Title of invention:

Temporary Implementations of Automated Guideway Transit Networks

Previous discussion with Army Corps of Engineers

Purpose of invention:

The purpose of this invention is to permit rapid deployment of grade-separated networks of robotic vehicles to meet temporary or emergency mobility needs of people and cargo. This is a new invention similar to invention documented in patent 6,810,817:

• Networks of robot vehicles without the requirement of a centralized computer control or human drivers: “A method of controlling a transportation System for moving people, freight, and any combination whereof using a distributed network of intelligent devices without requiring the aid of a human driver”
• Use of the guideway structures with alternative option to use solar energy to power the networks: “The method... providing... Solar and other power generators integrated into the physical Structure of Said transportation System....”

Invention (patent 6,810,817) did not address rapid deployment, temporary, or emergency deployment of such robotic networks. This patent documents how temporary deployment of networks of robotic vehicles provide solutions for temporary needs, disasters, and military operations.

What problems does the invention solve?

Currently conventional highway networks have several susceptibilities this patent mitigates:

• Highways may flood, become impassable, or damaged due to natural events like earthquakes or hurricanes.
• Highways may become damaged or impassable during war times due to bombs, other harms, collapsed buildings, or trees.
• Highway and ancillary structures such as bridges, storm water sewers, guide rails and signage  are complex, expensive, and time consuming to rebuild.
• Disabled or out of fuel private automobiles, trucks and buses reduce highway carrying capacity.
• Crisis events interrupt or prevent fossil fuel supply needed for conventional cargo carriers.
• Fuel shortages in times of crisis as people shift gasoline buying behaviors from Just-in-Time to Just-in-Case.
• Highways burn energy moving 2-tons to move a person with the 25 mpg efficiency of the Model-T. This is 188 times less efficient than the 470 ton-mpg efficiency of freight railroads. This patent is more than 10 times as efficient as cars on highways.
• Highways move cargo at about 72 ton-mpg versus freight railroads averaging about 470 ton-mpg. This patent is more than twice as efficient as trucks on highways.
• NASA: “Road Transportation Emerges as Key Driver of Warming”.

What benefits does the invention provide?

• This invention permits rapid installation of a system for movement of people and cargo into and out of an area where highway traffic is obstructed or reduced.
• This invention reduces energy consumption for moving people and cargo by approximately 90%.
• When fitted with renewable collectors or other energy generating equipment, this invention is energy self-reliant. This eliminates the need to expend energy delivering energy from a remote location. It also preempts the panic energy shortages often experienced as scarce resources are hoarded.

What does the invention look like?

This invention includes:

• Vehicle supported guideway suspended above grade level such that the network is above impassable or flooded areas.  An example setup in front of Boston City Hall is shown at right. FIG 1.
• Capability of being staged and rapidly deployed. Similar to Mulberry Harbors, 10 miles of floating roadways built for the D-Day invasion in World War II. FIG 2.

• Capable of being deployed over broken highways and other damaged infrastructure. FIG 3.

• Capable of moving fill, stones, riprap, or other materials needed to repair and/or build wave breaks and levees. FIG 4.
• As an option, including the installation of solar energy collecting panels onto or near guideways to provide some or all of the energy needed by the network.  This option also includes the equipment needed to store the collected solar energy and distribute it throughout the network. FIG 5.

How does the invention work?

Overhead supported networks of self-driving vehicles are constructed in compliance with regulations required for ski lifts and theme park rides. Regulations may vary to meet needs in times of crisis. They are built at a height above the ground that minimizes interference with at-grade recovery efforts or obstructions.

Networks will have secure access to loading stations and provide physical security.

Autonomous vehicles move people, cargo, food, water, sewage, waste, debris, and other payloads as needed for disaster mitigation. People and cargo traveling above the grade have greater security, lower energy requirements, and are generally quicker than vehicles traveling at grade.

What makes the invention unique?

There are no previous temporary networks of overhead supported self-driving vehicles. No temporary networks of self-driving vehicles have used their structures to deploy solar collectors to collect, store and distribute energy. Never have overhead supported networks of self-driving vehicles been integrated into harbors to link water-borne resources to mitigate and recover land disasters.

What are the claims you would like to protect for your invention?

1. A method of temporarily deploying overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles to mitigate natural and man-made disasters, including but not limited to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, industrial accidents, and armed conflicts, by providing rapid logistical support, medical evacuation, emergency supply distribution, and temporary infrastructure replacement.
2. A method of using predictive analytics and historical disaster data to optimize the pre-positioning of modular components for overhead supported networks in high-risk areas.
3. A method of utilizing overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles to combat wildfires through coordinated activities including creating firebreaks, deploying water and fire retardant delivery systems, facilitating controlled burns, and supporting evacuation efforts.
4. An optional method of integrating energy producing systems alongside or into the structures of temporary overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles, including solar panels and other energy producing systems, to provide power for network operations and disaster relief efforts.
5. A method of integrating microgrid energy producing and storage systems alongside or into the structures of temporary overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles, including fuel cells, batteries, ultracapacitors, flywheels, gravity energy storage, compressed air and other systems.
6. A method of linking the robotic self-driving vehicle networks with local infrastructure emergency communication systems, including mobile cell towers, internet mesh networks, and satellite uplinks, to maintain communications connectivity in disaster-affected areas.
7. A method of carrying on overhead networks modular units and/or equipment for temporary housing, medical facilities, command centers, and other structures or components of structures.
8. A system for deploying water processing equipment, sewage collection, storage and processing equipment, concrete mixers, and other recovery tools along overhead supported networks.
9. A system for deploying agriculture equipment and supplies to shorten the time required to mitigate compromised agricultural capabilities and/or deliveries.
10. A method of temporarily using overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles for special events, construction, and other non-crisis activities.
11. A method of using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize the deployment, routing, sensing, predictive maintenance, and resource allocation of temporary overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles in response to evolving disaster scenarios.
12. A method of using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize understanding and adapting to the environment including social media, police/fire reports,  scanning the terrain, trees, buildings, and other natural and man-made features that may affect the network.
13. A method of integrating temporary overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles connected to existing transportation infrastructure to create intermodal logistics chains for disaster relief operations.
14. A method of subcontainers that fit inside standard shipping containers for shipment by rail or truck, carried by the overhead supported network for an intermediate distance, and carried last distance by cargo bikes, pickup trucks or other last mile solutions.
15. A method of using blockchain and machine learning software tools to optimize payloads in subcontainers, track inventories and locations, and verify chain of custody, photo logs, condition, and delivery of critical supplies transported by robotic self-driving vehicles in disaster relief operations.
16. A method for rapidly assembling and disassembling modular components of overhead supported networks for robotic self-driving vehicles, allowing for quick deployment and reconfiguration in emergency situations.
17. A method of adding sensors, serialization, geolocation, and machine learning software to account for modular components, facilitate maintenance/replacement, assure alignment, and adapt to other requirements of components, their deployment, and their recovery.
18. A method of using network sensors, augmented reality, enhanced human sensor interfaces to train and assist human operators in remotely deploying, controlling, and coordinating overhead supported networks and robotic self-driving vehicles within temporary situations.
19. A method of integrating aerial drones, ground-based robots, and/or survey robots, with self-driving vehicles on overhead supported networks to enhance situational awareness, deliver supplies to inaccessible areas, and conduct search and rescue operations during disaster response and other temporary uses.
20. A method of using overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles to support building levees, pipelines, and other types of civil engineering works.
21. A method of using overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles to support removal of debris and sorting of debris as may be required.
22. A method of sacrificing aspects of the structures of overhead supported networks of robotic self-driving vehicles into the building of levees and/or repair the levees in emergencies.
23. A method of pre-positioning pier structures to support projected emergency deployments of overhead supported networks.
24. A method of sacrificing structures of grade-separated networks if required to build wave breaks to reduce wave property damage during floods and hurricanes.
25. A method of using ships/barges/boats to deliver and deploy overhead supported networks onto shore and connections to water-based resources (food, hospital, etc) to support disaster mitigation.
26. A method of using sensors, robots, and manned patrol vehicles for physical security of these networks.
27. A method of using temporary networks of overhead supported robotic self-driving vehicles for special events, trade shows, fairs, concerts, sporting events, and other amusements.
28. A method for rapidly deploying a self-supporting, overhead supported guideway system for vehicles over unprepared or compromised terrain, including:

1. Utilizing a series of vertical columns for elevation and support;
2. Implementing horizontal trusses or beams to separate columns and support the guideway, maintaining structural integrity;
3. Incorporating tensioned cables to as needed between columns and from columns to grade;
4. Integrating a network of sensors and actuators to enable structural adjustments;
5. Providing a near level or low slope, elevated guideway surface suitable for vehicle travel; and
6. Employing adaptive control systems to maintain guideway stability and alignment in response to terrain irregularities, environmental conditions, and dynamic loads

29. A method of pre-mounting adjustable support bases and columns on mobile platforms such as vehicles or trailers;

1. Transporting these pre-mounted structures to deployment sites;
2. Rapidly positioning and adjusting the structures to create a stable foundation;
3. Connecting pre-fabricated guideway segments to the deployed structure;
4. Utilizing quick-connect mechanisms for joining guideway segments and attaching them to structure;
5. Incorporating built-in sensing, leveling, and alignment systems for rapid on-site adjustments;
6. Employing modular design principles to allow for flexible configuration based on terrain and requirements;
7. Integrating sensors and control systems for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the deployed structure.

30. A method for manufacturing and assembling components of overhead supported guideways, comprising:

1. Designing the components with interlocking features, slots, tabs, or other joining mechanisms to facilitate assembly;
2. Optimizing the component designs for efficient nesting during storage and transportation;
3. Incorporating alignment markers or assembly guides directly into the  components;
4. Providing detailed assembly instructions or digital guides for on-site construction;
5. Employing a modular design approach to allow for customization and scalability of the final structures;
6. Integrating pre-drilled holes or attachment points for additional hardware or accessories;
7. Providing sensors and robotic inspection to check for proper assembly.
8. Providing enhanced reality for operators to aid and check their work.

31. A method for emptying payloads from vehicles on the overhead network without applying detrimental torque to the guideway structure, comprising:

1. Designing vehicles with payload containers that pivot around their center of gravity;
2. Incorporating sensors to dynamically detect and adjust for shifts in the center of gravity as the payload is emptied;
3. Utilizing a counterbalance system that automatically compensates for weight changes during unloading;
4. Implementing a controlled release mechanism that gradually empties the payload to maintain stability;
5. Employing articulated arms, ground based tools, or conveyor systems that extend beyond the guideway to deposit materials without direct force application to the structure;
6. Developing detachable container systems that can be removed and replaced without significant load transfer to the guideway;
7. Integrating real-time structural stress monitoring to ensure guideway integrity during unloading operations;
8. Coordinating multiple vehicles for simultaneous, balanced unloading to distribute forces evenly across the guideway structure.

32. A method for building and reinforcing levees using the overhead network of robotic self-driving vehicles, comprising:

1. Utilizing machine learning algorithms to analyze topographical data and flood risk assessments to determine optimal levee locations and specifications;
2. Coordinating the delivery of specific types and quantities of aggregate materials to designated construction sites via the grade-separated network;
3. Employing specialized robotic vehicles equipped with aggregate dispensing mechanisms designed for precise material placement;
4. Implementing real-time monitoring systems to track levee construction progress and material distribution;
5. Adapting delivery schedules and material compositions based on environmental conditions and construction feedback;
6. Integrating with existing flood control infrastructure to enhance overall system effectiveness;
7. Providing rapid response capabilities for emergency levee reinforcement during flood events.

Application # 63/706,638

Confirmation # 2371

Patent center # 67546320

Received: 10/12/2024 4:17:38 PM ET

FIG. 1: Example of grade-separated Automated Guideway Transit displayed at Boston City Hall. Height above the ground and structure of the guideways will vary depending on needs.

FIG. 2: Example of a temporary harbor. This patent applies to Automated Guideway Transit meeting such temporary needs.

FIG. 3: Deploying over broken heavy infrastructure.

FIG. 4: Deploying wave brakes or levees.

FIG. 5: Deploying solar collectors over guideways to localize the energy source to power Automated Guideway Transit.