APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A FORCE TO A VEHICLE ON A TRACK

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a force to a vehicle (2) on a track (4), the apparatus comprising one or more magnets (6), the one or more magnets being rotatably mountable with respect to at least part of the vehicle. The track comprises one or more electrically conductive portions and the magnets are configured such that their rotation relative to the track induces one or more electrical currents in the track, such that a force is applied to the vehicle.

Claims

1-29. (canceled)

30. An apparatus for applying a force to a vehicle on a track, the apparatus comprising: one or more magnets, the one or more magnets being rotatably mountable with respect to at least part of the vehicle; wherein the track comprises one or more electrically conductive portions; and wherein the magnets are configured such that their rotation relative to the track induces one or more electrical currents in the track, such that a force is applied to the vehicle.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is operable to vary the magnetic field strength of the, or each, magnet.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is operable to switch the magnetic polarity, or to move the location of the poles, of the, or each, magnet.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is operable to configure the, or each, magnet between an on state, in which the magnet produces a magnetic field, and the off state, in which the magnet does not produce a magnetic field.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more activation zones and one or more deactivation zones, the, or each, activation zone and the, or each, deactivation zone(s) being defined by sectors of a plane of rotation of the magnet, or magnets, the apparatus being operable to configure the magnet(s) to be in the on state when located in an activation zone and to be in the off state when located in a deactivation zone.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the activation zone, or zones, is located at a region of the vehicle that is, in use, adjacent to at least a portion of the track, and/or wherein the activation zone, or zones, is located at a lower region of the vehicle or a lower region of a wheel of the vehicle.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the, or each, magnet is activated for a shorter period of time than it is deactivated.

37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein at least one of the magnet(s) is an electromagnet.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus comprises a control system, wherein the control system comprises one or more selection devices operable to selectively provide electrical power to at least one of the one or more magnets.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the apparatus is operable to change the location of at least one of the activation zone(s) and at least one of the deactivation zone(s).

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the, or each, activation zone is associated with a phase line of an electrical power supply of the apparatus, such that when a magnet is located in a particular activation zone, that activation zone's associated phase line will be applied to that magnet.

41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the control system is configured to switch the, or each, magnet between at least a first phase of electrical power to a second phase of electrical power.

42. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame member, wherein the, or each magnet, is located on the frame member, and wherein the frame member is integrally formed with a wheel of the vehicle.

43. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus comprises a traction assistance device operable to increase the traction of a wheel of the vehicle to the track, wherein the traction assistance device is operable to apply a traction agent to at least a portion of a wheel of the vehicle and/or to at least a portion of the track.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the, or each, magnet of the apparatus is operable to attract the traction agent to the wheel of the vehicle.

45. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus is operable to provide an attractive and/or repulsive force between the vehicle and the track.

46. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein: the apparatus is operable to receive data from one or more sensor devices, wherein the one or more sensor devices are locatable on the vehicle and wherein the one or more sensor devices are configured to detect at least one property of the vehicle, one or more wheels thereof, and/or the track; and the apparatus is configured to communicate with the one or more sensor devices wirelessly.

47. A method of applying a force to a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for applying a force to a vehicle on a track; wherein the apparatus comprises: one or more magnets, the one or more magnets being rotatably mountable with respect to at least part of the vehicle; wherein the track comprises one or more electrically conductive portions; and wherein the magnets are configured such that their rotation relative to the track induces one or more electrical currents in the track, the, or each electrical current creating a magnetic field, such that a force is applied to the vehicle; rotatably mounting the one or more magnets with respect to at least part of the vehicle; and using the apparatus to rotate the one or more magnets with respect to at least a part of the vehicle.

48. A vehicle comprising the apparatus of claim 30.

49. An apparatus for applying a force to a vehicle on a track, the apparatus comprising: one or more magnetic elements being mountable with respect to at least part of the vehicle; wherein the track comprises one or more electrically conductive portions; and wherein the magnets are configured such that they induce one or more electrical currents in the track, the, or each electrical current creating a magnetic field, such that a force is applied to the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0317] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0318] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for applying a force to a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention;

[0319] FIG. 2a shows a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0320] FIG. 2b shows a partial view of the electrical power module of the control system of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0321] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a further embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0322] FIG. 4 illustrates example two phase, three phase and four phase magnet configurations of the apparatus of FIG. 3a;

[0323] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0324] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1, using a single Bitter electromagnet;

[0325] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

[0326] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1, including a traction assistance device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0327] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, an apparatus 1 for applying a force to a vehicle 2 on a track 4 is illustrated.

[0328] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the apparatus 1 comprises one or more magnets 6, which are rotatably mountable with respect to at least part of the vehicle 2. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the magnets 6 are electromagnets. In other embodiments, other types of magnets, either permanent or non-permanent, could be used.

[0329] The track 4 comprises one or more electrically conductive portions 4a and the magnets 6 are configured such that their rotation relative to the track 4 induces one or more electrical currents 8 in the track 4, such that a force is applied to the vehicle 2. The present invention can be used in this manner to improve the traction of the vehicle 2 to the track 4.

[0330] The apparatus 1 functions using the following principles. The magnets 6 are configured such that their rotation relative to the track 4 induces one or more electrical currents 8 in the track 4, in accordance with Faraday's law of induction. The one or more electrical currents 8 in the track 4 create a magnetic field 3, in accordance with Ampere's circuital law such that a magnetic field is applied to the vehicle 2. The direction of the induced electrical current and thus the direction of the magnetic field produced by the induced current 8 is determined by Lenz's law. Thus, rotation of the magnets 6 relative to the track 4 applies a force to the vehicle 2. It will be understood that depending on the properties of the magnets 6, the rate of rotation, the direction of rotation, and the properties of the vehicle 2, apparatus 1 and track 4, that the direction and/or magnitude of the force can be variable and can be configured in a number of ways. In this arrangement, the operation of the apparatus 1 results in magnetic friction and/or magnetic attraction between the vehicle 2 and the track 4.

[0331] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the apparatus 1 is operable to provide an attractive force and/or a repulsive force between the vehicle 2 and the track 4, in accordance with Coulomb's law.

[0332] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the vehicle 2 is a rail vehicle, such as a train, comprising a plurality of wheels 2a, and the vehicle 2 is configured to run on at least two rail members 4b of the track 4. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of vehicles 2 and tracks 4 could be used. For example, the vehicle 2 may be a levitation vehicle, such as a levitation train, maglev train, or the like, which runs on the track 4, the track 4 being a guide for the levitation vehicle. In that example, the levitation vehicle runs on the track 4 but is not in contact with the track 4. Thus, the levitation vehicle is operable to levitate adjacent to at least a portion of the track 4.

[0333] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the track 4 is a metallic track 4 formed of steel.

[0334] The apparatus 1 is operable to apply magnetic friction between the vehicle 2 and the track 4, and is operable in use to increase the magnetic friction between the vehicle 2 and the track 4, such as by increasing the magnetic field 3 strength of the magnets 6. In this way, the apparatus 1 is operable to increase the traction of the vehicle 2 to the track 4. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, in which the vehicle 2 is in contact with the track 4, the apparatus 1 is operable to increase the contact friction between one or more surfaces of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2, and the track 4.

[0335] Whilst the apparatus 1 is operable to improve traction, the apparatus 1 is also operable to provide propulsion, acceleration and/or braking to the vehicle 2.

[0336] The apparatus 1 includes a frame member 1a and each magnet 6 is located thereon.

[0337] The magnets 6 are configured such that their rotation relative to the track 4 induces one or more electrical eddy currents 8 in at least a portion of the track 4, and the one or more electrically conductive portions 4a of the track 4 are arranged such that rotation of the magnets 6 relative thereto induces the one or more electrical eddy currents 8 in the, or each, electrically conductive portions 4a of the track 4.

[0338] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the electrically conductive portions 4a of the track 4 include one or more planar upper surfaces 4c located adjacent to the vehicle 2 when the vehicle is located 2 on or adjacent to the track 4. The upper surface 4c is in contact with the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the electrically conductive portions 4a of the track 4 could be arranged to be insulated from the vehicle 2, such as by being spaced therefrom, or by being embedded within an insulating material.

[0339] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 the apparatus 1 is operable, in use, to apply a variable, or alternating, magnetic field 3 to the track 4, which induces a variable, or alternating, electrical current 8 in the track 4, which in turn provides a variable, or alternating magnetic field to the wheel(s) 2a of the vehicle 2, in accordance with Faraday's law of induction, Ampere's circuital law and Lenz's law. In these embodiments, applying a variable or alternating, magnetic field 3 to the track 4 can result in magnetic friction and/or magnetic attraction. It will be appreciated that the variable or alternating magnetic field 3 can be provided by the apparatus 1 by moving the magnets 6 and/or by varying the magnetic properties thereof (e.g. by varying the magnetic field 3 intensity and/or magnetic polarity of the magnets 6).

[0340] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the apparatus 1 is operable to vary the magnetic field 3 strength and/or to switch the magnetic polarity of each magnet 6.

[0341] The apparatus 1 can comprise any suitable number of magnets 6.

[0342] Each magnet 6 includes at least one north pole and at least one south pole, although the polarity is reversible, for example, by using an alternating current to drive the electromagnets 6. Due to the use of electromagnets, each magnet 6 is configurable between an on state, in which the magnet 6 produces a magnetic field 3, and an off state, in which the magnet 6 does not produce a magnetic field. Therefore, in the embodiments illustrated and described herein, each magnet 6 is configurable between the on state and the off state, and the apparatus 1 is operable to vary the magnetic field 3 strength of each magnet 6 and the apparatus is operable to switch the magnetic polarity of each magnet 6.

[0343] The apparatus 1 is operable to independently switch all of the magnets 6 between the on state and the off state, to independently vary the magnetic field 3 strength of each magnet 6 and to independently switch the magnetic polarity of each magnet 6.

[0344] The vehicle 2 comprises an x-axis 2x, a y-axis 2y and a z-axis 2z, which are orthogonal. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the vehicle 2 moves relative to the track 4 substantially in the direction of the x-axis 2x thereof. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the vehicle 2 could be configured to move relative to the track 4 substantially in the direction of the x-axis 2x, y-axis 2y, and/or z-axis 2z. The z-axis 2z is the vertical axis of the vehicle 2.

[0345] The length of the vehicle 2 is along the x-axis 2x, the width of the vehicle 2 is along the y-axis 2y and the height of the vehicle is along the z-axis 2z.

[0346] The wheels 2a of the vehicle 2 are configured to rotate about the y-axis 2y of the vehicle 2. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2 could be configured to rotate about the x-axis 2x, y-axis 2y and/or z-axis 2z of the vehicle 2.

[0347] Each wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 has a plane of rotation in the x-z plane of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the plane of rotation of each wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 could be in the x-z plane, x-y plane and/or y-z plane of the vehicle 2.

[0348] The magnets 6 are arranged to rotate fully about the y-axis 2y of the vehicle 2. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the magnets 6 could be arranged to rotate partially about at least one axis of rotation, and could be arranged to rotate about the x-axis 2x, y-axis 2y and/or z-axis 2z of the vehicle 2. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the axis of rotation of the magnets 6 is therefore co-axial with the axis of rotation of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the axes of rotation of the magnets 6 and the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 could be different, or offset from one another.

[0349] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the magnets 6 have a single plane of rotation, which is an x-z plane of the vehicle, which is co-planar with the plane of rotation of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the plane of rotation of the magnets 6 could be an x-z plane of the vehicle 2, an x-y plane of the vehicle 2, and/or a y-z plane of the vehicle 2.

[0350] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the apparatus 1 comprises one or more activation zones 10 and one or more deactivation zones 12. Each activation zone 10 and each deactivation zone 12 are defined by sectors of the plane of rotation of the magnets 6. The activation zones 10 and the deactivation zones 12 are also defined by the rotational angle of each magnet 6 relative to the plane of rotation of each magnet 6. The activation zones 10 and the deactivation zones 12 could be located at any suitable rotational angle.

[0351] The apparatus 1 is operable to configure each magnet 6 in the on state when each magnet 6 is located within the one or more activation zones 10 and to configure each magnet 6 in the off state when each magnet 6 is located within the one or more deactivation zones 12.

[0352] The apparatus 1 is operable to activate and/or deactivate each magnet 6 at least once during the rotation of the magnets 6.

[0353] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the apparatus 1 is configured to activate each magnet 6 only when the magnet 6 is located in an activation zone 10. In this arrangement, the magnets 6 located in the activation zones 10 are activated and the magnets located in the deactivation zones 12 are not activated.

[0354] The apparatus 1 is configured to activate each magnet 6 during at least part of the rotation cycle of each magnet 6.

[0355] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the apparatus 1 is configured to activate each magnet 6 during the entire rotation cycle of each magnet 6. In this embodiment, the magnets 6 are active at all times, provided the apparatus 1 is in use. How the apparatus 1 itself may be switched on or off is described in further detail below.

[0356] The apparatus 1 comprise an electronic control system 14 operable to selectively activate each magnet 6. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the control system 14 is configured to automatically activate each magnet 6 as each magnet 6 is moved into an activation zone 10 and to automatically deactivate each magnet 6 as each magnet 6 is moved into a deactivation zone 12.

[0357] The control system 14 is mountable to the vehicle 2 and is located thereon.

[0358] The apparatus 1 is operable between an on condition, in which each magnet 6 is capable of being activated, and an off condition, in which the apparatus 1 is off and each magnet 6 cannot be activated. The control system 14 includes a control element 14a operable to switch the apparatus 1 between the on condition and the off condition.

[0359] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the activation zones 10 are located at a lower region 2b of a wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. That is, at a region of the vehicle 2 that is, in use, adjacent to at least a portion of the track 4. The activation zones 10 are also located at a lower region of the plane of rotation of the magnets 6. In this way, the magnets 6 are activated when located close to the track 4 and are deactivated when less effective. This makes the apparatus 1 more efficient.

[0360] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the apparatus 1 comprises a deactivation zone 14 located at an upper region 2c of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the apparatus 1 comprises one or more activation zones 10 located proximal to the track 4, one or more deactivation zones 12 located proximal to the track 4, and one or more deactivation zones 12 located distal to the track 4.

[0361] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the apparatus 1 is configured such that each magnet 6 is activated for a shorter period of time than it is deactivated.

[0362] The apparatus 1 comprise a first activation zone 10a, a second activation zone 10b, a third activation zone 10c, a first deactivation zone 12a, a second deactivation zone 12b, and a third deactivation zone 12c.

[0363] The second deactivation zone 12b and the third deactivation zones 12c are designed to prevent short circuiting of the electromagnets 6, and are arranged to be smaller in area than the first activation zone 12a, which is primarily designed to save energy by deactivating the electromagnets 6 when located at the upper region 2c of the wheels 2a.

[0364] The first activation zone 10a, the second activation zone 10b and the third activation zone 10c are substantially identical in size. It will be understood that in other embodiments the first activation zone 10a, the second activation zone 10b, and the third activation zone 10c could differ in size.

[0365] The first deactivation zone 12a is arranged to cover at least the upper 50% of the plane of rotation of the magnets 6.

[0366] Whilst in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, 7 and 8, electromagnets 6 comprising copper windings are used, it will be appreciated that a superconducting magnet, a ceramic magnet, or a superconducting ceramic magnet could be used, and indeed other types of magnets 6 could be employed, including electromagnets 6 having different properties to those illustrated and described herein.

[0367] In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus 1 comprises a single magnet 6, which is a Bitter electromagnet. The Bitter electromagnet comprise a base 16 arranged in the x-z plane and arranged to be coplanar with the plane of rotation of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0368] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the Bitter electromagnet is integrally formed with a wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In the embodiment illustrated here, the Bitter electromagnet is made from copper, although other suitable metals could be used.

[0369] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, each magnet 6 is a discrete magnetic component.

[0370] The control system 14 comprises one or more sensors 14b configured to detect one or more low-adhesion events, such as when the traction of a wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 is below a threshold value. The sensors 14b are electronic sensors operable to provide an alert when the low-adhesion event occurs and to alert a user of the vehicle 2, optionally the driver thereof, of the low-adhesion event and to prompt the driver (or another user) to activate the apparatus 1. However, the control system could be configured to automatically activate and deactivate the apparatus 1 in response to received data from the sensors 14b. The sensors 14b are typically selected from: a revolution counter device, a tachometer, a rev counter device, an RPM counter device, and a wheel encoder, or the like, although it will be understood that other sensors 14b could be used.

[0371] The apparatus 1 is connectable to a source of electrical power. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the source of electrical power is an alternating current (a.c.) power supply, and is either a three phase supply or a four phase supply. FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating three example arrangements of two phase, three phase and four phase magnet 6 configurations, and it will be understood that many possible configurations of power supply and magnets 6 are possible.

[0372] The three phase power supply includes phase A, phase B and phase C supply lines, which are offset by 120 degrees. The four phase power supply includes phase A, phase B, Phase C and Phase D supply lines offset by 90 degrees.

[0373] The electrical power source is arranged as a star supply, and the magnets 6 are also arranged in a star connection. It will be appreciated that a delta connection could be used for the power source and/or the magnets 6.

[0374] The source of electrical power is obtained from an on-board vehicle power supply.

[0375] The control system 14 comprises one or more power management modules 14c configured to manage the electrical power from the source of electrical power and provide suitable electrical power to each magnet 6.

[0376] The control system 14 comprises an electrical power module 14d configured to provide the electrical power to each magnet 6. The electrical power module 14d is mountable to the vehicle 2 and is fixedly attachable to the vehicle 2.

[0377] The electrical power module 14d is locatable adjacent to the magnets 6 of the apparatus 1 and the frame member 1a of the apparatus 1. The electrical power module 14d is located at a wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 and is a substantially disc shaped member. The electrical power module 14d is arranged to be stationary relative to the vehicle 2 when mounted thereto. The apparatus 1 is configured such that the magnets 6 rotate relative to the electrical power module 14d.

[0378] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2a, 7, and in some embodiments, the control system 14 comprises a slip ring 14e (an example of a selection device) operable to selectively provide electrical power from the electrical power module 14d to the magnets 6. In other embodiments, the selection device could comprise one or more wireless power transfer links, either as an alternative to the slip ring 14e, or in combination therewith. The slip ring 14e is configured to define the location of the activation zones 10a, 10b, 10c. and the deactivation zones 12a, 12b, 12c.

[0379] The slip ring 14e comprises one or more electrical connection points 18 connected to at least one of the magnets 6 and one or more electrical connection points 19 connected to the electrical power module 16d. The slip ring 14e is operable to selectively connect and disconnect each magnet 6 to or from the electrical power module 14d via the electrical connection points 18, 19.

[0380] FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of the slip ring 14e, which is connected and opposed to the electrical power module shown 14d partially in FIG. 2b. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 2a, the slip ring 14e is arranged such that, as the magnets 6 rotate, the electrical connection points 18 of the magnet 6 connect with, and disconnect from, the electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d when each, magnet 6 is in the activation zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and to disconnect the electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d and the electrical connection points 18 of each magnet 6, when each magnet 6 is in the deactivation zones 12a, 12b, 12c.

[0381] The control system 14 is operable to activate or deactivate one or more of the electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d. In this arrangement, the control system 14 can determine the location of the activation 10 and deactivation zone(s) 12, which can be adjusted, optionally during use of the apparatus 1. This may be advantageous in those embodiments where the rotation of the magnets 6 is out of sync with the rotation of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0382] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the electrical connection points 18 of each magnet 6 each include one or more first electrodes 18a and one or more second electrodes 18b. The first electrode 18a is the signal electrode and the second electrode 18b is a common, or return, electrode. The second electrode 18b is common to all of the magnets 6. Similarly, the electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d, each include a first electrode 19a and a second electrode 19b. The first electrode 19a is the signal electrode and the second electrode 19b is a common, or return, electrode common to all electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d.

[0383] The slip ring 14e is configured to selectively connect the first electrodes 18a of each magnet 6 to the first electrodes 19a of the electrical power module 14d. It will be understood that a wireless power transfer link could be used either in addition to, or as an alternative to, the slip ring 14e to carry out this function.

[0384] It will be understood that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the second electrodes 18b of the magnets 6 and the second electrodes 19b of the electrical power module 14d are arranged to always be in electrical communication with each other. However, in other embodiments, the slip ring 14e, or other selection device, could be configured to selectively connect the second electrodes 18b, 19b.

[0385] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the cross-sectional contact area of the signal electrodes 18a of the magnets 6 is arranged to be smaller than the cross-sectional contact area of the signal electrodes 19a of the electrical power module 14d.

[0386] The electrical connection points 18 of the magnets 6 are located on a first planar surface of the frame member 1a and the electrical connection points 19 of the electrical power module 14d are located on a first planar surface thereof. The first planar surfaces of the frame member 1a and the electrical power module 14d are arranged to be opposed surfaces, adjacent to each other.

[0387] The first and second electrodes 18a, 18b, of the magnets 6 are arranged in a circular arrangement arranged radially with respect to the plane of rotation of the magnets 6. Similarly, the first and second electrodes 19a, 19b, of the electrical power module 14d are arranged in a circular arrangement arranged radially with respect to the plane of rotation of the magnets 6.

[0388] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a, each activation zone 10 is associated with a phase line of the power supply. The control system 14 is configured to apply a first phase to each magnet 6 when located in the first activation zone 10a, a second phase to each magnet 6 when located in the second activation zone 10b, and a third phase to each magnet 6 when located in the third activation zone 10c. The first phase may be phase A, phase B, or phase C. The second phase may be phase A, phase B or Phase C. The third phase may be phase A, phase B or phase C. In the embodiments shown here, the first phase is phase A, the second phase is phase B and the third phase may be phase C. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, multiple phases may be activated in each activation zone 10.

[0389] Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the control system 14 is operable to apply a first phase to a first magnet, a second phase to a second magnet, and a third phase to a third magnet. The magnets 6 are distributed in a sequence of first, second and third magnets. The first phase and second phase are offset by 120 degrees. The second phase and third phase are offset by 120 degrees. The third and the first phase are offset by 120 degrees.

[0390] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the control system 14 is operable to apply a fourth phase to a fourth magnet. In this embodiment, the magnets 6 may be distributed in a sequence of first, second, third and fourth magnets. The first phase and second phase are offset by 90 degrees. The second and third phase are offset by 90 degrees. The third and the fourth phase are offset by 90 degrees. The fourth and the first phase are offset by 90 degrees. It will be understood that three possible examples are shown in FIG. 4, but more example arrangements are possible.

[0391] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2a, 3a 4, 5 and 8, the magnets 6 are radially distributed in the x-z plane.

[0392] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and FIG. 8, the control system 14 is operable to connect each magnet 6 to any one of the phases of the electrical power supply. The control system 14 is configured to switch each magnet 6 from a first phase of electrical power supply to a second phase of electrical power supply, and to switch each magnet from a second phase of electrical power supply to a third phase of electrical power supply, and to switch each magnet 6 from a third phase of electrical power supply to a first phase of electrical power supply. It will be appreciated that this happens as each magnet 6 moves between the activation zones 10a, 10b, 10c.

[0393] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3a, the apparatus 1 is configured such that each magnet 6 has no predetermined electrical phase. In this arrangement each magnet 6 is connectable to any electrical phase line during the operation of the apparatus 1.

[0394] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a, the apparatus 1 is configured to connect the magnets 6 in a three phase star connection when the magnets 6 are located in the activation zones 10. In this arrangement, one or more magnets 6 are connected to phase A and the common line, one or more magnets 6 are connected to phase B and the common line, and one or more magnets 6 are connected to phase C and the common line. However, it should be understood that the magnets 6 may be arranged in a three phase delta connection when the magnets 6 are located in the activation zones 10.

[0395] As best shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 7, the apparatus 1 is configured to apply a magnetic field 3 from the one or more magnets 6 radially at least partially in the x-z plane.

[0396] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the apparatus 1 is configured to apply a magnetic field 3 from the, or each, magnet 6 substantially towards the track 4, and is configured to direct the magnetic field 3 towards the track 4.

[0397] As best shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the magnets 6 are arranged to provide a magnetic field 3 component that is substantially along the z-axis 2z of the vehicle 2. It will be understood that the magnets 6 could be arranged to provide a magnetic field 3 component that is substantially along the y-axis 2y of the vehicle 2, the z-axis 2z of the vehicle and/or along the x-axis 2x of the vehicle 2. The magnets 6 are arranged to provide a magnetic field 3 component that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 2, and are arranged to provide a magnetic field 3 component that is directed towards the contact point of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 with the track 4.

[0398] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the magnets 6 are rotationally offset from each other in the x-z plane. The magnets 6 are rotationally offset about the axis of rotation (the y-axis 2y of the vehicle) of the magnets 6. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3a, the magnets 6 are arranged with one pole proximal to the axis of rotation and one pole distal to the axis of rotation.

[0399] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the magnets 6 are arranged to focus the magnetic field 3 towards the track 4 and complete a magnetic circuit between the magnets 6, the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2, and at least a portion of the track 4.

[0400] In some embodiments, and as best shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5, the apparatus 1 comprises one or more magnetic guide elements 20 configured to guide, or direct, or focus the magnetic field 3 from the, or each, magnet 6 towards the track 4. Each magnetic guide element 20 is made from 1080 carbon steel, although it will be understood that other materials could be used. With continued reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5, the apparatus 1 comprises one or more magnetic shield elements 22 arranged to reduce the magnetic coupling between two or more magnets 6 and arranged to reduce the magnetic coupling between two or more magnetic guide elements 20. The magnetic shield elements 22 are made from 304 stainless steel, although other materials could be used.

[0401] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5, each magnetic guide element 20 is arranged such that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to, and in contact with, at least a portion of the track 4. Likewise, each magnetic shield element 22 is arranged such that at least a portion thereof is adjacent to, and in contact with, at least a portion of the track 4.

[0402] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3a, 3b, 5, and 7, each magnetic guide element 20 is configured to be fixed relative to each magnet 6. In this embodiment, the magnetic guide elements 20 rotate with the magnets 6. Likewise, the magnetic shield elements 22 are configured to be fixed relative to the magnets 6, such that the magnetic shield elements 22 rotate with the magnets 6.

[0403] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the magnets 6 share a common magnetic guide element 20 and a common magnetic shield element 22.

[0404] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3a, One or more of the magnets 6 are arranged at a first radius 24 from the axis of rotation and one or more of the magnets 6 are arranged at a second radius 26 from the axis of rotation. The magnets 6 of the first radius 24 are associated with one or more first magnetic guide members 20a. At least a part of each first magnetic guide member 20a may be arranged between two or more of the magnets 6 of the second radius 26. The magnetic guide members 20, 22a include one or more elongate members.

[0405] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5, at least a part of the magnetic guide members 20 forms part of the structure of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2, and as such, at least a part of the magnetic guide members 20 is configured to run on the track 4. Specifically, at least a part of the magnetic guide members 20 forms at least a part of a tread portion 2d and at least a portion of a flange portion 2e of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0406] The frame member 1a is a rotor, as it is rotatable, and is configured to accommodate the magnets therein. The frame member 1a is a housing for the magnets 6. The frame member 1a is substantially disc shaped. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the frame member 1a is integrally formed with the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the frame member 1a is mountable to the vehicle 2, which makes it suitable for retrofitting thereto.

[0407] The frame member 1a is mountable to a corresponding frame member receiving apparatus of the vehicle 2. The frame member receiving apparatus is an axle of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 configured to rotate the frame member 1a and to not rotate the electrical power module 14d. The frame member 1a includes a through bore 28 (an example of an engagement portion) configured to engage with the frame member receiving apparatus of the vehicle 2.

[0408] The vehicle 2 comprises a motor operable to rotate the magnets 6 when rotatably mounted to the vehicle 2 and to rotate a wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the magnets 6 may be rotated by a separate motor to that used to rotate the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0409] The axis of rotation of the magnets 6 and the axis of rotation of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2 are coaxial. However, in other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the magnets 6 may be substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0410] The magnets 6 could be configured to rotate synchronously or asynchronously with the wheels 2a of the vehicle 2 when the magnets 6 are mounted to the vehicle 2.

[0411] The magnets 6 are arranged to rotate in a circular path.

[0412] The rotation of the magnets 6 may be in the clockwise direction or the anti-clockwise direction.

[0413] The apparatus 1 is a rugged, vibration-resistant, rigid apparatus 1.

[0414] A further embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a traction assistance device 30 operable to increase the traction of the wheel(s) 2a of the vehicle 2 to the track 4. The traction assistance device 30 is operable to apply a traction agent 32 to at least a portion of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2, specifically to at least a portion of the wheel 2a that is, in use, in contact with the track 4.

[0415] The traction assistance device 30 is arranged to be spaced apart from the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 along the z-axis 2z of the vehicle 2. The traction assistance device 30 is located adjacent to the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 and is fixedly attached to the vehicle 2, such that, in use, the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 moves relative to the traction assistance device 30.

[0416] The magnets 6 of the apparatus 1 are operable to attract the traction agent 32 to the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 and to adhere the traction agent 32 to the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In this embodiment, the magnets 6 are typically all permanently activated, to retain the traction agent 32 close to the wheel 2a.

[0417] The traction agent 32 is configured to increase the contact friction of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 to the track 4, when the traction agent 32 is located on the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. The traction agent 32 is configured to increase the surface area of at least one surface of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 when located thereon. The traction agent 32 is configured to increase the surface roughness of at least one surface of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 when located thereon.

[0418] The traction agent 32 is typically fine ferrous material, although a wide range of suitable materials can be used. For example, the traction agent 32 could include one or more fluids, and any mixture of solids, liquids and gases, although in this embodiment a solid fluid is used (fine ferrous material).

[0419] The traction agent 32 is configured to increase the magnetic coupling between the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2 and the track 4 when the traction agent 32 is located on the wheel 2a. This improves the magnetic friction of the apparatus 1, in addition to roughening the surface of the wheel 2a.

[0420] The traction assistance device 30 is connectable to a source of the traction agent 34, which could be a bucket, tank, reservoir, or the like.

[0421] The traction assistance device 30 is operable to remove the traction agent 32 from the upper region 2c of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0422] In the embodiment shown here, the traction assistance device 30 comprises one or more electromagnets 36 operable to apply and/or remove the traction agent 32 to or from the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2, by attracting or repelling the traction agent 32 to, or from, the wheel 2a.

[0423] The magnets 6 of the apparatus 1 are operable to repel the traction agent 32 from the wheel 2a of the vehicle 1. For example, when the traction agent 32 is no longer required, such as at high speed, the traction agent 32 can be removed by the magnets 6. New traction agent 32 can be applied to the wheel 2a.

[0424] The traction assistance device 30 comprises a body portion 38 including one or more concave faces 38a arranged opposite the wheel 2a of the tread portion 2d of the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2.

[0425] Modifications or improvements may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0426] For example, although the embodiments illustrated above show a vehicle 2 and a wheel 2a thereof, other embodiments of the invention could provide an apparatus 1 for applying a force to a structure, the apparatus 1 comprising one or more magnets, the one or more magnets 6 being rotatably mountable with respect to at least part of a structure. The structure could be locatable on or adjacent to an object, the object comprising one or more electrically conductive portions. The magnets 6 could be configured such that their rotation relative to the object induces one or more electrical currents in the object, the, or each electrical current creating a magnetic field, such that a force is applied to the structure. It will be appreciated that a wide range of structures and objects could be used.

[0427] While in the embodiments illustrated here the track 4 is a rail member, the track 4 could include any form of track or surface that a vehicle may traverse or follow, including railway tracks or rails, roads, paths, guides, guide members or guide rails, runway for aircraft, tracks for robotic vehicles, and tram lines.

[0428] The vehicle 2 could be configured to run on, or adjacent to the track 4.

[0429] The vehicle 2 could be a railway locomotive, a carriage of a rail vehicle, a tram, street car, or the like, a fuel-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel-powered and/or electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 2 could be configured to run on at least a portion of the track 4 and run adjacent to at least another portion of the track 4.

[0430] The vehicle 2 could be an aircraft, aerial vehicle, or the like. The track 4 may form at least a part of a runway for the aircraft, aerial vehicle, or the like. The vehicle 2 could be operable to hover above the track 4. The vehicle 2 could be operable to take off from, and/or land on, at least a portion of the track 4.

[0431] The vehicle 2 could be a robot, robotic device, robotic system, autonomous vehicle, or the like. The vehicle 2 could be a robotic vehicle.

[0432] Although the track 4 has been illustrated as being substantially flat, the track 4 could include one or more inclined portions, sloped portions, undulating portions, ramped portions, and/or flat portions. For example, the track 4 could include flat portions and sloped portions.

[0433] The vehicle 2 could be an automotive vehicle. The track 4 could form part of a road surface.

[0434] Although not described above, the apparatus 1 could be operable to accelerate the vehicle 2 from a stationary position and to decelerate the vehicle to a stationary position.

[0435] Although the apparatus 1 described above is illustrated as inducing eddy currents in the track 4, it will be understood that depending on the properties of the apparatus 1, vehicle 2 and track 4, the apparatus 1 could induce a different type of electrical current in the track 4.

[0436] It will be appreciated that permanent magnets, or a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets, or other types of magnets, could be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0437] In other embodiments, the vehicle 2 could be operable to fly, hover, or levitate above the track in the direction of the x-axis, y-axis and/or z-axis.

[0438] In other embodiments, the control system 14 could be integrated with a control system of the vehicle 2.

[0439] The source of electrical power could be obtained from one or more generator systems, either track side or on board the vehicle 2, or from energy storage devices, such as batteries. Other suitable sources of electrical power can be used, including d.c. power sources. The power management module 14c could comprise a power conversion device operable to convert d.c. electrical power to a.c. electrical power, or vice versa. The power conversion device could include an inverter, a power inverter, a rectifier, or the like.

[0440] The apparatus 1 may be configured to apply the same electrical phase to each magnet 6 (single phase mode).

[0441] At least one magnet 6 could be configured to provide a static magnetic field. A plurality of magnets 6 could be configured to provide a static magnetic field. All of the magnets 6 could be configured to provide a static magnetic field.

[0442] The apparatus 1 could include one or more magnets 6 arranged in a Halbach array.

[0443] The control system 14 could be operable to move the magnets 6 between a first position and a second position. For example, the apparatus 1 could comprise one or more permanent magnets, which could be moveable.

[0444] Although in the embodiments illustrated and described here, the, or each, magnet 6 is fully rotatable about the axis of rotation, in other embodiments, the magnets 6 could be at least partially pivotably mountable with respect to at least a part of the vehicle 2. In this arrangement, the magnet(s) 6 are partially pivotable about the axis of rotation, or are fully pivotable or rotatable about the axis of rotation.

[0445] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the traction assistance device 30 could comprise one or more fluid transfer devices operable to apply and/or remove the traction agent 32 to or from the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. The fluid transfer device(s) could include one or more nozzles, orifices, holes, or the like, for dispensing and/or collecting the traction agent 32. This could be in addition to the electromagnet 36, or as an alternative embodiment.

[0446] The apparatus 1 could comprise a plurality of traction assistance devices 30. Each traction assistance device 30 could be operable to apply and/or remove the traction agent 32 to or from the wheel 2a of the vehicle 2. In this arrangement, the apparatus 1 could comprise separate traction assistance devices 30 for applying and removing the traction agent 32.