Magnetic propulsion and levitation system and method

Abstract

A track-based guided transportation system, wherein a vehicle moving along the track-based guideway can operate using an integrated magnetic levitation, suspension and propulsion technology. The vehicles can move aloft with reduced resistance and lower power consumption to attain contact or contactless displacement.

Description

MAGNETIC PROPULSION AND LEVITATION SYSTEM AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 614,074, filed December 22, 2023, and titled “MAGNETIC PROPULSION AND LEVITATION SYSTEM AND METHOD”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the invention.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a magnetic propulsion and levitation system for guided variable speed vehicles.2. Description of related art.

[0003] Magnetic levitation suspension systems often refer to a collection of systems where the vehicles for transportation of passengers or freight magnetically levitate on a guideway. These systems often comprise a fixed guideway which features coils, magnets or other systems to provide magnetic attraction or repulsion to the guided vehicle.

[0004] Magnetic levitation suspension systems operate in attraction mode classified as electromagnetic systems or in repulsion mode classified as electrodynamic systems. Both approaches present advantages and disadvantages. The electromagnetic systems necessitate complex control systems, and the electrodynamic systems have an intrinsic resistance to the motion of the levitated vehicle or magnetic drag.

[0005] Furthermore, applications of electromagnetic and electrodynamic levitated systems have been proposed to include ferromagnetic materials on the track elements, patterned track elements and electronic feedback control devices resulting incomplex guideway arrangements as for example in U.S. patent Nos. 6,899,036,6,871,597, 6,889,616, 6,796,246, 6,782,832, 6,758,146, 2004 / 012376, 6,629,503 and the references within. Each reference is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0006] In current levitation systems the propulsion is achieved by inclusion of additional systems like linear induction or synchronous motors that use as reaction components elements from the levitation systems.

[0007] The inclusion of additional elements to enable the combined levitation and propulsion of levitated vehicles increases the cost of the guided infrastructure, thus there is a need for an efficient solution to provide such operation using passive track configurations, without the inclusion of components like permanent magnets or coils, independent of the speed and with very low to no resistance to the motion or magnetic drag.

[0008] This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with supporting information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a guided transportation system and more specifically, to a system where vehicles for transportation of passengers or freight can move at variable speeds levitating aloft a unison track-based guideway.

[0010] Specifically, the proposed system introduces an integrated magnetic levitation, guidance, and propulsion technology, where vehicles for transportation of passengers or freight can move aloft, in a contactless mode.

[0011] Moreover, the integrated magnetic levitation, guidance and propulsion system operates in this contactless mode allowing a wide range of vehicle speeds, with minimal magnetic drag and using a simplified guideway featuring only passive track components and elements.

[0012] The integrated magnetic suspension and propulsion system operation relies on the interaction of magnetic fields gradients in the elements of the track resulting from the magnetic field configuration generated by an electromagnetic levitation system and dynamically generated magnetic field gradients of the propulsion system. The resulting field distributions are localized in the track by pinning centers that, by no way of limitation, could be realized by using high magnetic permeability elements as supports for the main guideway track elements.

[0013] Thus, the propulsion component in the system can be understood, by no way of limitation and intended for clarification purposes, as resulting from the force of interacting magnetic equivalent dipoles, one associated with the field configuration in the elements of the track created by the levitation system and the other resulting from the magnetic field generated by the propulsion elements. This propelling force or thrust is proportional to the product of the spatial gradient of their respective magnetic fields.

[0014] The localization of the field gradient centers along the track allows for the propelling of a moving vehicle relative to the track, where the thrust and speed can be controlled by actuating the propulsion elements at precise locations along the track, thus effectively making the system able to operate efficiently for a very wide range of speeds.

[0015] Furthermore, but not by way of limitation, the passive track can be placed inside an evacuated environment to further reduce the aerodynamic resistance when the vehicles are moving at high speeds

[0016] Herein, in one aspect of the invention, a ground-based transportation system wherein a vehicle moves along a unison suspended track-based guideway is described. The ground-based transportation system includes a propulsion-levitation system including a contactless propulsion system, wherein the contactless propulsion operates in unison with an electromagnetic levitation system.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the realization of said propulsionlevitation system in a vehicle is described, wherein the vehicle bogie is configured to transport a passenger and / or cargo pod along a suspended track-based guideway.

[0018] As used herein, “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, and the like, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “configure(s)”, “configuring”, and the like, refer to the capability of a component and / or assembly, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations, and any combinations thereof.

[0021] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.

[0022] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely tobetter illustrate the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure or any embodiments unless otherwise claimed.

[0023] Any combination or permutation of features, functions and / or embodiments as disclosed herein is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed systems, methods and assemblies of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following detailed description of embodiments of the application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of illustrating the system and method of the present application, there is shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and systems shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and systems shown may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and systems.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a summarized block diagram of a bogie and a vehicle, according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a summarized block diagram with the main components and elements of the system, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic representation of a possible track arrangement with the location of the main components groups of the system relative to the track, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic representation of another possible track arrangement with the location of the main components groups of the system relative to the track, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a representation in perspective view of the main components of the system relative to the track arrangement, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a simplified view of the magnetic field flux lines in a section of track, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram representation of the components of the propulsion group, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0032] Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention or final their final versions are shown in the figures. The invention may be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so this disclosure satisfies applicable requirements.

[0033] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, illustration, or instance.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0034] The present invention relates to an integrated levitation, guidance and propulsion system for contactless variable speed transportation systems using a trackinfrastructure with minimal components, hitherto providing a new approach compared to systems of the prior art.

[0035] Moreover, the system incorporates all the required components for the control of the vehicle cars in a contactless operation mode independently of the vehicle speed, providing the means to prevent any capsizing upon the influence of external forces.

[0036] Furthermore, the track infrastructure, but not by way of limitation, enables the operation inside an evacuated environment to further reduce the aerodynamic resistance, hereby increasing the operational efficiency at high speeds.

[0037] Vehicle cars move aloft the track infrastructure by bogies that contain the contactless propulsion, levitation and suspension systems and components, which together with the track infrastructure elements, arrangement and its placement in an operational environment are main objects of the present disclosure.System architecture

[0038] As shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 7, the system largely comprises the track infrastructure, levitation, guidance and propulsion elements. The overall integration of the system is shown as a block diagram in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0039] A track infrastructure is assembled upon high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 and high permeability support elements 120 which support the operation of the levitation, guidance and propulsion system. The high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 and the high permeability support elements 120 may, in combination, be referred to as “track elements” or “track infrastructure” 100, 120, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0040] A bogie 500 is shown in FIG. 1 and a vehicle 800 is positioned in proximity to the bogie 500. The bogie 500 includes magnetic suspension elements 200, guidance and propulsion elements 300 (see FIG. 2) which move aloft the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100.

[0041] The high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 and high permeability support elements 120 act as passive reaction elements where a magnetic field distribution is established and driven by the magnetic fields created by the suspension elements 200 and guidance and propulsion elements 300.

[0042] By no way of limitation, the magnetic suspension components in the group 200 can comprise a hybrid passive / active system formed by passive elements, such as, for example, an array of permanent magnets, 220 and actively driven elements 210. Driven elements 210 are used to control the distance (air gap) in contactless operation to the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100. The suspension system is intended to operate as an electromagnetic suspension system.

[0043] Elements in the guidance and propulsion group 300 comprise the main guidance components 320 and the main propulsion elements 310. Here, by no way of limitation, the main guidance elements 320 in the embodiment in FIG. 2 correspond to an exemplary track arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, as depicted, in part, by the position of the main guidance components 320 relative to the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 and the levitation elements group 200. The representation of the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 of the track as circular rails is to be understood and exemplary and does not impose limitation in the operation of the system.

[0044] Additional elements 400 could comprise mechanical guidance elements(e.g., wheels) to support the placement of the vehicle in the track.

[0045] Main guidance components 320, by no way of limitation, can comprise a combination of active and passive elements, such as the levitation elements group 200. The main guidance components 320 of the guidance and propulsion group 300 work in unison or in pairs as shown in possible exemplary configurations in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. These elements guide the vehicle along the track and include, by no way of limitation, sensing and control elements, that could operate in a similar way to the electromagnetic suspension system. The main guidance components 320 of the guidance and propulsion group 300 may work in a single configuration, as shown in FIG. 4. In non-limiting examples, the bogie 500 may operate with a single configuration (FIG. 4) or a pair configuration (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0046] Propulsion elements 310 comprise the main propulsion components of the system. These elements, in combination with the high permeability support elements 120 and guidance and levitation elements 320 and 200, generate magnetic field gradient zones on the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100. Magnetic field distribution is influenced by the presence of the high permeability support elements 120 that are used as pinning magnetic field centers for the operation of the pulsed propulsion system.

[0047] A magnetic field distribution is established in the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 as shown schematically in the embodiment in FIG. 6. The different gradients in the magnetic field are achieved by acting on the base magnetic fields provided by the levitation elements group 200 and the main guidance components 320 in combination with the relative position of the bogie in reference to the flux pinning centers defined by the high permeability support elements 120. Main propulsion elements 310 provide magnetic fields in oblique directions to the main flux that further enhance the magnetic field gradient zones.

[0048] Track elements 100 and 120 in combination with suspension and guidance elements in the blocks 200 and 320 form a magnetic field circuit that in turn supports the operation of the propulsion elements 310. The propulsion force results from the interaction magnetic field gradient established in the track in the vicinity of the high permeability support elements 120 that localize or pin these field gradients along the track and the magnetic field gradient created by the propulsion elements. Without limitation, the propulsion force can be understood as the magnetic force between the magnetic field gradient pinned around the high permeability support elements 120 and the instantaneous magnetic field dipole created by propulsion elements.System operation

[0049] The operation of the system comprises several main actions realized with the same track elements which constitute a unique approach from the previous art. This approach enables the use of a simplified track geometry and taking advantage of the field distribution in the track to enable an enhanced propulsion system. Overall, the proposed system enables a more efficient usage of the available energy in electromagnetic levitation systems and propulsion systems.

[0050] The levitation is achieved by the primary elements within block 200 configured to produce attractive forces which could be realized, by no way of limitation, by a combination of passive elements 220 and active electromagnetic control elements 210. The active electromagnetic control elements 210 are driven by variable currents to compensate in real time the instabilities of the attraction forces. It is implied that sensors to measure the relative distances of the levitation gaps are present in the system and are used to provide feedback to the controller or controllers used to drive the elements 210. This system constitutes an electromagnetic suspension system which also provides, inpart, the base magnetic field distribution that is established in the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 of the track arrangement.

[0051] Operating in unison with the elements on block 200, main guidance components 320 provide controlled attractive forces that in turn provide guidance to position the vehicle bogie 500 relative to the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100. These two systems, levitation components block 200 and main guidance components 320 support the contactless displacement of the vehicle 800 on the track. Herein, these elements also provide the base magnetic field distribution that is required for the establishment of the gradient zones for the propulsion of the vehicle resulting from the interaction with the magnetic field provided by the main propulsion elements 310.

[0052] The integrated operation of the propulsion system with the electromagnetic levitation system provides an efficient combined vehicle operation where the overall energy usage can be optimal at any given operational speed.

[0053] As a result of the high permeability support elements 120, the magnetic field distribution in the high permeability magnetic structural elements 100 changes as the vehicle moves, making the high permeability support elements 120 act as localization or pinning centers for the magnetic field gradients. The resulting changes in the magnetic field can be sensed by the control electronics driving the active electromagnetic control elements 210 and main guidance components 320. This feedback is used to provide a precise location of the pinning centers of the high permeability support elements 120 and to shape the magnetic field gradient by using the elements 315, which are part of the propulsion elements in 310 as represented in FIG. 7. The elements 315 are configured to actively (e.g., in real time) shape the magnetic field gradient in the passive track elements 100 and 120.

[0054] Elements 315 can be realized, by no way of limitation, as three dimensional coils intended to provide a magnetic field to shape the field gradient. By no way of limitation, this shaping field is represented as a circular magnetic field in FIG. 6. The magnetic field imposed by elements 315 acts on the magnetic field gradient, which in turn is pinned to the high permeability support elements 120 of the track arrangement. The shaping of the magnetic field distribution can be understood, by no way of limitation, to modify the spatial profile of the field gradient, and thus to adjust the propulsion force.

[0055] By no way of limitation, the elements 315 can work in unison with the propulsion elements 312 and 314 to adjust in real time the effective thrust force.

[0056] Furthermore, elements 315 can be actuated by pulsed currents synchronically attending to the relative position of the vehicle 800 in respect to the field gradient pinned to elements 120. It is implied that sensors to measure the relative distances of the levitation gaps are present in the system and are used to provide feedback to the controller or controllers used to drive elements 315. Without limitation, these sensors can include hall effect sensors, pick-up coils or current feedback from the windings of the elements 210 and 320.

[0057] The propulsion of the vehicle 800 is achieved by synchronically pulsing a current of the elements 312, 314 which are part of the propulsion elements 310, as depicted in Fig. 7. These elements 312, 314 are configured to create a field gradient that interacts with the field gradient present in the track elements at any given position resulting from the operation of the elements in levitation components block 200 and guidance and propulsion block 300, shaped by the action of elements 315. The driving of the elements 312, 314 is synchronized in reference to the track pinning center of the high permeability support elements 120, resulting on a thrust force which isproportional to the rate of change of the pulsed magnetic field and the spatial component of the gradient.

[0058] By adjusting the rate of pulsing of the elements 312, 314 and the magnitude of the amplitude of the pulses, the system can achieve different magnitudes of the thrust force. In addition, by the controlling the synchronicity of the pulsed fields relative to vehicle position, variable thrust forces at any given speed may be achieved. As a result, the system may not suffer from a decrease of the thrust forces with the speed, as for example, commonly experienced in linear induction motor-based propulsion systems.

[0059] By no way of limitation, the direction of the current used to drive the propulsion elements 312, 314 can be altered to provide attraction or repulsion forces according to the spatial configuration of the magnetic field gradient in the vicinity of the pinning centers created by the high permeability support elements 120. The total propulsion force then results from a combination of superposition of the attraction and repulsion forces along the track elements 100, 120.

[0060] Initial jerking effects resulting from the pulsed nature in the operation of the propulsion system can be minimized by controlling the frequency and amplitude of the pulses, accounting for the inertial mass of the vehicle 800.

[0061] In a non-limiting example, the propulsion elements 312, 314 of the bogie 500 produce a propulsion force or thrust that is applied to the vehicle 800. The propulsion force or thrust may be adjusted by spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure 100, 120 while the vehicle 800 is moving, adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements 312, 314, or the combination of spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure 100, 120 while the vehicle 800 ismoving, adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements 312, 314.

[0062] The operation of the system as herein described does not prevent the realization of the same propulsion principle by mechanically rotating the relative orientation of multipole permanent magnets or other arrangements.

[0063] Furthermore, the system can be implemented in track configurations where one main guideway is used or where multiple guideways are used to support the displacement of the levitated vehicles.

[0064] The following clauses further define particular aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Clause 1. A guided transportation system including: a track infrastructure including magnetic structural elements and support elements; a bogie including: levitation elements; guidance elements; and propulsion elements; wherein the support elements, guidance elements, and levitation elements are configured to generate gradient zones in a magnetic flux on the magnetic structural elements, wherein an element of the propulsion elements is configured to adjust in real time the shape of the gradient zones in the magnetic field in the structural elements of the track infrastructure.

[0066] Clause 2. The guided transportation system according to clause 1, wherein the propulsion elements provide magnetic fields in oblique directions relative to the magnetic flux to enhance the magnetic flux gradient zones.

[0067] Clause 3. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the magnetic flux is configured spatially to generate field gradients pinned to the structural elements of the guideway to serve as magnetic flux for the propulsion system.

[0068] Clause 4. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the propulsion elements further include synchronous pulsed magnetic field gradients configured to operate with the magnetic flux provided by the levitation, support and guidance elements, wherein the synchronous pulsed magnetic field gradients are configured to produce thrust.

[0069] Clause 5. The guided transportation system according to clause 4, wherein the thrust is independent of the speed of the bogie.

[0070] Clause 6. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the element of the propulsion elements is configured to produce a second magnetic field.

[0071] Clause 7. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the element is a linear coil configured to produce a circular magnetic field.

[0072] Clause 8. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the element is configured to actively shape the gradient zones in the magnetic field.

[0073] Clause 9. The guided transportation system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the propulsion elements of the bogie produce a propulsion force or thrust that is applied to the vehicle, the propulsion force or thrust is adjusted by at least one of the following: spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure while the vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements.

[0074] Clause 10. The guided transportation system according to clause 9, wherein the propulsion force or thrust is adjusted by the combination of spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure whilethe vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements.

[0075] Clause 11. A method of adjusting the propulsion force or thrust of a bogie configured to travel along a track infrastructure, the a track infrastructure includes magnetic structural elements and support elements; the bogie includes levitation elements, guidance elements, and propulsion elements, wherein the support elements, guidance elements, and levitation elements are configured to generate gradient zones in a magnetic field on the magnetic structural elements, wherein an element of the propulsion elements is configured to adjust in real time the shape of the gradient zones in the magnetic field in the structural elements of the track infrastructure, wherein the propulsion elements of the bogie produce a propulsion force or thrust that is applied to the vehicle, the method of adjusting the propulsion force or thrust comprises: spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure while the vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements.

[0076] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0077] Various embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the scope of this invention. Various connections andpositional relationships (e.g., over, below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings. These connections and / or positional relationships, unless specified otherwise, can be direct or indirect, and the present invention is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Accordingly, a coupling of entities can refer to either a direct or an indirect coupling, and a positional relationship between entities can be a direct or indirect positional relationship. Moreover, the various tasks and process steps described herein can be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional steps or functionality not described in detail herein.

[0078] The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used for the interpretation of the claims and the specification. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0079] Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms “at least one” and “one or more” may be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to one, i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms “a plurality” may be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e. two, three, four, five, etc. The term “connection” may include both an indirect “connection” and a direct “connection.”

[0080] The terms “about,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and variations thereof, are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ± 8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0081] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to making and using aspects of the invention may or may not be described in detail herein. In particular, various aspects of computing systems and specific computer programs to implement the various technical features described herein are well known. Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, many conventional implementation details are only mentioned briefly herein or are omitted entirely without providing the well-known system and / or process details.

[0082] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments described herein.

[0083] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A guided transportation system comprising: a track infrastructure comprising magnetic structural elements and support elements; a bogie comprising: levitation elements; guidance elements; and propulsion elements; wherein the support elements, guidance elements, and levitation elements are configured to generate gradient zones in a magnetic field on the magnetic structural elements, and wherein at least one element of the propulsion elements is configured to adjust in real time the shape of the gradient zones in the magnetic field in the structural elements of the track infrastructure.

2. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion elements provide magnetic fields in oblique directions relative to the established magnetic flux to enhance the magnetic field gradient zones.

3. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field is configured spatially to generate magnetic field gradients pinned to the structural elements of the guideway to serve as magnetic flux gradient centers for the operation of the propulsion system.

4. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion elements further comprise synchronous pulsed magnetic field gradients configured to operate with the magnetic field provided by the levitation, support andguidance elements, wherein the synchronous pulsed magnetic field gradients are configured to produce thrust.

5. The guided transportation system according to claim 4, wherein the thrust is independent of the speed of the bogie.

6. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one element of the propulsion elements is configured to produce a secondary magnetic field distribution.

7. The guided transportation system according to claim 6, wherein the element is three dimensional coil configured to produce a magnetic field to shape the magnetic field distribution present in the track infrastructure.

8. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the element is configured to actively shape the gradient zones in the magnetic field.

9. The guided transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion elements of the bogie produce a propulsion force or thrust that is applied to a vehicle, the propulsion force or thrust is adjusted by at least one of the following: spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure while the vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of pulsed fields generated by the propulsion elements.

10. The guided transportation system according to claim 9, wherein the propulsion force or thrust is adjusted by the combination of spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure while the vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements.

11. A method of adjusting the propulsion force or thrust of a bogie configured to travel along a track infrastructure, the track infrastructure comprises magnetic structural elements producing a magnetic field and support elements; the bogie comprises levitation elements, guidance elements, and propulsion elements that generate pulsed fields, wherein the support elements, guidance elements, and levitation elements are configured to generate gradient zones in a magnetic field on the magnetic structural elements, wherein at least one element of the propulsion elements is configured to adjust in real time the shape of the gradient zones in the magnetic field in the structural elements of the track infrastructure, and wherein the propulsion elements of the bogie produce a propulsion force or thrust that is applied to a vehicle, the method of adjusting the propulsion force or thrust comprising: spatially adjusting and shaping the magnetic field distribution in the track infrastructure while the vehicle is moving; and adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the pulsed field generated by the propulsion elements.

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