Variable Gauge Rail Wheels for Automated Highway Transit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automobile freeway systems are overcrowded, inefficient, and environmentally harmful, necessitating a supplementary transportation system that is safe, electric, and capable of high-speed operation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-use vehicle system featuring automated, elevated single-lane throughways with wide and narrow gauge rail tracks and variable gauge rail wheels for vertical switching, allowing for seamless transition between street and guideway modes, along with advanced control systems for uniform vehicle spacing and speed regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional freeway systems are used to accommodate increasing traffic demand, then vehicle capacity increases, but traffic congestion worsens and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions traffic flow from a two-dimensional surface (horizontal highway expansion) to a three-dimensional structure by elevating the guideway above ground level. This vertical dimension allows the system to accommodate traffic without consuming additional horizontal space, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining safety through separation from conventional road traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments traffic into two distinct modes: conventional street operation and automated guideway operation. By dividing the transportation system into separate operational domains with dedicated vehicles for each mode, the patent eliminates the safety conflicts and congestion issues that arise from mixed traffic on conventional freeways.
2Productivity
If conventional freeway systems are expanded to handle more traffic, then vehicle capacity increases, but land use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated guideway structure utilizes the vertical dimension to achieve high traffic capacity without expanding horizontal land use. By stacking transportation infrastructure in three-dimensional space rather than spreading it across two dimensions, the system accommodates increased traffic demand while minimizing footprint on ground-level land resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vehicles operate on freeways, then transportation flexibility is maintained, but pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-mode vehicle is designed to perform multiple functions: conventional street operation using internal combustion or electric power, and automated guideway operation using electric power from overhead conductors. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle to operate in both modes, maintaining transportation flexibility while eliminating pollution during guideway operation through electric propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical internal combustion engine system with an electric propulsion system when operating on the guideway. By substituting electric motors for combustion engines in the guideway mode, the system eliminates exhaust emissions and pollution while maintaining the ability to transport passengers and cargo.
4Reliability
If automated control systems are implemented to regulate vehicle spacing and speed, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system continuously monitors vehicle position, speed, and spacing through sensors and communication systems, then provides real-time feedback to adjust vehicle operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains safe operating parameters automatically, improving safety while managing complexity through standardized control protocols and centralized system management.
Data Source
AI summary
The public highway system includes automated, elevated single lane throughways having wide and narrow gauge rail track arranged in various combinations. A control system regulates spacing of bimodal vehicles while maintaining a uniform speed for all vehicles on the system. The bimodal vehicles perform as conventional automobiles on conventional roadways and as fully automated safe high speed vehicles on elevated single lane, single speed, high-density electric rail guideways using static vertical switching accomplished by operation of variable gauge rail wheels on the vehicle to engage with or disengage from a wide gauge track portion wider than the bimodal vehicles. Vehicles enter/leave the mainline on the narrower gauge track. The wider gauge is for passing over off-ramps or in switching systems. A single lane can handle 15,800 veh/hr including mixed use such as mail, freight, mass transit in captive driverless vehicles with exclusive off-ramps to federal, commercial, industrial and public terminals.