U.S. patent application number 13/127487 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for vehicle, system and method for mass transit transportation.
This patent application is currently assigned to AUTOMATE LTD.. Invention is credited to Netanel Goldberg.
Application Number | 20110218697 13/127487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42072807 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110218697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldberg; Netanel |
September 8, 2011 |
VEHICLE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MASS TRANSIT TRANSPORTATION
Abstract
The present invention provides a vehicle, system, and method for
mass transit transportation, the system according to one embodiment
including a plurality of passenger vehicles configured such that
each passenger vehicle includes a passenger module (110) for
transporting at least one passenger being attachable and detachable
from a transport-base (120) and a rail-base (220). At each of a
plurality of transport-rail interchange hubs (204) the passenger
modules are transferred from transport-bases (120) to the
rail-bases (220). At each of a plurality of rail-transport
interchange hubs the passenger modules are transferred from
rail-bases (220) to transport-bases (120). Each passenger vehicle
is adapted to transport the at least one passenger on at least one
of transport and rail without exiting the passenger module
(110).
Inventors: |
Goldberg; Netanel; (Zichron
Yaakov, IL) |
Assignee: |
AUTOMATE LTD.
Zichron Yaakov
IL
|
Family ID: |
42072807 |
Appl. No.: |
13/127487 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2009/001102 |
371 Date: |
May 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61117342 |
Nov 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/19 ; 104/128;
105/72.2; 180/14.1; 701/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61B 3/02 20130101; Y02T
30/00 20130101; B61B 13/04 20130101; B61B 15/00 20130101; Y02T
30/40 20130101; Y02T 30/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/19 ;
180/14.1; 105/72.2; 701/23; 104/128 |
International
Class: |
B61B 3/02 20060101
B61B003/02; B61B 13/04 20060101 B61B013/04; B61B 15/00 20060101
B61B015/00 |
Claims
1-46. (canceled)
47. A mass transit transportation system, comprising: a. an
uncontrolled, self-propelled chassis base for transportation along
a user selected route; b. a controlled chassis base for
transportation along a predetermined mass transit route; c. a
plurality of passenger modules for seating at least one passenger,
each of said passenger module being attachable to, and detachable
from, a corresponding uncontrolled base or a corresponding
controlled base; d. a first set of interface devices for releasably
connecting, upon demand, one of said passenger modules and one of
said uncontrolled bases; e. a second set of interface devices for
releasably connecting, upon demand, one of said passenger modules
and one of said controlled bases; and f. a plurality of mass
transit interchange hubs for interchanging an uncontrolled base and
a controlled base, at each of said interchange hubs one of said
passenger modules is transferable from one of said uncontrolled
bases to one of said controlled bases using said first set of
interface devices and from one of said controlled bases to one of
said uncontrolled bases using said second set of interface
devices.
48. The system according to claim 47, wherein-- a. each
uncontrolled base comprises propulsion means and steering means
that are passenger adjustable, for generating and controlling a
propulsion vector; b. each controlled base comprises communication
means for communicating with a computer control system and
transportation means for controlling the speed and direction of the
control base in response to commands from said control system; and
c. an uncontrolled base and a controlled base are interchanged at
one of the hubs while the at least one passenger remains in the
passenger module.
49. The system according to claim 47, further comprising a computer
control system for controlling the movement of a plurality of
passenger modules, uncontrolled bases, and controlled bases in the
vicinity of an interchange hub, and the movement of a plurality of
controlled bases along the mass transit route.
50. The system according to claim 47, wherein one first set of
interface devices and one first set of second interface devices is
a releasable locking mechanism, said locking mechanism comprising a
female grooved member attached to the passenger module, a
vertically displaceable rod housed within the controlled and
uncontrolled bases, a contact element attached to a distal end of
said rod, and engagement elements which are caused to be seated in
the groove of said female member following application of a first
controlled force to said contact element and subsequent upward
displacement of said rod and to be disengaged from the groove
following application of a second controlled force to said contact
element.
51. The system according to claim 50, wherein each interchange hub
comprises support means for suspending the passenger module
following release of the locking mechanism.
52. The system according to claim 51, further comprising guide
means by which the suspended passenger module is guided to a second
location when being transferred from a controlled base to an
uncontrolled base or from an uncontrolled base to a controlled
base, and a computer control system for controlling the operation
of said guide means, wherein the guide means is at least one
elongated guide connected to a post, each of said guides
comprising: a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers for
rollingly supporting a passenger module when being longitudinally
displaced along said guide; b. a drive means housed within said
guide; c. one or more longitudinally displaceable pusher devices
driven by said drive means, for pushing a passenger module along
said guide to the second location.
53. The system according to claim 52, wherein the pusher devices
are rubber made rollers/wheels that are placed at both sides of the
module and propelled by an electric motor.
54. The system according to claim 52, wherein each pusher device
comprises one or more permanent magnets or electromagnets which
interact with permanent magnets that are attached to the passenger
module.
55. The system according to claim 47, wherein each interchange hub
further comprises one or more of the following features: a. an
uncontrolled interchange entrance through which the plurality of
uncontrolled bases enter the hub from the user selected route
before the corresponding passenger modules are transferred to a
controlled base; b. an uncontrolled interchange exit through which
the plurality of uncontrolled bases exit the hub to the user
selected route after the corresponding passenger modules have been
transferred from a controlled base; c. a controlled interchange
entrance through which the plurality of controlled bases enter the
hub from the predetermined mass transit route before the
corresponding passenger modules are transferred to a controlled
base; d. a controlled interchange exit through which the plurality
of controlled bases exit the hub to the predetermined mass transit
route after the corresponding passenger modules have been
transferred from an uncontrolled base; e. one or more first
switching stations at which a passenger module is detached from an
uncontrolled base and re-attached to a controlled base; f. one or
more second switching stations at which a passenger module is
detached from a controlled base and re-attached to an uncontrolled
base; g. a first storage area for storing unused controlled bases
after becoming detached from a first passenger module and before
being re-attached to a second passenger module, further comprising
a first storage area exit through which an unused controlled base
is delivered to a first switching station and a first storage area
entrance through which an unused controlled base is delivered from
a second switching station; and h. a second storage area for
storing unused uncontrolled bases after becoming detached from a
first passenger module and before being re-attached to a second
passenger module, further comprising a second storage area exit
through which an unused uncontrolled base is delivered to a second
switching station and a second storage area entrance through which
an unused uncontrolled base is delivered from a first switching
station.
56. The system according to claim 47, wherein the predetermined and
user selected routes are selected from the group of route types
consisting of a route along a road, a route along a rail, a route
along a track, a route in the air, and a route in water.
57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the passenger module
is multifaceted and is operable in more than one route type.
58. The system according to claim 49, wherein each controlled base
comprises communication means for communicating with the computer
control system and transportation means for controlling the speed
and direction of the controlled base in response to commands from
the control system.
59. The system according to claim 49, wherein the computer control
system is operable to control one or more system features selected
from the group consisting of: a. a stock of controlled bases at
each interchange hub; b. a stock of uncontrolled bases at each
interchange hub; c. movement of controlled bases at each
interchange hub; d. movement of uncontrolled bases at each
interchange hub; e. synchronization of passenger module detachment
from an uncontrolled base at each interchange hub; f.
synchronization of passenger module attachment to a controlled base
at each interchange hub; g. synchronization of passenger module
detachment from a controlled base at each interchange hub; h.
synchronization of passenger module attachment to an uncontrolled
base at each interchange hub; i. a predetermined interval between
controlled bases along a mass transit route; j. location of
controlled bases along a mass transit route; k. distribution of
controlled bases throughout the transportation system; l.
preventative maintenance of passenger modules, controlled bases and
uncontrolled bases; m. supply of spare parts for passenger modules,
controlled bases and uncontrolled bases; n. distribution of spare
parts for passenger modules, controlled bases and uncontrolled
bases; o. client accounts for purchase of passenger vehicles; p.
client accounts for lease of passenger vehicles; q. smart card
accounts for pay-as-you-use for passenger vehicles; and r. accident
prevention systems for passenger vehicles.
60. The system according to claim 59, wherein the uncontrolled base
further comprises means for initiating temporary computerized
control along the user selected route, the computer control system
being further operable to control one or more system features
selected from the group consisting of: a. location of uncontrolled
bases along a user selected route; b. a predetermined interval
between uncontrolled bases along a user selected route; and c.
distribution of uncontrolled bases throughout the transportation
system.
61. The system according to claim 56, wherein-- a. the uncontrolled
base is operable along a road and comprises an internal combustion
engine, a transmission, and wheels for engaging the road; b. the
passenger module comprises a steering system interfaceable with the
engine of the uncontrolled base; and c. the controlled base is
operable along a rail or track and comprises a member for engaging
a rail or track surface.
62. A method for private or public transportation using public
transport infrastructures, wherein a passenger travels along both a
road and a rail in a passenger vehicle without exiting a passenger
module and steers said passenger module when attached to a
transport-base, said passenger module being attachable to, and
detachable from, both said transport-base and a rail-base.
63. The method according to claim 62, wherein the passenger module
is detached from the transport-base or from the rail-base, and is
attached to the transport-base or to the rail-base, at a
rail-transport interchange hub.
64. The method according to claim 63, further comprising
controlling a plurality of passenger vehicles on rail and
controlling at least one or any combination of the group consisting
of: a. stock of rail-bases at transport-rail interchange hubs; b.
stock of transport-bases at rail-transport interchange hubs; c.
movement of rail-bases at transport-rail interchange hubs; d.
movement of transport-bases at rail-transport interchange hubs; e.
synchronization of passenger module detachment from transport-base
at transport-rail interchange hubs; f. synchronization of passenger
module attachment to rail-base at transport-rail interchange hubs;
g. synchronization of passenger module detachment from rail-base at
rail-transport interchange hubs; h. synchronization of passenger
module attachment to transport-base at rail-transport interchange
hubs; i. congestion of passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in
the water; j. congestion of passenger vehicles on rails; k.
location of passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in the water; l.
location of passenger vehicles on rails; m. distribution of
passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in the water; n.
distribution of passenger vehicles on rails; o. preventative
maintenance of passenger modules, transport-bases and rail-bases;
p. supply of spare parts for passenger modules, transport-bases and
rail-bases; q. distribution of spare parts for passenger modules,
transport-bases and rail-bases; r. client accounts for purchase of
passenger vehicles; s. client accounts for lease of passenger
vehicles; t. smart card accounts for pay-as-you-use for passenger
vehicles; and u. accident prevention systems for passenger
vehicles.
65. The method according to claim 62, wherein the passenger is
charged for the travel on both the road and the rail.
66. A modular vehicle, comprising: a. an uncontrolled,
self-propelled chassis base for transportation along a user
selected route; b. a passenger module for seating at least one
passenger attachable to, and detachable from said base; c. a set of
interface devices releasably connecting said passenger module and
said uncontrolled base; and d. passenger adjustable propulsion
means and steering means, wherein said passenger module is
detachable from said uncontrolled base at an interchange hub and is
transferable to a controlled chassis base for transportation along
a predetermined mass transit route.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a private vehicle
for use in conjunction with a mass transit transportation system.
More specifically, the invention describes a private/public vehicle
that can combine and make use of rail, road and other public
transport systems and methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The Western World has not yet solved the problems associated
with traffic congestion and pollution. In particular, during rush
hours, large cities suffer from traffic jams, packed underground
trains and overloaded buses. This situation results in mass loss of
productivity hours. Some patent publications describe systems and
methods for improving private/public transport. For example, US
2005247231A, to Fischer provides a track-guided transport system,
and in particular a suspended monorail system, comprising a track
network incorporating at least one node at which at least two track
sections of the track network adjoin one another and also
comprising a plurality of vehicles traveling along the track
network and each of which comprises a control unit wherein the
control of the movements of these vehicles can be effected in a
simple and reliable manner even when there are a large number of
vehicles, it is proposed that at least one successor or the
information that the vehicle does not have a successor and/or at
least one forerunner or the information that the vehicle does not
have a forerunner be associated with each vehicle, wherein the
information relating to the successor or the forerunner is stored
in the control unit of the vehicle and is updated when the vehicle
passes a node of the track network.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,038A, to Delucia, describes a monorail
vehicular system is provided, which uses an elevated track of
multi-piece construction, with a central electrically insulated
panel having a supporting lower metal rail, which acts as one side
of an electrical supply system, and with an upper metal rail on top
of the central panel for support, and to provide the other side of
the electrical system. The lower rail is supported at intervals by
clips, carried on spaced vertical poles which rest on bases on the
ground or other supporting surface. A car used in the system rides
on wide roller type wheels on top of the upper metal rail, has a
resiliently urged collector in contact with the upper rail, and a
pair of contacts which engage the lower metal rail, with a pair of
horizontal stabilizing wheels extending downwardly from the car on
each side of the central panel and in contact with it, and which
wheels are unequally spaced from the upper rail.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,189A, to Von Handorf et al., describes a
monorail-vehicle used for material handling purposes comprises a
number of cars which run on a track. The cars are linked together
in one or more trains and each train has a master car and several
slave cars. An embedded computer in the master car keeps track of
the location on the train on the track by means of pulses from a
Hall effect sensor in a brushless DC motor which powers the train.
A central computer in an off board work station issues commands to
the train and by monitoring its position on the track loop, the
embedded computer in the master car of the train determines when to
execute the command. A special jumper is used to connect the cars
of the train together which distributes control signals to the
various cars in the train without regard to the position of the
cars in the train.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,396, to Schulz, describes a
transportation system which includes a rail system and a vehicle
capable of traveling on a road surface or the rail system. The
vehicle includes two sets of wheels, one for riding on a road
surface and another for riding on the rail. The rail is provided at
an acute angle, and the rail adjusted wheels pivot, so that an
outer flange on the rails lockingly engages an outer flange on the
wheel.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,999, to Roane, describes a rail system
for transporting dual use vehicles that includes a network of
multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises a
triangular shell. A system of support structures supports the
rails, which in turn support the dual use passenger vehicles. The
dual use passenger vehicles are adapted for roadway travel on
wheels and rail travel upon a rail of triangular shape. The
website: http://www.ruf.dk/ describes a mostly similar system.
[0007] Multiple ATC (Automatic Train Control) systems are known in
the art that enable automatic control of a plurality of railed
vehicles.
[0008] There is still a need for an improved public infrastructure
that supports systems and methods for providing their private-user
an optimized performance for green environment, timing efficiency,
lowest cost and ease of use.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a modular private/public transportation system that allows
simple and easy replacement of the rail and other transport base of
a vehicle.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
modular private/public transportation system that is capable of
quickly transporting passengers on different transportation
infrastructures.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
modular private/public transportation system that can avoid traffic
congestion.
[0012] It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to
provide a system and method for a modular-public/private-vehicle
which can use the public transportation infrastructure with higher
performance: less time to travel from origin to destination, lower
cost and better energy efficiency.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
modular private/public transportation system that will reduce the
risk of traffic accidents.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to a mass transit
transportation system, comprising an uncontrolled, self-propelled
chassis base for transportation along a user selected route; a
controlled chassis base for transportation along a predetermined
mass transit route; a plurality of passenger modules for seating at
least one passenger, each of said passenger module being attachable
to, and detachable from, a corresponding uncontrolled base or a
corresponding controlled base; a first set of interface devices for
releasably connecting, upon demand, one of said passenger modules
and one of said uncontrolled bases; a second set of interface
devices for releasably connecting, upon demand, one of said
passenger modules and one of said controlled bases; and a plurality
of mass transit interchange hubs for interchanging an uncontrolled
base and a controlled base, at each of said interchange hubs one of
said passenger modules is transferable from one of said
uncontrolled bases to one of said controlled bases using said first
set of interface devices and from one of said controlled bases to
one of said uncontrolled bases using said second set of interface
devices.
[0016] In order to implement the system of the present invention,
the passenger module is adapted to detach from a base, whether a
controlled base or an uncontrolled base, and to be transferred to
another base for use in a different route type. A base with which
the passenger module is to be attached may be selected according to
the required destination, target distance and selected control
(manual by user or automatic by the system)--thus maximizing the
efficiency of use, cost and timing for the users of the system.
[0017] The predetermined and user selected routes are selected from
the group of route types consisting of a route along a road, a
route along a rail, a route along a track, a route in the air, and
a route in water.
[0018] In one aspect, the passenger module is multifaceted and is
operable in more than one route type.
[0019] The passenger module may be configured to seat one
passenger, and in other embodiments of the present invention, the
passenger module may be configured to seat multiple passengers.
[0020] Each uncontrolled base comprises propulsion means and
steering means that are passenger adjustable, for generating and
controlling a propulsion vector.
[0021] In one aspect, the uncontrolled base is operable along a
road and comprises an internal combustion engine, a transmission,
and wheels for engaging the road, and the controlled base is
operable along a rail or track and comprises a member for engaging
a rail or track surface.
[0022] In one aspect, the passenger module comprises a steering
system interfaceable with the engine of the uncontrolled base.
[0023] In one aspect, the system further comprises a computer
control system for controlling the movement of a plurality of
passenger modules, uncontrolled bases, and controlled bases in the
vicinity of an interchange hub, and the movement of a plurality of
controlled bases along the mass transit route.
[0024] In one aspect, each controlled base comprises communication
means for communicating with a computer control system and
transportation means for controlling the speed and direction of the
control base in response to commands from said control system.
[0025] In one aspect, the computer control system is operable to
control one or more system features selected from the group
consisting of a stock of controlled bases at each interchange hub;
a stock of uncontrolled bases at each interchange hub; movement of
controlled bases at each interchange hub; movement of uncontrolled
bases at each interchange hub; synchronization of passenger module
detachment from an uncontrolled base at each interchange hub;
synchronization of passenger module attachment to a controlled base
at each interchange hub; synchronization of passenger module
detachment from a controlled base at each interchange hub;
synchronization of passenger module attachment to an uncontrolled
base at each interchange hub; a predetermined interval between
controlled bases along a mass transit route; location of controlled
bases along a mass transit route; distribution of controlled bases
throughout the transportation system; preventative maintenance of
passenger modules, controlled bases and uncontrolled bases; supply
of spare parts for passenger modules, controlled bases and
uncontrolled bases; distribution of spare parts for passenger
modules, controlled bases and uncontrolled bases; client accounts
for purchase of passenger vehicles; client accounts for lease of
passenger vehicles; smart card accounts for pay-as-you-use for
passenger vehicles; and accident prevention systems for passenger
vehicles.
[0026] In one aspect, the uncontrolled base further comprises means
for initiating temporary computerized control along the user
selected route. Thus the computer control system is further
operable to control one or more system features selected from the
group consisting of location of uncontrolled bases along a user
selected route; a predetermined interval between uncontrolled bases
along a user selected route; and distribution of uncontrolled bases
throughout the transportation system.
[0027] In one aspect, one first set of interface devices and one
first set of second interface devices is a releasable locking
mechanism.
[0028] In one aspect, the locking mechanism comprises a female
grooved member attached to the passenger module, a vertically
displaceable rod housed within the controlled and uncontrolled
bases, a contact element attached to a distal end of said rod, and
engagement elements which are caused to be seated in the groove of
said female member following application of a first controlled
force to said contact element and subsequent upward displacement of
said rod and to be disengaged from the groove following application
of a second controlled force to said contact element.
[0029] A passenger module, for example, may be mounted on a
transport-base-chassis and transferred to a rail-base-chassis and
vice versa.
[0030] The passenger modules of the present invention are designed
to be driven or otherwise moved from a person's home to a local
first station or hub. At the station, the module is, preferably
automatically, removed from the transport-vehicle-base and
transferred onto a rail-vehicle-base. During the exchange of bases
at one of the hubs, the user does not leave his passenger module
and switching is done automatically and seamlessly within up to one
or two minutes. The user then travels by rail to a second station
close to his requested destination. At the second station, the
module is removed from the rail-base and transferred onto a second
transport-vehicle-base and the user may then manually or
automatically drive or otherwise transport the vehicle to his
destination.
[0031] Upon return from his destination, the person drives back to
the second station, where the second transport-vehicle-base is
removed. While in the passenger module, it is transferred onto a
rail-vehicle-base. The person travels in the rail-vehicle,
comprising the passenger module and the rail-vehicle-base, back to
the first station. At the first station, the rail-vehicle-base is
removed and another transport-vehicle-base is attached to the
passenger module.
[0032] It should be understood that the rail bases are adapted to
travel on one or more rails and tracks. The one or more rails and
tracks include mechanical rails and tracks, maglev rails and
tracks, and air pressurized rails and tracks.
[0033] It should be understood that the transport bases of the
present invention can be of various types wherein each type is
adapted to travel on at least one of roads, water, and air.
[0034] Accordingly, the transport base can be: a road-base, a
water-base, an air-base, or a hovering-base.
[0035] It should be understood that the transport bases of the
present invention include at least the following: propulsion means,
which provides propulsion to the transport base, and to a passenger
module whenever it is attached to said transport base; and steering
means, for controlling the propulsion vector of the transport bases
based on commands from one or both of: a user and an automatic
computer controller. The transport bases optionally comprise
communication means, for communicating with the computer systems
that in some embodiments control the transport base at the exchange
hub, and in some other embodiments further control it outside of
the hub as well. Whenever the transport bases use propulsion
methods based on interaction with their respective environments,
such as road surface, water surface, and air, motion transmitters
are provided for interaction with these environments, such as
wheels, flaps, propellers, and other well known means.
[0036] It should be understood that the propulsion means may
comprise a variety of known engine and motor types and combinations
thereof, such as an internal combustion engine (coupled to a motion
transmitter such as wheels, propellers, flaps and the like), a
hybrid engine, an electromechanical motor, a jet engine, a water
jet engine, and other known means.
[0037] It should be understood that the bases of the present
invention may be run on gas, bio-fuel, petrol, jet-fuel,
electricity, solar energy and any combinations thereof.
[0038] It should be understood that the rail base of the present
invention includes at least the following: steering means, for
controlling the propulsion vector of the transport bases based on
commands from an automatic controller, e.g. a computer controller;
communication means, for communicating with the controller that
automatically controls the rail base; motion adjustors, for
interaction of said rail base with the one or more rail and track
surfaces, which comprise one or more from the group consisting of
wheels and/or rollers for interaction with the one or more rails
and tracks, permanent magnets and/or electromagnets for interaction
with magnetic and electromagnetic fields of one or more Maglev
rails and tracks, and surfaces adapted to interact with air
pressurized support track/s; optionally, propulsion means, whenever
said rail base requires its own propulsion system, which may
comprise: an electromechanical motor, an internal combustion
engine, a hybrid engine and the like; and optionally, power
transfer means, for power transfer to said rail base, via at least
one of electrified rails, tracks and electrical cables.
[0039] It should be understood that the user can use only one of
the bases, rail or road or air or water, without need to exchange
the base, according to his travel route and requirements.
[0040] It should be understood that other types of transport bases,
such as: water-jet-base, hovering-base, vacuum tunnel base, or even
air-base can also be used for traveling in watery terrains or
through air or through tunnels.
[0041] The passenger module and its bases are preferably externally
shaped in a way that maximizes aerodynamic (or hydrodynamic for
water environment) efficiency, thereby providing energy
savings.
[0042] It should be further understood that many methods of
operation of this transportation system are within the scope of the
present invention. For example, according to one embodiment,
individuals may not own their vehicles at all, but may lease a
certain type of passenger module. Alternatively, they may pay for a
monthly or annual membership to use any of the vehicles in the
system. Alternatively, they may pay per usage, such as by credit
card.
[0043] There can be a variety of business models to operate
alternate-vehicle-base systems. Each model will be examined
according to its area topography, amount of potential users and
their commutation requirements.
[0044] The hub is the interchange area where the passenger modules
switch to, from and between the transportation systems (for example
and interchange between rail and road). Therefore, the hub will
usually include part or all of the following functional areas: an
uncontrolled interchange entrance through which the plurality of
uncontrolled bases enter the hub from the user selected route
before the corresponding passenger modules are transferred to a
controlled base; an uncontrolled interchange exit through which the
plurality of uncontrolled bases exit the hub to the user selected
route after the corresponding passenger modules have been
transferred from a controlled base; a controlled interchange
entrance through which the plurality of controlled bases enter the
hub from the predetermined mass transit route before the
corresponding passenger modules are transferred to a controlled
base; a controlled interchange exit through which the plurality of
controlled bases exit the hub to the predetermined mass transit
route after the corresponding passenger modules have been
transferred from an uncontrolled base; one or more first switching
stations at which a passenger module is detached from an
uncontrolled base and re-attached to a controlled base; one or more
second switching stations at which a passenger module is detached
from a controlled base and re-attached to an uncontrolled base; a
first storage area for storing unused controlled bases after
becoming detached from a first passenger module and before being
re-attached to a second passenger module, further comprising a
first storage area exit through which an unused controlled base is
delivered to a first switching station and a first storage area
entrance through which an unused controlled base is delivered from
a second switching station; and a second storage area for storing
unused uncontrolled bases after becoming detached from a first
passenger module and before being re-attached to a second passenger
module, further comprising a second storage area exit through which
an unused uncontrolled base is delivered to a second switching
station and a second storage area entrance through which an unused
uncontrolled base is delivered from a first switching station.
[0045] Each interchange hub preferably comprises support means for
suspending the passenger module following release of the locking
mechanism and guide means by which the suspended passenger module
is guided to a second location when being transferred from a
controlled base to an uncontrolled base or from an uncontrolled
base to a controlled base.
[0046] Please note that in another possible embodiment the transfer
between the controlled and uncontrolled base may not require
suspending, as the attachment of one base can be from the bottom,
while the other base attachment can be from the top, hence the
suspension is not needed. In this case, there is a time that both
bases are attached until one base detaches.
[0047] In one embodiment, the guide means is at least one elongated
guide connected to a post, each of said guides comprising a
plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers for rollingly supporting
a passenger module when being longitudinally displaced along said
guide; a drive means housed within said guide; and one or more
longitudinally displaceable pusher devices driven by said drive
means, for pushing a passenger module along said guide to the
second location.
[0048] Each pusher device comprises one or more permanent magnets
or electromagnets which interact with permanent magnets that are
attached to the passenger module or is an electromechanical or
hydraulic device.
[0049] In one embodiment, the guide means comprises at least one
conveyor belt and one or more motors for driving each of said
conveyor belts, a projection extending from a passenger module body
being supported by each conveyor belt while the passenger module is
guided to the second location.
[0050] In one embodiment, the guide means comprises of several
rolling rubber or other elastic wheels that push the passenger
module to the second location
[0051] In one embodiment, the support means have one or more
perforated surfaces arranged such that pressurized gas is
dischargeable through holes of said one or more perforated
surfaces, whereby to levitate the passenger module above said
support means.
[0052] In one aspect, at least some of the holes are inclined with
respect to the one or more perforated surfaces so that the
discharged gas will guide the passenger module to the second
location.
[0053] In one embodiment, each interchange hub comprises a
plurality of hydraulic cylinders for suspending the passenger
module following release of the locking mechanism.
[0054] The hub of the present invention preferably comprises a
computer system for controlling the movement, stock, maintenance
and traffic congestion of the vehicles. The hub control system
controls the flow of incoming and outgoing passenger modules
to/from the rail/transport systems and the operation of the guide
means. The computer system is generally autonomous, but it can be
connected to all of the other hub control systems, to allow best
system utilization and efficiency.
[0055] For that matter, the hub control systems can coordinate the
travel of rail-bases between them (even without being loaded with a
passenger module) to optimize their rail-base buffers according to
statistical information. Each hub control system can keep track of
any incoming or outgoing bubbles (being the passenger modules)
to/from it. Tracking is done via wired or wireless communication
from the bubbles and bases and from rail and transport sensors.
Each bubble reports its position according to self GPS unit, and
each rail and transport sensor reports bubbles proximity to it.
[0056] During rail use, the passenger modules are controlled and
navigated by the origin hub, until being handed-over to the
destination hub. The rail-bases and the bubbles may be equipped
with proximity sensors and transmitters for alarming and preventing
collisions. One of the key differences between the other transport
infrastructures and environments and the rail system is the control
between a passenger module and base and the navigation method.
[0057] While the bubble is transported on a transport base, the
end-user can choose to drive the bubble-transport-base vehicle
manually. This means the user has a steering wheel (or a joystick)
and gas/brake pedals (or a joystick) and he is driving the
transport-based-vehicle to his desired destination in a similar
method used by conventional vehicles on roads, or other types of
vehicles that are conventional for their respective environments:
air and water.
[0058] Some transport-base systems may be navigated and controlled
by means of a computerized system. The vehicle may be controlled in
the vicinity of the hubs in a manner similar to that of the rail
bases, or make use of different known automatic navigation and
control systems. For example, the vehicle may be controlled along a
specific segment of a road during a period of traffic congestion
upon initiation of the computerized system. Once the
transport-based-vehicle becomes a temporarily controlled vehicle,
the user cannot manually drive it any more. The user may enter to
the system computer his required destination. The system computer
then assumes control of the bubble vehicle and guides it to the
selected destination. The user cannot control the velocity of the
vehicle. The user resumes manual control back once the bubble
arrives at the selected destination.
[0059] In some of the system designs, the vehicle control exchange
takes place while driving along a special transport-lane. In this
lane (which leads to the transport-rail hub), the system-computer
is allowed to "take over" the driving process. This
non-standing-control-hand-over is one of the key elements that
allow smooth transition into the hub, and very quick chassis
exchange.
[0060] According to some embodiments, the passenger modules may
have attachment means for attaching two or more passenger modules
in the rail-vehicle forming a train of bubble modules, the
passenger modules being attached by the rear end of a first module
to a front end of a second module, and so on. This mode of
connection of the modules is particularly useful for commuters who
all travel from a suburb to a central city location.
[0061] There is thus provided according to some embodiments of the
present invention, a system for private transportation using
private/public transport infrastructures using vehicles that
consist of passenger modules and bases for transporting these
passenger modules, the system including a plurality of passenger
modules, wherein each passenger module can transport at least one
passenger and is attachable to and detachable from bases; a
transport-base chassis for transporting said passenger module over
at least one of the following of roads, air, and water; a first
attachment/detachment mechanism that connects between said
passenger module and said transport base chassis; a rail-base
chassis for transporting said passenger module on one or both of:
rail/s and track/s; a second attachment/detachment mechanism that
connects between said passenger module and said rail base chassis;
a plurality of transport-rail interchange hubs for transferring
said passenger modules from said transport-base chassis to said
rail-base chassis using said first attachment/detachment mechanism;
and a plurality of rail-transport interchange hubs for transferring
said passenger modules from said rail-base chassis to said
transport-base chassis using said second attachment/detachment
mechanism, whereby each of said passenger modules is adapted to
transport the at least one passenger without necessarily exiting
the passenger module.
[0062] According to some embodiments, the system further includes a
computer control system for controlling the plurality of vehicles
on road/in the air/in the water, and a plurality of vehicles on
rail. Additionally, according to some embodiments of the present
invention, the computer control system is adapted to control at
least one or any combination of: stock of rail-bases at
transport-rail interchange hubs; stock of transport-bases at
rail-transport interchange hubs; movement of rail-bases at
transport-rail interchange hubs; movement of transport-bases at
rail-transport interchange hubs; synchronization of passenger
module detachment from transport-base at transport-rail interchange
hubs; synchronization of passenger module attachment to rail-base
at transport-rail interchange hubs; synchronization of passenger
module detachment from rail-base at rail-transport interchange
hubs; synchronization of passenger module attachment to
transport-base at rail-transport interchange hubs; congestion of
passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in the water; congestion of
passenger vehicles on rails; location of passenger vehicles on
roads/in the air/in the water; location of passenger vehicles on
rails; distribution of passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in
the water; distribution of passenger vehicles on rails;
preventative maintenance of passenger modules, transport-bases and
rail-bases; supply of spare parts for passenger modules,
transport-bases and rail-bases; distribution of spare parts for
passenger modules, transport-bases and rail-bases; client accounts
for purchase of passenger vehicles; client accounts for lease of
passenger vehicles; smart card accounts for pay-as-you-use for
passenger vehicles; and accident prevention systems for passenger
vehicles.
[0063] Moreover, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the passenger module includes a housing adapted
to house at least one passenger. Additionally, according to some
further embodiments of the present invention, the housing includes
at least one attachment apparatus for attaching the housing to the
transport-base or to the rail-base. Preferably according to a
further embodiment, the transport-bases include 2, 3 or 4 wheels.
According to some further embodiments of the present invention, the
vehicle includes a steering and drive system in the module
connected to a motor in the transport-base.
[0064] According to some further embodiments of the present
invention, the housing includes at least one attachment apparatus
for attaching the housing to the rail-base. According to some
further embodiments of the present invention, the rail-base
includes a mechanical means for movement along at least one rail.
In some cases, the mechanical means includes upper and lower
rollers.
[0065] The present invention is also directed to a modular vehicle,
comprising an uncontrolled, self-propelled chassis base for
transportation along a user selected route; a passenger module for
seating at least one passenger attachable to, and detachable from
said base; a set of interface devices releasably connecting said
passenger module and said uncontrolled base; and passenger
adjustable propulsion means and steering means, wherein said
passenger module is detachable from said uncontrolled base at an
interchange hub and is transferable to a controlled chassis base
for transportation along a predetermined mass transit route.
[0066] There is thus provided according to some additional
embodiments of the present invention, a method for public/private
transportation using public transport infrastructures, the method
including enabling a passenger to travel on road or in the air or
in the water, and on rail/s in a passenger vehicle without
necessarily exiting a passenger module, wherein the passenger
module is attachable and detachable from both a
transport-base-chassis and a rail-base chassis.
[0067] Additionally, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method includes enabling the passenger to be
transported on rail/s in the passenger module attached to the
rail-base.
[0068] Additionally, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method includes enabling the passenger to
drive on road in the passenger module attached to the
transport-base which in such specific case can be called: a
road-base.
[0069] Additionally, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method includes enabling the passenger to
drive in the air in the passenger module attached to the
transport-base which in such specific case can be called: an
air-base.
[0070] Additionally, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method includes enabling the passenger to
drive in water in the passenger module attached to the
transport-base which in such specific case can be called: a
water-base.
[0071] Moreover, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method further includes detaching the
passenger module from the transport-base at a transport-rail
interchange hub. Additionally, according to some further
embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes
attaching the passenger module to the rail-base at a transport-rail
interchange hub.
[0072] Further, according to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method further includes detaching the
passenger module from the rail-base at the rail-transport
interchange hub. According to some further embodiments of the
present invention, the method further includes attaching the
passenger module to the transport-base at a rail-transport
interchange hub. In some cases, the method further includes
controlling a plurality of passenger vehicles that comprise a
transport-base and a bubble module.
[0073] According to some further embodiments of the present
invention, the method further includes controlling a plurality of
passenger vehicles on rail. According to some further embodiments
of the present invention, the method further includes controlling
at least one or any combination of stock of rail-bases at
transport-rail interchange hubs; stock of transport-bases at
rail-transport interchange hubs; movement of rail-bases at
transport-rail interchange hubs; movement of transport-bases at
rail-transport interchange hubs; synchronization of passenger
module detachment from transport-base at transport-rail interchange
hubs; synchronization of passenger module attachment to rail-base
at transport-rail interchange hubs; synchronization of passenger
module detachment from rail-base at rail-transport interchange
hubs; synchronization of passenger module attachment to
transport-base at rail-transport interchange hubs; congestion of
passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in the water; congestion of
passenger vehicles on rails; location of passenger vehicles on
roads/in the air/in the water; location of passenger vehicles on
rails; distribution of passenger vehicles on roads/in the air/in
the water; n. distribution of passenger vehicles on rails;
preventative maintenance of passenger modules, transport-bases and
rail-bases; supply of spare parts for passenger modules,
transport-bases and rail-bases; distribution of spare parts for
passenger modules, transport-bases and rail-bases; client accounts
for purchase of passenger vehicles; client accounts for lease of
passenger vehicles; smart card accounts for pay-as-you-use for
passenger vehicles; and accident prevention systems for passenger
vehicles.
[0074] There is thus provided according to some further embodiments
of the present invention, a business method for public/private
transportation using public transport infrastructures, the method
including enabling a passenger to travel on road or in the air or
in the water, and on rail/s in a passenger vehicle without exiting
a passenger module; and charging the passenger for the travel on
road or in the air or in the water, and on rail/s.
[0075] According to some further embodiments of the present
invention, the charging step is performed on a basis of leasing the
passenger vehicle or module.
[0076] According to some further embodiments of the present
invention, the method includes charging the passenger for his
mileage traveled in the passenger vehicle. According to some yet
some further embodiments of the present invention, the method
includes charging the passenger for purchase of the passenger
module and/or passenger vehicle.
[0077] According to some further embodiments of the present
invention, the method includes charging the passenger for purchase
of the passenger module.
[0078] There is thus provided according to some further embodiments
of the present invention, a computer software product for
public/private transportation using public transport
infrastructures, the software product including a computer-readable
medium in which program instructions are stored, which
instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to enable
a passenger to travel on rail, and/or over roads/water/air in a
passenger vehicle without exiting a passenger module, wherein the
passenger module is attachable and detachable from both a
transport-base and a rail-base (usually at an interchange
area).
[0079] There is thus provided according to some further embodiments
of the present invention, a method for private/public
transportation using public transport infrastructures, the method
including enabling a plurality of passengers to travel both on
rail, and/or over roads and/or air and/or water, in a plurality of
passenger vehicles, wherein each passenger vehicle includes a
passenger module for transporting at least one passenger, which is
attachable and detachable from bases; using a transport-base
chassis for transporting said passenger module over one of the
following of roads, air, and water; using a first
attachment/detachment mechanism that connects between said
passenger module and said transport base chassis; using a rail-base
chassis for transporting said passenger module on rail/s; using a
second attachment/detachment mechanism that connects between said
passenger module and said rail base chassis; using a plurality of
transport-rail interchange hubs for transferring said passenger
modules from said transport-base chassis to said rail-base chassis
using said first attachment/detachment mechanism; using a plurality
of rail-transport interchange hubs for transferring said passenger
modules from said rail-base chassis to said transport-base chassis
using said second attachment/detachment mechanism; and enabling
each passenger to travel in a passenger module without necessarily
exiting said passenger module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0080] In the drawings:
[0081] FIGS. 1A-D are side, rear, bottom, and perspective views,
respectively, of a simplified pictorial illustration of a
one-passenger uncontrolled vehicle comprising a detachable
transport-base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0082] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a transport-rail hub for
the transfer of a bubble module from a detachable base and the
attachment of the bubble module to a rail-vehicle-base and vice
versa, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0083] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for transportation of an
individual using a transport-rail combination, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] FIGS. 4-7 are schematic layouts of a transport-rail hub
station for transfer of a bubble module from a detachable base and
attachment of the bubble module to a rail-vehicle-base and vice
versa, in accordance with four embodiments of the present
invention, respectively.
[0085] FIG. 8 is perspective view of a one-passenger uncontrolled
vehicle comprising a detachable transport-base, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a one-passenger controlled
vehicle comprising a detachable rail-base, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIGS. 9B-E are perspective, bottom, rear, and side views,
respectively, of a simplified pictorial illustration of a
one-passenger controlled vehicle comprising a detachable rail-base,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 10A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the female
part of an exemplary locking mechanism.
[0089] FIG. 10B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the male part
of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10A.
[0090] FIGS. 10C-D are vertical cross-sectional views of the
locking mechanism of FIG. 10A, schematically illustrating the
attachment and detachment, respectively, of the male and female
parts.
[0091] FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrate an embodiment for
operating an exchange hub, wherein FIG. 11A is a plan view of the
exchange hub, FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the exchange hub,
FIG. 11C is a magnified plan view of an exchange point whereat a
bubble module is transferred from a transport-base to a rail-base,
and FIG. 11D is a front view of a bubble module being suspended by
two guides.
[0092] FIGS. 12A-B schematically illustrate a first embodiment of
apparatus for transferring a detached bubble module, wherein FIG.
12A is a perspective view of a guide and FIG. 12B is a magnified
rear view, showing a bubble module being displaced by a pusher
device operatively connected to the guide.
[0093] FIGS. 13A-B schematically illustrate a second embodiment of
apparatus for transferring a detached bubble module, wherein FIG.
13A is a side view of the apparatus without the bubble module and
FIG. 13B is a side view of the apparatus, showing a bubble module
being supported by a conveyor belt.
[0094] FIGS. 14A-B schematically illustrate a third embodiment of
apparatus for transferring a detached bubble module, wherein FIG.
14A is a perspective view of the apparatus without the bubble
module and FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the apparatus, showing
a bubble module being supported thereby.
[0095] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of an exchange hub and of a
transport base transferable thereby for transportation along a
water route.
[0096] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a transportation system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0097] The present invention provides a modular private or public
transportation system and method that are capable of quickly
transporting passengers on different transportation
infrastructures, by enabling, among other features, the transfer of
the same passenger modules between two bases (also interchangeably
referred to herein as "base chassis", "detachable base",
"undercarriage", and "vehicle base") that are transportable by two
different transportation methods, respectively, without
necessitating a passenger to switch from, or exit, these passenger
modules.
[0098] The transportation system of the present invention more
efficiently avoids traffic congestion and improves travel time
efficiency with respect to prior art transportation systems by
enabling, for example, the orderly movement of passenger modules on
rails or tracks whenever required and providing exchange hubs that
enable smooth and optionally on-the-move transition between road
transportable bases and rail bases, and vice versa. Thus the public
transportation infrastructure can be used with better energy
efficiency, more compact infrastructure, and potentially associated
lower costs when compared to other forms of travel. The risk of
traffic accidents will be reduced by enabling, among other
features, the decrease in amount of manually driven or otherwise
moved and controlled road, water and air vehicles and enabling
massive use of rails, tracks, or other compact vehicle public
infrastructures for mostly private use that are conveniently
privately or publicly owned.
[0099] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of the transportation system
of the present invention. Transportation system 50 is for the use
of individual transport modules (also interchangeably referred to
herein as "passenger modules", "bubbles", and "bubble modules")
which are transferable from one means of transportation to another.
In order to facilitate their transfer, the bubbles are configured
to be easily interfaceable with one or two types of vehicles: with
a vehicle operable in conjunction with a mass transit system 40
along one or more predetermined routes, and with a passenger
steerable vehicle for transportation along a user selected route
55. The predetermined or user selected routes may be along a road,
a rail, a track, in the air, or in water. The first type of vehicle
may be referred to as a "controlled base" as its route and speed
are controlled by computer control system 60, or by any other
suitable controller. When the controlled base travels on rails, it
will be interchangeably referred to herein as a "rail-base", "rail
base chassis", "rail platform", and "rail-vehicle-base". The second
type of vehicle may be referred to as an "uncontrolled base" (or
interchangeably used with the terms "transport-base", "transport
base", "road platform", "transport base chassis", and
"transport-vehicle-base") as it is self propelled and self
steerable. The bubble is transferred from a controlled base to an
uncontrolled base at an exchange hub 44 hub (also interchangeably
referred to as a "bubble hub", "transport-rail hub",
"transport-rail hub station", "rail-transport hub", "rail-transport
hub station", "hub station", "exchange point", "interchange hub",
and "interchange area") or from an uncontrolled base to a
controlled base at an exchange hub 46, as will be explained
hereinafter.
[0100] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D, which schematically
show a number of simplified pictorial illustrations of a one
passenger uncontrolled vehicle 100 comprising a bubble module 110
and a detachable transport base 120 which in this specific
embodiment is a road-base--adapted for traveling on roads, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Typically,
the vehicle comprises four wheels 130, two on a front axle 132 and
two on a rear axle 134. Alternatively, the vehicle may comprise a
different number of wheels and axles. In FIG. 8 is shown a
perspective view of an exemplary one passenger vehicle 100
comprising a bubble module 110 and a detachable base 120, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0101] Uncontrolled vehicle 100 is designed to transport one
passenger 176. Other embodiments are directed to multi-passenger
modules (not shown). The bubble module is attached to transport
base 120 with a mechanical attachment 150. In some embodiments, the
attachment may not be mechanical. Additionally, steering and drive
system 180 is connected to an engine 182. The engine is typically
housed in the vehicle base 120 and is connected to axles 132, 134
to activate the rotation of the wheels 130, by methods known in the
art.
[0102] The uncontrolled vehicle comprises at least one door 165 and
may also comprise a number of windows. Alternatively, some parts of
a bubble body 166 may be transparent. The vehicle typically
comprises other external car parts and devices such as windshield
wipers, mirrors, lamps, one or more radio antennas, as well as
internal parts and devices, such as, but not limited to, a set of
controls, a dashboard, a radio, a CD player, a mobile phone holder,
an automatic gear or a manual gear, and a handbrake. It should be
understood that these parts and devices are not shown in full for
the sake of simplicity.
[0103] In addition to an attachment apparatus for attaching the
bubble housing to the transport-base chassis or to the rail-base
chassis, the bubble module may include a connection to the steering
means of the transport-base and rail-base, thus providing the user
with a steering system. In the case of the rail-base, the system
may include only basic means such as for example emergency brakes,
this is because the rail and track bases move under automatic
control. Of course, if full automatic computer control is provided,
it is also possible to implement bubble modules without any
steering controls for controlling the movement of a bubble vehicle,
or any connection of any type between the bubble module and the
attached transport or rail base, other than the one or more
attachment mechanisms themselves.
[0104] For the transport bases, the system may include controls
that are adapted for the respective environment in which the
transport bases are designed to travel, such as: for road travel--a
plurality of wheels and pedals (which may include gas, brakes,
clutch and the like), for water travel--rudder and active
propulsion power controls (for an engine or motor for example), for
air environment--propulsion power control (e.g. for jet engines,
internal combustion engines, or gas turbine powered propellers) and
maneuvering controls such as flaps, slats, rudder, propeller
attitudes for helicopters and others, as would be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art.
[0105] The one or more connections between the controllers of the
steering system and its active elements that are part of the
transport or rail base may be in the form of a direct physical
connection, wherein electrical signals and/or mechanical movements
are transferred through appropriate wires, rods, levers and the
like from the bubble module to the transport base or rail base, as
would be understood by those skilled in the art. The physical
connections may be formed through physical contact between the
aforementioned elements when the bubble is attached to the
transport base or rail base. For example, snap-on connectors may be
used that are physically engaged with their separate physical
interface parts when the bubble module is lowered, raised or slides
onto the transport or rail base according to the various particular
embodiments of the exchange hub and bubble-to-base attachment
mechanism/s. The one or more connectors may also be part of the
attachment mechanism for attaching the bubble module to the various
base types, wherein parts of each attachment mechanism that comes
in physical contact with each other in order to secure and provide
support to the bubble module, include these connectors. As would be
apparent to those skilled in the art, a great variety of possible
connections are possible that will automatically form the required
electrical and/or physical links between the bubble module and the
transport or rail base, when the latter are attached to each other.
Also, separate means may be provided to attach said connectors on
demand, for example a servo motor may be used to extend the
connectors from the base to the bubble module so that they engage
the respective matching connectors on the bubble module, and/or
vice versa.
[0106] Alternatively, or in addition (possibly also as a back-up),
one or more wireless connections may exist between the bubble
module and either one or both the transport base and rail base. The
one or more wireless connections can be of short range and low
power because of the physical proximity between the base and the
attached bubble module. Transfer of the relevant data between the
steering controllers in the bubble module and the steering means in
the base can take place in this manner. The wireless communication
means may be separate or the same as the means used to communicate
with the remote automatic computer controller, wherein such
exists.
[0107] In either case, when a direct physical and/or a wireless
data transfer connection exists between the bubble module and the
base that is attached to it, other types of information may also be
communicated of course. For example, control of various lights
(indicator lights, headlights and the like), speedometer and fuel
and other possible indications that may be useful to the driver or
the one or more passengers, signals for activating emergency
collision mitigating measures such as extending bumpers in a road
or water base and air bags in the passenger module, and other basic
parameters as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0108] Furthermore, in some embodiments the bubble module may have
its own power source, for example a battery to power lights,
screens, communication means and other equipment that the one or
more passengers may require. For such embodiments, the power source
or batteries can be recharged through the above described
connections to the base. Alternatively, the power source may be
recharged/refueled from external sources or replaced (as in battery
replacement for example). In still other embodiments, the bubble
module can lack any power source and power is provided to its
systems by the base through the above described connections.
[0109] Additionally, the air conditioning system for the passengers
space in the bubble module, whenever such is used, may be located
in the base and also be connected through various well known air
duct connection types as the bubble module is attached to a base.
In alternate embodiments, the air conditioning system may be
located in the passenger module itself.
[0110] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic
diagram of a transport-rail hub station 200 for transfer of the
bubble module 110 from the detachable road base 120 and attachment
to a rail-vehicle-base 220 and vice versa, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the hub
station is described in further detail with reference to FIG. 3
herein below. A vehicle 100 traveling on a road 202 enters the hub
station at an entry 204. Vehicle 100 is split at a transport-rail
point 240 into the bubble module 110 in which the passenger is
seated and the detachable base 120. Detachable bases 120 are
transferred by suitable means such as conveyor or rail to base
storage area 270. The bubble module 110 is immediately placed on a
rail-vehicle base 220 forming an active rail-vehicle 290. As is
shown in this embodiment, the rail 230 used may be a monorail. The
rail-vehicle exits the station on rail 260, for example.
[0111] Reference is now made to FIG. 9A, which is a perspective
view of a one-passenger controlled vehicle 900 comprising a bubble
module 110 and a detachable rail-base 220, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0112] FIG. 9B through 9E show a number of simplified pictorial
illustrations of a rail-base 220 that is detachable from
one-passenger controlled vehicle 900, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Rail-base 220 may be made out
of metal or a fairly rigid plastic material. Housed inside
rail-base 220 there are upper anterior rollers 904 and matching
lower anterior rollers 906 for grasping rail or rails 920.
Additionally, there are upper posterior rollers 908 with matching
lower posterior rollers 912 for grasping the rail towards the rear
of base 220. In some other embodiments, the rollers may be replaced
by wheels, cogs or any other suitable means for enabling the
movement of the vehicle forwards and backwards along the rail or
rails.
[0113] Rail-base 220 may be activated electrically, mechanically or
by any other means known in the art for rail-vehicles. Upon
returning to station 200 (FIG. 2), the active rail-vehicle is split
at a rail-transport point 250 into the bubble module 110 and the
rail-base 220. The rail bases are transferred and stored in a
rail-base storage area 280. It should be understood that there may
be a number of rails exiting the station to different destinations.
Furthermore, some systems may use double parallel rails as opposed
to monorails.
[0114] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart 300
of a method for transportation of an individual using a road-rail
combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Let us take the example of a London doctor traveling to
give a lecture at Cambridge University. The doctor plans to be at
Cambridge University at 2 PM. He is currently at work at University
College Hospital on Gower Street. His bubble is parked in the
hospital car park. At 9 AM, he sends an SMS to the rail-transport
system service provider that he needs to be at Cambridge University
at 2 PM and chooses his destination in step 320 (in this case
preceding step 310). At noon, the doctor receives an SMS reminder
to enter his uncontrolled vehicle (car). In a first traveling step
310, he is guided by GPS instructions how to travel to King's Cross
station, avoiding traffic on Euston Road. He follows the GPS
instructions. In an arriving step 330, he reaches King's Cross
station at 12:18. At King's Cross station, he remains in his
uncontrolled vehicle and is given instructions of how to access the
exchange point heading in the direction of Cambridge station. In a
first detachment step 340, the bubble module is detached from the
detachable road base 120. The doctor remains in his bubble module,
which is transferred by conveying means onto a rail-vehicle-base
220 in an attachment step 350. These detachment and attachment
steps each typically take a few seconds up to a few minutes. The
doctor is now in an automated rail-vehicle 900 traveling towards
the destination of Cambridge station. The travel time for this rail
traveling step 360 is 40 minutes. The doctor works on his laptop
and prepares his lecture. Upon reaching Cambridge station, his
bubble module is detached from the rail-vehicle-base in a
detachment step 370 and is mounted onto another road-vehicle-base
120 in step 380. It is now 13:05 PM. If required, the doctor now
drives to Cambridge University and has nearly an hour for lunch and
for his final preparations. As can be seen from the above example,
the doctor has saved much time, relative to the other transport
options. He has used the majority of his travel time for
professional purposes, and arrives at his destination without any
hassle. Had he traveled by underground, from Goodge St. to King's
Cross, he would have had to change trains, wait for the lift
(elevator) at Goodge St., run up the escalators at King's Cross,
walk along many unpleasantly smelling passages, go to the train
station, pay for a ticket and then wait for a train which makes
many stops being of no interest to him. He would also have to find
a taxi at Cambridge station. His total travel time would probably
have been double using conventional travel methods compared to
using the rail-transport travel system of the present
invention.
[0115] It should be understood that the rail-transport
transportation system of the present invention may be fully
computerized. A central computer controls the movements of
individual and groups of passengers, plans the required stocks of
bubble modules, detachable transport bases 120 (or for the above
particular embodiment--road-bases) and rail-vehicle-bases 220. The
computerized system also defines the track time for maintenance,
stocks of spare parts, billing of the individual passengers and
groups of passengers, vehicle lease terms for individuals,
families, companies and corporations. Typically, an individual will
request a journey up-front by electronic means, such as filing a
request via the internet, by email, by SMS. Typically, up-front
journey scheduling will cost less than ad-hoc journey request (once
the bubble enters the transport-rail hub), as the system resources
will be more efficiently used. However, the system will also
support last-minute requests. Additionally, commuters may have a
standardized route leaving a commencement point at the same time
every day and reaching a destination at the same time every day.
Similarly, their return journey may be predefined and
pre-planned.
[0116] There may be one or more different companies running the
rail-transport system of the present invention. There may be one or
more transport companies and one or more rail companies. The
companies are responsible for the tests and insurance of the bubble
modules and bases, the maintenance thereof, accident prevention,
collision prevention and the like. According to some embodiments,
it may be possible to allow children to man the vehicles too.
[0117] The system of the present invention provides synchronized
traffic management. The computer thereof will typically store
customer IDs in a database. Additionally, the whereabouts of both
the bubble modules and the bases may be known in real-time by means
of GPS systems, as is known in the art. The computer may generate
statistics on client movement and may predict shortages of bubbles
or bases and move them, passenger-less as may be required to a
suitable hub or storage area. The advantages of the system of the
present invention include it being: [0118] Environmentally
friendly; [0119] Energy saving; [0120] Time saving; [0121]
Pollution reduction; [0122] Accident reduction or elimination;
[0123] User-friendly (a commuter can use most of his travel time in
the rail-vehicle for other purposes); [0124] Reduction in losing
one's way; [0125] No requirement for individual large capital
expense; and [0126] Individual may choose level of cost and vehicle
brand, size, accessories and gadgets
[0127] FIGS. 4-7 shows schematic diagrams of a layout of
transport-rail hub stations 200A-D, respectively, for transfer of a
bubble module from a detachable transport-base and attachment to a
rail-vehicle-base and vice versa, in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. Storage areas of bubble modules and other
vehicle parts are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The references cited herein teach many
principles that are applicable to the present invention. Therefore,
the full contents of these publications are incorporated by
reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or
alternative details, features and/or technical background.
[0128] An exemplary locking mechanism 1000 for attaching or
detaching the bubble module from transport or rail bases according
to one of the embodiments of the present invention is schematically
illustrated in FIGS. 10A-D. Locking mechanism 1000 is preferably
generally of the quick release pin type. Using a plurality of such
locking mechanisms, the bubble module can be safely transported
upon each type of base and attached or detached at will at the
interchange hubs.
[0129] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a vertical
cross-sectional view of female part 1005 of the locking mechanism,
which is attached to the bubble module. Female part 1005 comprises
a vertical cylinder or tube 1003 having, at one point along its
length, a circular groove 1001 which is formed on its inner wall
1002, and a flange 1004 substantially perpendicular to wall
1002.
[0130] FIG. 10B schematically illustrates a vertical
cross-sectional view of male part 1010 of the locking mechanism,
which is attached to the transport or rail base. Male part 1010
comprises a vertically displaceable rod 1012 having a circular
cross-section which is formed with, at an upper region, a circular
groove 1013. A wheel 1015 is rotatably mounted to the bottom
portion 1021 of rod 1012. Rod 1012 is housed in a mostly
cylindrical base 1011, and extends through an aperture 1024 formed
in a bottom wall 1025 of base 1011, to allow for the vertical
displacement of rod 1012. Cylindrical base 1011 may be part of, or
is attached to, the chassis of a rail or transport base through
dampening springs. The upper section 1017 of the cylindrical base
1011 has an outer radius just slightly smaller than that of the
inner radius of tube 1003 of female part 1005. Base 1011 is
configured with a flange 1026 that extends perpendicularly from,
and below, upper section 1017. In addition, a circular protrusion
1014 extends radially outwardly from the perimeter of rod 1012, at
a lower region thereof.
[0131] Protrusion 1014 is used for limiting the downward
displacement of rod 1012 until contacting bottom wall 1025 upon
cessation of an upwardly directed force, as shown in FIG. 10D.
[0132] Male part 1010 is provided with a plurality of balls 1018,
e.g. ball bearings, which may be initially inserted from within the
cylindrical base 1011 and are normally received in groove 1013. The
periphery of upper section 1016 is formed at a common height with a
number of apertures 1016, e.g. two or three, so that the plurality
of balls 1018 are also received in a corresponding aperture 1016.
Each aperture 1016 is also so shaped, for example by means of a
variably shaped lip 1019 extending from the periphery of upper
section 1017, such that a ball 1018 may partially protrude from the
periphery of upper section 1017 when the ball 1018 is pushed in a
radially outward direction, as shown in FIG. 10D.
[0133] FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D schematically illustrate the
attachment process for this locking mechanism.
[0134] As can be seen in FIG. 10C, when a transport or a rail base
carrying a passenger bubble module moves to an exchange hub, a
raised track 1020 applies an upwardly directly force that urges
wheel 1015 upwards, consequently raising rod 1012 together with
base 1011. In the raised position of rod 1012, the walls of groove
1013 apply a dislodging force F onto the balls 1018. When base 1011
is fully raised such that flange 1026 thereof is in abutting
relation with flange 1004 of female part 1005, as shown in FIG.
10D, each ball 1018 is dislodged from groove 1013 and is received
in both an aperture 1016 of upper section 1017 and in groove 1001
of female part 1005, thereby locking together female part 1005 and
male part 1010. Rod 1012 is then lowered after wheel 1015 passes
over the edge of raised track 1020, and upper surface 1027 thereof
applies a radially outwardly directed retaining force R onto the
plurality of balls 1018, to ensure a positive locking action
between the bubble module and the base, whether a transport-base or
a rail-base.
[0135] Male part 1010 becomes subsequently disengaged from female
part 1005 when rod 1012 is vertically displaced again by means of a
raised track 1020. Rod 1012 ceases to apply the radially outwardly
directed retaining force R when being upwardly displaced. Lips 1019
may also apply a dislodging force F onto balls 1018 when upper
surface 1029 of rod 1012 contacts upper section 1017 of base 1011.
Each ball 1018 is therefore forced radially inward and then
received in groove 1013 of base 1011, to couple together base 1011
and rod 1012, as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0136] It will be appreciated that the movement of rod 1012 and
balls 1018 may be assisted by means of a spring based force.
[0137] Once male part 1010 is disengaged from female part 1005, the
bubble module is no longer attached to the rail/transport base. The
bubble module may therefore be lifted, or the transport/rail base
may be lowered below the bubble module, to allow the rail-base and
transport-base to be exchanged.
[0138] Wheel 1015 is preferably housed in an enclosure which is
normally closed to prevent the wheel from being displaced upwardly
by an impediment on an underlying road surface, yet which is
openable in the vicinity of the exchange hub in order to detach the
bubble module from the transport or rail base.
[0139] As previously mentioned, a plurality of such locking
mechanisms can safely secure the bubble module to the transport or
rail base. Groove 1001 may be circular, despite the fact that this
still allows rotation of tube 1000 around cylindrical base 1011,
because once at least two locking mechanisms are used the
rotational degree of freedom in the locked state is eliminated.
Tube 1000 and the mail part 1011 of the locking mechanism may be
attached with springs, which may also serve to dampen vibrations
and sudden velocity changes, to the bubble module chassis and the
rail or transport base chassis, respectively.
[0140] Other embodiments of a mechanical locking mechanism well
known to those skilled in the art for safely attaching the bubble
module to either a transport or a rail base may also be employed.
In addition, electromechanical, magnetic, gas pressurized and other
generally known locking mechanism types may also be used. For
example, a possible modification of the locking mechanism described
in FIGS. 10A-D can make use of a servo motor to raise rod 1012.
Furthermore, the entire male part 1010 of the locking mechanism may
be vertically displaceable with respect to the transport or rail
base upon which it is mounted, thus not necessarily requiring
lifting of the bubble module or lowering of the transport/rail base
with respect to each other in order to unlock it.
[0141] FIG. 11A through 11D schematically illustrate a first
embodiment for operating an exchange hub, wherein rails 230 and
transports 202 are positioned for easy drive-through or on-the-move
type exchange of the bubble module 110 between a transport base 120
and a rail base 220. Posts 1101 support guides 1102 and may
partially contain a drive system, which is primarily housed in
guides 1102. Raised tracks 1020 are also shown and, as previously
described, may be used to engage and lock or unlock the locking
mechanisms, three for this exemplary embodiment, between the bubble
module 110 and its undercarriage.
[0142] FIG. 11A shows a plan view and FIG. 11B shows a perspective
view of the exchange hub. FIG. 11C shows a magnified plan view of
the center of the exchange hub where the exchange itself takes
place and where the transport base 120, rail base 220 and bubble
module 110 travel separately, after the bubble module 120 is
released from transport base 120 and has not yet become attached to
rail base 220. FIG. 11D shows a front view of the bubble module 110
suspended from its sides by the guides 1102, during the transition
from one type of undercarriage to another, with no undercarriage
currently underneath it.
[0143] According to the above first embodiment for operating an
exchange hub, the drive-through or on-the-move exchange is designed
to maximize the traffic load that moves through the hub. The
exchange itself, wherein the bubble module 110 is detached from one
transport/rail base and then moved and attached to another
rail/transport base, may be performed within several seconds
according to the above embodiment and without even bringing the
bubble module 110 to a full stop. All the vehicles at the
interchange hub move in a continuous chain, closely following each
other, and the entire process of entering the hub area and
exchanging bases, prior to resuming travel to the required
destination, is performed in less than one or two minutes. The
speed of the bubble vehicles during this on-the-move exchange can
even be as high as 20-30 km/hr, although even much higher speeds
may be achieved with various efficient designs of the exchange hubs
as can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0144] A computerized automatic controller 60 (FIG. 16) remotely
controls the movement of the rail and transport bases at the
interchange area, preferably through an RF link, and directly
controls the operation of motors 1203 through a wired connection,
according to the predefined exchange parameters and possibly making
further use of data received from distance measurement sensors
installed at the exchange area, as is well known to those skilled
in the art.
[0145] FIGS. 12A and 12B schematically illustrate the apparatus for
transferring a detached bubble module. As previously mentioned,
during the transition from one type of base to another, the bubble
module 110 is guided and suspended in the air by a pair of guides
1102. FIG. 12A shows one of the guides 1102 at a closer look. Guide
1102 is preferably made of hollow metal beams having, in this
particular embodiment, circular cross sections. Inside the guides,
multiple rollers 1201 are assembled along the rail, with their
upper and lower crest protruding outside of the guide 1102 profile.
The rollers 1201 support the bubble module's 110 body weight while
it is suspended by the guides, and enable the bubble module 110
easy motion along the length of guides 1102.
[0146] Guides 1102 are also adapted to move the bubble module 110
along their length by means of a drive system embedded therewithin,
which may use a variety of standard and well known motion elements
such as a chain, belt or helical screw coupled to a servo-motor, as
well as electronic linear drive/actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic
motor and other drive systems well know to those skilled in the
art. In FIG. 12A, pushers 1202 which outwardly protrude from the
guide 1102 are connected to the drive system and interact with the
bubble module's 110 body by pushing it from behind along the length
of guide 1102. A magnified view from behind the bubble module 110
showing it being pushed along guide 1102 by pusher 1202 is shown in
FIG. 12B. Guide 1102 also has along its length a double groove 1203
which enables movement of pushers 1202 along the length of the
guide 1102 in one direction and then backwards in the opposite
direction similar to a conveyor belt.
[0147] The rate at which pushers 1202 are displaced may be changed
in response to the speed of the rail and transport bases in the
vicinity of the exchange hub, to avoid interference with bubble
module 110. Bubble module 110 is then pushed after being supported
by the posts 1101 and guides 1102.
[0148] Alternatively, pushers 1202 may be folded towards guide 1102
when contacted by bubble module 110 and then displaced by the drive
system.
[0149] Alternatively, pushers 1202 may for example be moved
backwards and forwards along the same side of guides 1102 while
pushing bubble module 110 in one of the directions or in opposite
directions on each pass for a two-way exchange hub.
[0150] The above arrangement of guides 1102 enables a free separate
selection of the proper drive system for moving the bubble module
110 along the guides, without the need for said drive system to
support the bubble module's 110 weight, with and without a
passenger, because this task is performed by rollers 1201 and
guides 1102. The arrangement also enables pushing of the bubble
module 110 along the guides 1102 by hand in the case of a
mechanical or electrical malfunction of the drive system.
[0151] Pushers 1202 push bubble module 110 through simple physical
contact. However, use can also be made of permanent magnets
attached on pushers 1202 and on bubble module 110 that can repel
each other's magnetic field to push the bubble module 110 from
behind. Alternatively, the arms can make use of electromagnets.
[0152] As an alternative, the rollers may be part of the bubble
module 110 and be mounted on guides that are also part of the
bubble 110. The guides with roller will then move into
geometrically corresponding framed supports at the exchange hub.
The drive system and pushers will then be separately implemented in
a similar manner to the above.
[0153] Alternatively, instead of using rollers 1201 and pushers
1202, a Maglev system may be used, wherein the bubble module 110 is
made to levitate by means of permanent magnets or electromagnets
mounted in both the supports and the bubble module 110, and
electromagnets may further be used to provide a force vector
parallel to the supports in order to move the bubble module 110, as
is well known to persons skilled in the art.
[0154] FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically illustrate a second
embodiment of apparatus for transferring a detached bubble module.
FIG. 13A shows a side view of the exchange hub area, which
comprises a section of a rail 230 and a section of a road 202. Each
guide is implemented in this embodiment as a horizontally oriented
and longitudinally displaceable continuous conveyor belt 1302 that
is driven by a plurality of motors 1303 being supported by
corresponding posts 1304 on the relevant side of conveyor belt 1302
and raised tracks 1020. As previously described, a computerized
automatic controller 60 (FIG. 16) remotely controls the movement of
the rail and transport bases at the interchange area, preferably
through an RF link, and directly controls the operation of motors
1303 through a wired connection, according to the predefined
exchange parameters and possibly making further use of data
received from distance measurement sensors installed at the
exchange area, as would be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
[0155] FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a side view of the
exchange hub area on the side of the rails 230, this time including
the bubble module 110 and the rail base 220, thus illustrating the
exchange process. According to this embodiment, the bubble module
110 is configured with two horizontal projections 115 which extend
laterally from each side of the bubble module. Each projection 115
slides onto, and is supported by, a corresponding conveyor belt
1302 while bubble module 110 is still attached to rail base 220. At
this point, the conveyor belts 1302 are parallel to the rails 230.
As rail base 220 drives over raised tracks 1020, the locking
mechanisms are opened and the bubble module 110 is no longer
physically attached to rail base 220, but rather only sits on top
of it. As rails 230 decline relative to conveyor belts 1302, rail
base 220 changes its orientation while it continues to move in
unison with the bubble module 110 which is slowly lifted off of
rail base 220, at least until the locking mechanism parts disengage
from each other. As previously mentioned, the parts of the locking
mechanism, as described in FIGS. 10A-D, may also be connected to
the bubble module 110 and/or the rail base 220 with springs, that
can be used for dampening vibrations and velocity changes, as
already described above, and also allow a small tilt of the locking
mechanism parts relative to the vertical axis of the bubble module
110 and/or the rail or transport base, so that the two parts of
each locking mechanism may more easily slide apart as the height
between bubble module 110 and rail base 220 increases.
[0156] As is apparent from FIG. 13B, the illustrated procedure may
also be carried out in reverse, wherein a rail base 220 rises to
meet the bubble module 110, the locking mechanism parts engage each
other and later lock together as they are driven off of raised
tracks 1020, and rail base 220 continues to move away on rails 230
as bubble module 110 is safely secured upon it. Also apparent is
that the same procedure and its opposite may be carried out in a
similar way on the road 202 side of the exchange hub area, wherein
rail base 220 is substituted by a transport base 120.
[0157] Conveyor belts 1302 may also move bubble module 110, for
example, to a storage area for later use, maintenance and etc. as
required.
[0158] In FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B the conveyor belts 1302 are
straight. However, as would be apparent to those skilled in the
art, conveyor belts 1302 may also rise in elevation while rails 230
and road 202 remain straight to allow the separation of bubble
module 110 from either of the bases.
[0159] As an alternative to rollers or a conveyor belt, the bubble
module 110 may be transported across supports that are perforated
and pressurized air/gas is pumped through the holes, thus
levitating the bubble module 110 above the surface. The holes can
further be inclined relative to the surface of the supports so as
to provide an additional force vector that is parallel to the
surface of the supports--to push the bubble module 110 in the
required direction.
[0160] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B schematically illustrate a third
embodiment of apparatus for transferring a detached bubble module.
FIG. 14A shows rails 230 and road 202. Also shown are hydraulic
pumps 1403 that are connected through hydraulic fluid tubes 1404 to
telescopic hydraulic cylinders 1402 which may lift or lower
parallel supports 1401.
[0161] Four small raised tracks 1020 are positioned so as to engage
the respective locking mechanisms of either the transport or the
rail base 220 and lock or unlock them accordingly, as required.
Here too, a computerized automatic controller 60 (FIG. 16) remotely
controls the movement of the rail and transport bases at the
interchange area, and directly controls the operation of hydraulic
pumps 1403, according to the predefined exchange parameters and
also possibly making further use of distance measurement sensors,
as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0162] FIG. 14B schematically illustrates bubble module 110 sitting
on supports 1401 that are raised by hydraulic cylinders 1402 that
are actuated by hydraulic pumps 1403 through hydraulic fluid tubes
1404. The rail base 220 and transport base 120 are also shown with
the upper sections of the male parts 1010 of the locking mechanisms
protruding above their surfaces. From FIG. 14B the attachment and
detachment process is easy to understand: transport base 120 drives
the bubble module 110 over supports 1401 and raised tracks 1020 so
that the locking mechanisms 1010 are opened, as previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 10C and 10D, then hydraulic
cylinders 1402 lift supports 1401 that in turn lift upon them the
bubble module 110. Once the female parts of the locking mechanisms
of bubble module 110 clear the male parts 1010 of the locking
mechanisms of the transport base 120, transport base 120 can drive
away without the bubble module 110 back onto road 202 from which it
initially approached. Now the rail base 220 may move under the
bubble module 110, as raised tracks 1020 engage the male parts 1010
of the locking mechanisms of the rail base 220 they are in the open
state, hydraulic cylinders 1402 now lower supports 1401 with bubble
module 110 sitting on them until the corresponding parts of the
locking mechanisms engage each other, as previously described in
FIGS. 10C and 10D. The rail base 220 may now move away on rails 230
with bubble module 110 sitting upon it. As rail base 220 moves
along the rail 230, raised tracks 1020 end and the locking
mechanisms fully and safely lock the bubble module 110 and rail
base 220 together.
[0163] In this case, the width between the wheels 130 of the
wheeled transport base 120 is either larger or smaller than the
width between the rails 230 used by the rail base 220. Thus, each
exchange hub has tracks to enable the rail base 220 to move under
the bubble module 110 same as the transport base 120 without
interference between the wheels 130 and the rails 230.
[0164] In FIG. 14B the transport base 120 has to drive the bubble
module 110 into the exchange point and then move backwards onto
road 202, however, as would be clear to one skilled in the art,
rails 230 may also be integrated in road 202 along a certain length
so that transport base 120 could proceed forward along combined
road 202 and rails 230 which may part from each other later at some
point, as required.
[0165] In this case, the exchange is stationary rather than being
on-the-move like in the first embodiment, that is--the rail base
220, transport base 120 and the bubble module 110 come to a
complete stop during the exchange process. While this procedure may
be less time efficient, as has previously been explained in regard
to the first embodiment, it may be better suited in places where
traffic is light and a simplified and more compact exchange hub
structure is sufficient.
[0166] The above procedure needs to take place to allow a
transport-to-rail base transfer of the bubble module 110. The same
procedure, but in reverse, needs to take place to allow the
opposite rail-to-transport base transfer of the bubble module 110.
One small change would be the reverse orientation of the bubble
module 110 and possibly the transport and rail bases in the case
that they are not symmetrical around their middle vertical axis,
this however is not a problem if the rail and transport bases are
allowed easy approach to the exchange hub for each of the two
configurations. Alternatively, it is possible to use transport and
rail bases that are symmetrical in their driving abilities--both
forward and backward, and a symmetrical bubble module 110 inside
which the passenger seats and possibly the driving wheel assembly
may rotate, if so required.
[0167] Of course, multiple alternative implementations of the
locking mechanism between the bubble module 110 and transport and
rail bases, as well as of the exchange hubs, may exist, as will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. As an additional
example of an embodiment with a stationary exchange process, the
bubble module 110 may be attached to the transport or rail base 220
by means of at least one shaped rail that is part of the bubble
module 110 which slides onto a corresponding at least one shaped
rail that is part of either transport and rail bases. The rails may
be shaped in different ways, as would be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, so that once they slide onto each other, only a
single degree of freedom remains between the bubble module 110 and
the attached rail or transport base 120. The addition of a simple
and compact locking mechanism in the form of a mechanically or
electrically actuated stopper that slides into corresponding holes
in the rails will eliminate this remaining degree of freedom. The
rail that is part of the bubble module 110 may be longer than the
rail that is part of the transport or rail base 220, so that at an
interchange hub the excess length of the bubble module's 110 rail
may slide onto a corresponding rail that is part of the hub and a
motor may be used to force the bubble module 110 to slide from the
rail of the transport or rail base 220 to the corresponding rail of
the interchange hub. The motor may, for example, turn a cogwheel
wherein the cogs correspond with holes or grooves in the rail of
the bubble module 110 to pull it across the corresponding shaped
rail of the transport or rail base 220 and the exchange hub. A
similar but reversed process will need to take place for sliding
the bubble module's 110 rail onto a corresponding rail of a new
transport or rail base 220, as required.
[0168] The main embodiments and examples that have been described
above mostly described a particular embodiment wherein the
transport bases are road-vehicle-bases (or road bases) and the
exchange hub has the form of a rail-road hub or vice versa. It
should be clearly understood however, that according to the present
invention the transport base may also be implemented as an air and
water base in addition to a road base, as well as combinations
thereof. For example, an air base that can land or takeoff and also
drive on road/s, with or without the attached bubble module. In
such embodiments, the air-base can for example be propelled by
means of jet-engines, an internal combustion engine/s or a power
turbine coupled to propellers, and other well known air transport
propulsion means, and have various known wing and tail designs with
flaps, ailerons and slats to enable flight control (or "steering").
Alternatively, an air-base may be propelled using a power turbine
or an internal combustion engine that rotate one or more helicopter
rotors, and flight control is provided by an additional smaller
propeller and tilting of the rotors similar to a helicopter.
[0169] Additionally, it should be clearly understood, that
according to the present invention the exchange hubs may be
implemented in ways that allow transfer of the bubble module to an
air base or to a water base. For example: [0170] An air base may
fly or hover above the bubble module and attach itself to a bubble
module from above and then proceed to fly together as a single
air-vehicle configuration (somewhat like a cargo helicopter), and
vice versa--the air base may deliver the passenger module to an
interchange hub and detach it before it is transferred to a
rail-base. [0171] A bubble may be lowered onto a floating water
base, become attached to it and this water-vehicle may proceed to
move together on water, and vice versa. [0172] A passenger module
may be transported on a hovering base--hover-base, which is
generally defined as an air base because it travels in the air, and
transported as well as exchanged by said hover base on both roads
and water.
[0173] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a transport base 1520,
which in this particular embodiment is a water base, on water and
the water side of the exchange hub. Transport base 1520 can have
the lower side of a standard boat, including an engine with a
propeller. Bubble module 110 slides on a single guide support 1502,
after being disconnected from its rail base, having two rows of
rollers and a central channel from which protrude pushers that push
bubble module 110 along the guide support 1502. Guide support 1501
is itself supported by posts 1501. The guide support 1502 mechanism
in this example is generally similar to the double guide embodiment
of FIGS. 12A and 12B. Transport base 1520 approaches the area of
the exchange hub in order to engage bubble module 110. Guides 1503
are used to assist transport base 1520 in correct positioning for
the exchange. Transport base 1520 further includes locking
mechanism parts 1504 on its sides. Matching locking mechanisms can
be lowered from the undersides of bubble module 110 to engage
locking mechanism parts 1504 in the water base and safely attach
and secure bubble module 110 to transport base 1520. For example,
servo or linear electrical motors coupled to the locking mechanism
parts in bubble module 110 may be used to perform this task.
[0174] While some embodiments of the invention have been described
by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can
be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and
adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or
alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled
in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or
exceeding the scope of the claims.
* * * * *
References