Solar-rapid rail mass transit system
US4781119A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1984 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T30/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar-powered rapid transit system is provided, which travels suspended above ground along a horizontal rail, supported by vertical/horizontal supports. The guide rail is basically a parallelogram, with five inner surfaces. It can be configured as either an overhead monorail system, or a birail system. The rail car is attached to and suspended from such rail by power transmission and support shafts, each of which attaches to a wheel box that fits into the horizontal guide rail. Power is transmitted to the wheels in each wheel box from several electric motors by a series of pulleys and belts in a unique configuration. Such wheels then propel the rail car or cars, which can be connected in series, down the rail. Power for electric motors is supplied by rectangular solar panels supported by vertical supports attached to the roof of each rail car, which extend several feet above the rail car and guide rails. Hinges allow the solar panels to pivot in the direction of the sun, to receive optimum sunlight for power generation. Storage batteries mounted atop each rail car would store generated solar power for night operation and periods when optimal sunlight is unavailable. An electronic…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.