirements may be reduced.

[0102] As mentioned, in some cases, the external drive system 30 is configured as an inductive regenerative braking and / or charging system. In such examples, the external drive system 30 is typically located in declining portions of the route 12 or portions associated with braking or a reduction of speed of the vehicle 18. Regenerative braking is therefore used when the driven load causes the motor of the vehicle to run at speeds higher than its no-load speed. This results in the reversing of the motor current and generation of electric potential energy. Therefore, as the vehicle 18 travels down the declining portion or along the portion where the vehicle 18 needs to reduce speed, interaction between the mobile interacting module 38 and the stationary interacting module 40 may cause on-board batteries to be charged (at least partially) or may cause energy to be transmitted to external sources. In this way, the range of the vehicle 18 may be increased and / or the required size and therefore associated weight of onboard batteries carried by the vehicle 18 as part of the drivetrain 22 may be reduced. Alternatively, or in addition, overall system- wide energy expenditure may be reduced.

[0103] It is believed that the system 10 could accommodate inclining portions of the route having inclinations of up to 10%, with a vehicle 18 having a total combined (laden) weight of 110 tonne, and at speeds of up to 20km / h or even higher. It will be appreciated that each of the modules (38, 40) may be configurable to have a dual function, in that both additive or supplementary drive and regenerative braking or charging may selectively be facilitated (depending on a specific portion of the route 12).

[0104] It will furthermore be appreciated that the system 10 may typically be associated with a number of external drive systems 30 and a large number of vehicles 18.

[0105] It will be appreciated that the system 10 and the various components and parts forming part thereof provide useful improvements or alternatives when compared to other systems. For example, the floating substructure on the vehicle which allows the gap to operatively and precisely maintained via physical contact with a reference track enables application and use of the system in relatively rugged and remote areas (where accurate installation and construction of reference tracks would be difficult or even impossible). This therefore enables positive control over the accuracy of the interaction and interface between the components and facilitates rapid or potentially temporary deployment of the system. Furthermore, the external drive system is modular, which again facilitates easy, rapid and potentially temporary deployment thereof. This is useful as a mining operation expands and creates new routes. The aforementioned is also facilitated and in cases where the external drive system is spoolable. Furthermore, in cases where the external drive system has a dual functionality (where a simple configuration between a drive or harnessing configuration may be made) a lower number of spare parts may be carried and external drive systems may easily be deployed and reused as the need arises.

[0106] It will be appreciated that the above description only provides an example embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and / or the scope of the invention.

[0107] For example, at least some of the advantages obtainable by the system 10 can be realised with an alternative version (not shown in the figures) of the system 10, wherein the external drive system includes a coupling device for mechanically and releasably coupling to the vehicle 18 during interaction. In such a case, the external drive system may comprise a lift or cable system coupled to the coupling device with which a pulling force is exerted on the first self-propelled vehicle during interaction. In this way, additive or supplementary drive may be facilitated, and the advantages associated with a reduced drivetrain 22 may, at least partially, be realised.

[0108] It will easily be understood from the present description that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0109] For example, the system 10 may find application outside of mining environments and may theoretically be deployed in a wide range of industries. For example, the route may be a train track, and the additive or supplementary drive may be supplied to a train when ascending inclines or when accelerating. Similarly, inductive regenerative braking may be used to charge onboard batteries or even supply surplus power to a grid.

[0110] The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described one embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

[0111] For the purpose hereof, something considered “spoolable” will be understood to be able to be spooled, wound, reeled, rolled, or coiled (onto an object or itself), particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, when in an inoperative state or condition.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A transportation system including: a route extending between a first and second point; at least a first self-propelled vehicle operatively propelled along the route to carry a payload between the first and second points; an external drive system located at a predetermined location along the route and configured to interact with the first self-propelled vehicle when same is propelled proximate the predetermined location.

2. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first self-propelled vehicle and external drive system are configured such that during interaction, a predetermined spacing or gap is defined and substantially maintained between a mobile interacting module of the first self-propelled vehicle and a stationary interacting module of the external drive system.

3. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein: the external drive system comprises a reference track relative to which the stationary interacting module is mounted; and the first self-propelled vehicle comprises: a floating substructure supported relative to a main structure of the first self- propelled vehicle within at least a first degree of freedom and relative to which the mobile interacting module is mounted or carried; a biasing mechanism which operatively biases the floating substructure in a direction towards the reference track; and a physical contact arrangement associated with the floating substructure which operatively contacts the reference track to define and substantially maintain the predetermined spacing or gap.

4. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the physical contact arrangement extends from the floating substructure, is operatively displaced along the reference track and comprises at least one of: a wheel; a roller; a sprocket; and a slide.

5. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile interacting module is associated with permanent magnets.

6. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the external drive system is modular and non-permanently installed at the predetermined location and provided with an anchor arrangement with which the external drive system is operatively anchored relative to a fixed position at the predetermined location.

7. The transportation system according to claim 6, wherein the external drive system comprises one of:i) a substantially rigid and elongate structure, with the reference track comprising one of: a) a beam; and b) a channel; and ii) a linked assembly of interlinked track parts, with the reference track comprising one of: a) interlinked track shoes; and b) interlinked chain links.

8. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein, when the external drive system comprises a linked assembly, the external drive system is spoolable.

9. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the stationary interacting module is one of: i) incorporated with the reference track; ii) fixed to the reference track; and iii) embedded within the reference track.

10. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the stationary interacting module comprises an electromagnetic drive unit operatively comprising a substantially lengthwise extending stator comprising a yoke with embedded windings.

11. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the stationary interacting module comprises a Litz cable operatively provided with high frequency alternating current.

12. The transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined location is associated with one of i) a drive section of the route where positive propulsion is provided to the vehicle; and ii) a harnessing section of the route, where energy is harnessed from the vehicle, and wherein the drive section comprises one of: a) an inclining section of the route where additive drive is provided to propel the vehicle; and b) a section of the route where the vehicle is accelerated; and wherein the harnessing section comprises one of a) a declining section; and b) a section where the vehicle is decelerated.

13. The transportation system according to claim 12, wherein the external drive system is one of: i) configurable between a drive configuration and a harnessing configuration; and ii) configured in one of a) a drive configuration; and b) a harnessing configuration.

14. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein, when the external drive system is configured in the drive configuration, the interaction between the vehicle and the external drive system takes the form of one of additive and supplementary propulsion provided by the external drive system to the vehicle.

15. The transportation system according to claim 14, wherein the one of additive and supplementary propulsion is provided by means of a linear electromotive drive system.

16. The transportation system according to claim 15, wherein the linear electromotive drive system comprises a linear electromagnetic drive system.

17. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein when the external drive system is configured in the harnessing configuration, the interaction between the first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system takes the form of one of:generation of electric potential energy by means of inductive regenerative charging of a battery system associated with the vehicle; and transmitting of electric potential energy to an external source.

18. The transportation system according to claim 13, wherein the route comprises a plurality of predetermined locations and wherein the system includes a plurality of distinct external drive systems, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined locations is provided with a distinct external drive system.

19. The transportation system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined spacing or gap is in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm.

20. The transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the first degree of freedom comprises one of an articulating degree of freedom and a substantially linear degree of freedom, facilitating displacement of the floating substructure in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the reference track extends.

21. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the external drive system is connected to an external power source.

22. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein one of wheels and tracks of the first self-propelled vehicle are provided in contact with a road surface of the route during interaction with the external drive system.

23. The transportation system according to claim 1 , forming part of a mining operation, wherein the first self-propelled vehicle is a mining haul vehicle and wherein the first and second points are raw material loading and unloading points.

24. The transportation system according to claim 23, comprising a plurality of self-propelled vehicles along the route.

25. The transportation system according to claim 24, wherein the route takes the form of a network of roads.

26. The transportation system according to claim 1 , wherein the external drive system comprises a coupling device for mechanically and releasably coupling to the first self- propelled vehicle during interaction.

27. The transportation system according to claim 26, wherein the external drive system comprises a lift or cable system coupled to the coupling device for exerting a pulling force on the first self-propelled vehicle.

28. A self-propelled vehicle, for use in a transportation system according to claim 1 , comprising: a main structure; an on-board drivetrain for operatively propelling the vehicle along a route; load compartment for operatively carrying a payload; a floating substructure supported within at least a first degree of freedom relative to the main structure;a mobile interacting module mounted relative to the floating substructure; and a physical contact arrangement associated with the floating substructure which operatively contacts a reference track of an external drive system having a stationary interacting module, the physical contact arrangement provided operatively to define and substantially maintain a predetermined spacing or gap between the mobile interacting module and the stationary interacting module.

29. The vehicle according to claim 28, wherein the first degree of freedom comprises one of an articulating degree of freedom and a linear degree of freedom, facilitating displacement of the floating substructure in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the reference track of the external drive system operatively extends.

30. The vehicle according to claim 28, further comprising a biasing mechanism which operatively biases the floating substructure in a direction towards the reference track.

31. The vehicle according to according to claim 28, wherein the physical contact arrangement extends from the floating substructure and comprises at least one of: a wheel; a roller; a sprocket; and a slide.

32. The vehicle according to claim 28, wherein the mobile interacting module is associated with permanent magnets.

33. An external drive system for use in a transportation system according to claim 1 , comprising: a reference track configured for physically interacting with a physical contact arrangement of a self-propelled vehicle of the system; a stationary interacting module mounted relative to the reference track, configured for interacting with a mobile interacting module associated with the self-propelled vehicle.

34. The external drive system according to claim 33, wherein the external drive system is modular and operatively installed at a predetermined location in non-permanent fashion, and wherein the external drive system further comprises an anchor arrangement with which the external drive system is operatively anchored relative to a fixed position at the predetermined location.

35. The external drive system according to claim 33, comprising one of: i) a substantially rigid and elongate structure, with the reference track comprising one of: a) a beam; and b) a channel; and ii) a linked assembly of interlinked track parts, with the reference track comprising one of: a) interlinked track shoes; and b) interlinked chain links.

36. The external drive system according to claim 35, wherein, when in the form of a linked assembly, the external drive system is spoolable.

37. The external drive system according to claim 35, wherein the stationary interacting module is one of: i) incorporated with the reference track; ii) fixed to the reference track; and iii) embedded within the reference track.

38. The external drive system according to claim 35, wherein the stationary interacting module comprises an electromagnetic drive unit operatively comprising a substantially lengthwise extending stator comprising a yoke with embedded windings.

39. The external drive system according to claim 35, wherein the stationary interacting module comprises a Litz cable operatively provided with high frequency alternating current.

40. The external drive system according to claim 33, coupled to an external power source.

41. The external drive system according to claim 33, wherein the external drive system is one of: i) configurable between a drive configuration and a harnessing configuration; and ii) configured in one of a) a drive configuration; and b) a harnessing configuration.

42. The external drive system according to claim 41 , wherein, when configured in a drive configuration, the external drive system is configured to provide one of additive and supplementary propulsion to the vehicle.

43. The external drive system according to claim 42, wherein the one of additive and supplementary propulsion is provided by means of a linear electromotive drive system.

44. The external drive system according to claim 43, wherein the linear electromotive drive system comprises a linear electromagnetic drive system.

45. The external drive system according to claim 41 , wherein when configured in a harnessing configuration, the external drive system is configured to facilitate operative interaction between the first self-propelled vehicle and the external drive system in the form of one of: generation of electric potential energy by means of inductive regenerative charging of a battery system associated with the vehicle; and transmitting of electric potential energy to an external source.

46. A method for setting up a route for at least a first self-propelled vehicle, the route extending between a first point and a second point, the method comprising the steps of:51) identifying along the route at least a first predetermined location associated with at least a first section; and52) providing each section with an external drive system according to claim 35.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein step S1 comprises the sub-step of classifying each section as one of a drive section and a harnessing section; and step S2 comprises the sub-step of providing each section with an external drive system configured in one of a drive configuration and a harnessing configuration.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein a section is classified as: a drive section when one of the following criteria is met: i) a slope within said section inclines beyond a predetermined amount; and ii) the vehicle will operatively be accelerated within said section; anda harnessing section when one of the following criteria is met: i) a slope within said section declines beyond a predetermined amount; and ii) the vehicle will operatively be decelerated within said section.

49. The method according to claim 46, wherein step S2 comprises the following sub-steps in respect of each section:52.1) placing the external drive system on a road surface within the relevant section and arranging same to extend substantially lengthwise along said section;52.2) utilising an anchor arrangement to anchor the external drive system relative to the road surface; and S2.3) providing the external drive system with an external power source.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein step S2.1 is preceded by the step of unspooling the drive system from a spool.

51. The method according to claim 46, wherein step S1 comprises identifying along the route more than one predetermined locations, each of which is associated with a respective further section.

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