Flexible branching apparatus in superconducting magnetically levitated railway having variable cross-section main flexible beam

Abstract

A flexible branching apparatus in a superconducting magnetically levitated railway having a U-shaped guideway includes a flexible main beam, which is integrally disposed along the guideway at the center thereof and has cross-sectional rigidity that gradually decreases from a fixed end to a distal end thereof, the main beam consisting of paramagnetic steel; cross beams integrated with the main beam and consisting of paramagnetic steel; runway concrete panels laid between the cross beams and supported so as not to possess transverse rigidity; short-span concrete panels connected to vertical portions of the cross beams by hinge support means, the short-span concrete panels having ground coils mounted thereon and constructing side walls for guidance; a driving device for driving the distal end of the main beam so as to be capable of forming the main beam into an alignment that does not fall below a minimum radius of curvature decided from an acceleration level for riding comfort; and a stopping device and locking device for restraining movement of the main beam upon completion of movement of the distal end thereof. Despite the fact that the guideway is U-shaped, bending into a planned alignment can be performed merely by driving a single location, namely the distal end portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.