Composite reaction member for lateral guidance and levitation control of

Abstract

An electrodynamic levitation system for moving from one location to another location. The system comprises a vehicle. The system also comprises a guideway along which the vehicle travels. Additionally, the system comprises a propulsion mechanism for moving the vehicle. At least a first portion of the propulsion mechanism is in contact with the vehicle and at least a second portion of the propulsion mechanism is in contact with the guideway. The system also comprises mechanism for controlling lateral guidance levitation of the vehicle with respect to the guideway as the vehicle travels along the guideway. At least a first portion of the controlling mechanism is in contact with the vehicle and at least a second portion of the controlling mechanism is in contact with the guideway. The present invention also pertains to a levitation and guidance element for an electrodynamically suspended maglev vehicle. The element comprises an electrically conductive levitation and guidance strip. The element also is comprised of a ferromagnetic lateral guidance strip in contact with and in parallel with the levitation and guidance strip. In a preferred embodiment, the levitation and guidance strip has a width, and the lateral guidance strip has a width which is less than the width of the levitation and guidance strip.