Adaptive high-pressure water jet safety device for locomotives to prevent collisions with people on tracks

Abstract

Safety device for locomotives to avoid collisions with persons on tracks, characterized in that that they have a sensor system for obstacle detection, a control unit for analyzing the sensor data and a high-pressure water jet unit, When a person is detected on the tracks, a directed high-pressure water jet is automatically triggered, to remove the person from the tracks and at the same time initiate an emergency brake on the locomotive.

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to a safety system for locomotives based on a combination of sensors, adaptive control, and high-pressure water jet technology. The system is designed to prevent suicides and accidents on railway tracks by detecting people on the tracks and moving them out of the danger zone using a precisely controlled high-pressure water jet. State of the art:

[0002] To date, various obstacle detection systems for rail vehicles exist, including radar, lidar, and camera systems for warning train drivers. However, active protection mechanisms for removing people from the danger zone are unknown. Existing braking systems often fail to prevent collisions in time due to long stopping distances. Object of the invention:

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a technical solution that automatically activates a mechanism when obstacles (especially people) are detected on the tracks to prevent a collision or overrun. This is to be achieved through the targeted use of a high-pressure water jet that pushes the person away from the tracks before a collision can occur. Solution to the task:

[0004] The safety device according to the invention comprises the following main components: 1. Recognition system: • A combination of lidar, radar and infrared sensors for real-time detection of people or other obstacles on the tracks. • An AI-supported image processing camera to identify the type of obstacle (human, animal, object) and to classify dangerous situations. 2. Control unit: • A high-speed computer module for processing the sensor data. • Software for adaptive calculation of the optimal water pressure intensity, depending on the distance, position and posture of the person. • Direct connection to the locomotive’s brake control for simultaneous initiation of an emergency braking process. 3. High-pressure water jet unit: • A water tank with a capacity of 500-1000 liters, integrated into the front of the locomotive. • A high-pressure tank with a pressure capacity of 1,000 - 4,000 bar. • A specially designed high-pressure nozzle (or series of high-pressure nozzles) that produces a directed, possibly shapeable and adaptive water jet to specifically remove people from the tracks. • Rapid pressure release mechanism, similar to an airbag system, to generate effective thrust in milliseconds. How it works: 1. The sensor module detects a person on the tracks and sends a signal to the control unit. 2. The AI-based analysis determines the exact location, position and behavior of the person (standing, lying, walking). 3. The control unit calculates the optimal pressure intensity and activates the high-pressure water jet system. 4. The water jet is delivered in a specific direction and with controlled force, so that the person is pushed to the side 5. At the same time, an emergency brake is initiated on the locomotive. Advantages of the invention: • Avoiding collisions: The targeted water jet effectively removes a person from the danger zone. • Fast reaction time: The high pressure technology allows for an almost immediate effect. • Avoiding injuries: Compared to a physical collision with the locomotive, the water system represents a less harmful alternative. • Automatic activation: The process runs without manual intervention, which ensures high reliability. - Retrofittable: The system can be integrated into both new and existing locomotives. Alternative embodiments: • Integration of a foam spray mechanism for additional cushioning. • Use of compressed air jets as a supplement or alternative to water.

Claims

[1] Safety device for locomotives to avoid collisions with persons on tracks, characterized by , that they have a sensor system for obstacle detection, a control unit for analyzing the sensor data and a high-pressure water jet unit, When a person is detected on the tracks, a directed high-pressure water jet is automatically triggered, to remove the person from the tracks and at the same time initiate an emergency brake on the locomotive. [2] Safety device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sensor system comprises a combination of lidar, radar and infrared sensors as well as an image processing camera, which is controlled by artificial intelligence. [3] Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control unit automatically calculates the intensity, direction and duration of the high-pressure water jet depending on the distance, position and posture of the detected person. [4] Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the high pressure water jet unit includes a water tank with a volume of 500-1000 liters and a high pressure tank with a pressure capacity of 1000-4000 bar. [5] Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the high-pressure water jet unit has an airbag-like quick-discharge mechanism, which triggers the water jet within milliseconds. [6] Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system can be automatically refilled after activation and / or can be filled by an external supply unit, e.g. at train stations. [7] Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be retrofitted into new and existing locomotives.