Modular transportation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular transportation system comprising a plurality of modular station towers comprising a stack of two or more precast concrete modules, wherein at least one of the precast concrete station modules in each respective stack is configured as a gondola station.

Description

MODULAR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of transportation and in particular to modular structures in transportation systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Existing ground-based transportation grids rely on a network of asphalt and concrete roadways and parking lots. The surface area of land that is dedicated to ground- based transportation networks has a significant negative impact on the natural environment through the conversion of natural field and forests to roadways and parking lots.

[0003] Introducing vertically to the transportation network can lead to a reduction in the overall area dedicated to asphalt and concrete infrastructure, which can result in returning existing roads and parking lots back to their natural state.

[0004] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a modular transportation system. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular station tower for use in a modular transportation system, the tower comprising a stack of two or more precast concrete modules, each said precast concrete station module comprising a horizontal slab defining two opposing longitudinal edges, two opposing transversal edges, and four corners; and four corner columns, each said corner column being located at a respective corner of the horizontal slab; wherein at least one of the precast concrete station modules is configured as a gondola station module, the gondola station module comprising: at least one gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of the horizontal slab configured to receive at least one gondola cable configured to extend between adjacentstation towers in the modular transportation system and convey at least one gondola along the at least one gondola cable, wherein the gondola station module is configured to facilitate ingress and egress of a passenger from the gondola.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular transportation system comprising: a plurality of station towers of the present invention; at least one gondola cable attached to the at least one gondola cable guide system, the at least one gondola cable extending between adjacent station towers in the transportation system; and at least one gondola configured to travel along the at least one gondola cable between station towers.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates stacked modules suitable for use in a modular transportation system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a modular transportation system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figs. 3 to 5 illustrate different views of a modular transportation system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figs. 6 and 7 are renderings of modular transportation systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a + / -10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in a given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0012] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0013] The present invention provides a modular station tower comprising a stack of two or more precast concrete modules, wherein at least one of the precast concrete station modules in each stack is configured as a gondola station. A gondola station comprises atleast one gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of the horizontal slab, at least one gondola cable extending between adjacent station towers, and at least one gondola configured to travel along the at least one gondola cable. Each gondola station is further configured to facilitate ingress and egress of a passenger from the gondola.

[0014] In one embodiment, the modular station tower further comprises means for moving passengers between levels, including but not limited to staircases, ramps and elevators, or any combination thereof.

[0015] The present invention also provides modular transportation system comprising a plurality of modular station towers. The system also comprises at least one gondola configured to travel between station towers along gondola cables extending between adjacent towers, attached to gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of the horizontal slab of a precast module, the gondola cable extending between adjacent station towers in the transportation system.

[0016] In one embodiment, the modular transportation system further comprises modular support towers in addition to the station towers, wherein one or more of the support towers are located between respective station towers. The modular support towers are provided to support the gondola cable and gondolas between station towers. The support towers are structurally similar to station towers but are not configured to facilitate ingress or egress from a gondola.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support tower comprises a stack of two or more precast concrete support modules. The support towers comprise at least one gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of a horizontal slab of one of said concrete support modules, wherein the gondola cable guide system is configured to support the gondola cable.

[0018] In one embodiment, the gondola cable guide system comprises a plurality of cable brackets attached to the bottom face of the horizontal slab using bolts that extend through the horizontal slab. In one embodiment, each gondola cable guide system is configured to guide a plurality of gondola cables.

[0019] In one embodiment, the gondolas used in the modular transportation system are powered by electricity. In one embodiment, the gondolas used in the modular transportation system are powered through passenger pedal action.

[0020] Each level of a station tower may be dedicated to a different mode of transportation. For example, one level may be dedicated to gondolas powered by electricity and another may be dedicated to gondolas powered by passenger pedal action. In another example, the lowest level may be dedicated to pedestrian traffic.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention, the pre-cast module used in the construction of the modular transportation system is a modular structure as disclosed in WO2022 / 170430, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, each module comprises a horizontal concrete slab defining two opposing longitudinal edges, two opposing transversal edges, and four corners, and four corner columns located at respective corners of the horizontal slab. The horizontal slab forms the roof of a respective storey in the stacked structure, while also serving as the floor of an upper storey in the stacked configuration.

[0023] In one embodiment, the stacked modules used to form the modular station tower are square modules comprising a horizontal concrete slab wherein the longitudinal edges are the same length as the transversal edges. In one embodiment, a stack is formed from three modules stacked on a base, wherein each module is attached to each respective lower surface using connector assemblies located at the bottom of each column.

[0024] In one embodiment, to provide additional structural strength and torsional stability, each module further comprises perimeter beams extending downwardly from the respective edges of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to adjacent columns.

[0025] In one embodiment, each module further comprises at least two transverse ribs (or “T-beams”) located on an underside of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to two opposing perimeter beams.

[0026] The combination of transverse ribs on the underside of horizontal slab and the “skirt” formed by the perimeter beams located around the outer edge of horizontal slab provides flexural tolerance combined with strength and rigidity. The presence of the T- beams and perimeter beams therefore provides a reinforced concrete module having a high tolerance to torsional forces, without requiring the amount of reinforced concrete typically used to manufacture solid uniform slabs having similar strength as are known in the art.

[0027] In one embodiment, the perimeter beam is provided to transfer load forces from the columns to the perimeter beams, transverse beams (ribs), and roof slab. In one embodiment, the perimeter beams are manufactured to a 30-inch (760 mm) depth, toachieve the required loading tolerances for a module having dimensions of 4.5 m by 4.5 m, which is a highly efficient size which can both be transported and give an ‘optimal’ interior space.

[0028] In one embodiment, each perimeter beam is provided with openings (or service accesses) passing therethrough to allow for utilities or infrastructure to be provided to the interior of the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the service accesses are provided at regularly spaced locations along the length of the beam. The regularly spaced openings ensure that the openings on adjacent modules are co-located to facilitate the passage between and sharing of utilities or infrastructure between multiple adjacent modules, regardless of relative configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the services accesses are incorporated at the point of manufacture of the module, thus eliminating the need to introduce access openings after the module has been manufactured, which can negatively impact the structural integrity of the concrete, leading to a reduction in the lifetime of the module. By providing service access openings at the time of manufacture, post-fabrication modifications can be avoided. In one embodiment, each transversal and longitudinal perimeter beam includes two service accesses located across its standard length.

[0029] Each of the horizontal slab, corner and central columns, perimeter beams, center beams, and transverse ribs are formed from reinforced concrete.

[0030] In one embodiment, each modular station tower comprises a stack of concrete station modules mounted on a precast base module, wherein the lowermost of the stacked concrete station modules is bolted to the base module. In one embodiment, each of the concrete station modules is bolted to an adjacent concrete station module in the stack through connector means located at the bottom of each respective corner column.

[0031] The number of service accesses can be modified as determined by the functional requirements of the final structure, within engineering requirements to maintain overall structural strength of the module.

[0032] The modules of the present invention provide structures that have a high ratio of open, interior space relative to the volume occupied by the structural columns, without sacrificing the strength of the overall structure.

[0033] The reduced volume of the structural components of the module (i.e., the slab, columns and beams) relative to the available interior space also leads to a reduction in the amount of cementitious materials required, which can result in a significant reduction inenergy demands and life-cycle carbon footprint for manufacturing and transporting the module.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, each module is pre-cast in a factory and transported on existing roads / highways by conventional flat-bed tractor-trailer to the site of assembly into the final modular transportation system.

[0035] In accordance with the present invention, a connector assembly is used to connect the foot of a column to any suitable support surface, such as a concrete foundation slab or footing, or an upper surface of a lower module, for the stacked configurations of the present invention.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pre-cast modules are designed for transportation to the site for assembly into the final structure, without negatively impacting structural integrity and functionality. In a preferred embodiment, the length, width and height dimensions of a module are compatible with standard highway-class tractor trailer dimensions, enabling passage under a standard bridge for unimpeded highway transport.

[0037] The invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. It will be understood that the following examples are intended to describe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the stacked modules used to form the modular station tower are square modules comprising a horizontal concrete slab wherein the longitudinal edges are the same length as the transversal edges. As shown, stack 100 is formed from three modules 10 stacked on base 18, wherein each module is attached to each respective lower surface using connector assemblies 15 located at the bottom of each column.

[0039] Fig. 2 depicts an embodiment of a modular station tower 200 formed from two stacked modules 20a, 20b stacked on base 28. Also shown are gondola 21 carried on gondola cables 22 in upper stacked module 20b. The lower level of station tower 200 can be accessed by ramp 26 and the upper level of station tower 200 can be accessed by elevator 23. Also shown are perimeter beams 46, T-beams 47 and service openings 48.

[0040] Figs. 3 to 5 depicts an embodiment of a modular station tower 300 formed from three stacked modules 30a, 30b and 30c, stacked on base 38. Also shown are upper gondola 41 carried on upper gondola cables 42, and lower gondola 51 carried on lowergondola cables 52. The lower level of station tower 200 can be accessed by ramp 36 and the upper levels of station tower 300 can be accessed by elevator 33 or staircase 35.

[0041] Figs. 6 and 7 are renderings of exemplary modular transportation systems in accordance with the present invention.

[0042] It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A modular station tower for use in a modular transportation system, the tower comprising a stack of two or more precast concrete modules, each said precast concrete station module comprising: a horizontal slab defining two opposing longitudinal edges, two opposing transversal edges, and four corners; and four corner columns, each said corner column being located at a respective corner of the horizontal slab; wherein at least one of the precast concrete station modules is configured as a gondola station module, the gondola station module comprising: at least one gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of the horizontal slab configured to receive at least one gondola cable configured to extend between adjacent station towers in the modular transportation system and convey at least one gondola along the at least one gondola cable, wherein the gondola station module is configured to facilitate ingress and egress of a passenger from the gondola.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein each modular station tower further comprises a precast base module, wherein the lowermost of the concrete station modules is bolted to the base module.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the stack comprises three precast concrete modules.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the concrete station modules is bolted to an adjacent concrete station module in the stack.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gondola cable guide system comprises cable brackets attached to the bottom face of the horizontal slab using bolts that extend through the horizontal slab.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gondola cable guide system is configured to guide two gondola cables.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the modular station tower further comprises means for moving passengers between levels selected from staircases, ramps, elevators, and any combination thereof.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the precast concrete station module further comprises: two longitudinal perimeter beams, each of said longitudinal perimeter beams extending downwardly from a respective longitudinal edge of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to adjacent columns; and two transversal perimeter beams, each of said transversal perimeter beams extending downwardly from the transversal edges of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to adjacent columns.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the precast concrete station module further comprises at least two transverse ribs located on an underside of the horizontal slab and extending between opposing longitudinal perimeter beams.

10. A modular transportation system comprising: a plurality of station towers as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9; at least one gondola cable attached to the at least one gondola cable guide system, the at least one gondola cable extending between adjacent station towers in the transportation system; and at least one gondola configured to travel along the at least one gondola cable between station towers.11 . The modular transportation system of claim 10, wherein the gondolas are powered by electricity.

12. The modular transportation system of claim 10, wherein the gondolas are powered through passenger pedal action.

13. The modular transportation system of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a plurality of modular support towers comprising a stack of two or more precast concrete support modules, each precast concrete support module comprising; a horizontal slab defining two opposing longitudinal edges, two opposing transversal edges, and four corners;four corner columns, each said corner column being located at a respective corner of the horizontal slab; wherein one or more of said support towers are located between respective station towers and wherein said support towers comprise at least one gondola cable guide system attached to a bottom face of a horizontal slab of one of said concrete support modules, wherein the gondola cable guide system is configured to support the gondola cable.

14. The modular transportation system of claim 13, wherein the precast concrete support module further comprises: two longitudinal perimeter beams, each of said longitudinal perimeter beams extending downwardly from a respective longitudinal edge of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to adjacent columns; and two transversal perimeter beams, each of said transversal perimeter beams extending downwardly from the transversal edges of the horizontal slab and extending between and connected to adjacent columns.

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