Railcar comprising a vehicle platform for parking a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a railcar 10 comprising a vehicle platform 16 for parking a vehicle 18. The vehicle platform is situated above a railcar platform 12 of the railcar, wherein the railcar comprises a motion mechanism 20, configured to move the vehicle platform laterally along a transversal direction 30 of the railcar. The motion mechanism may be configured to move the vehicle platform between a predefined parking position and at least one predefined enter position 24 wherein the respective enter position is selected to provide additional lateral clearance to a respective transversal side of the vehicle. The motion mechanism may be configured to roll the vehicle platform about an axis along a longitudinal direction of the railcar. The railcar may comprise a collision detection device comprising a collision detection sensor device 44 wherein the collision detection device is configured to control the motion mechanism to stop a motion 46 of the vehicle platform when an obstacle is sensed in a direction of the motion by the collision detection sensor device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a railcar comprising a vehicle platform for parking a vehicle. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The choice to travel by rail or road requires an analysis of their relative advantages and disadvantages. Traveling by rail (i.e. on a passenger train) is often more environmentally sustainable per passenger than an equivalent journey via automobile. Furthermore, passenger trains often require less space per passenger than their automotive equivalents. Thus, when passengers choose to travel by train instead of by automobile, they often help mitigate traffic for the region. On an individual level, rail passengers can enjoy their journey without being preoccupied with the task of driving, without worrying about traffic delays, and without the burden of parking and moving their vehicle.

[0003] Despite the numerous advantages of rail transportation, many passengers choose to travel by road instead. A common reason is that public rail transportation is not cheap, accessible, fast, or convenient enough for many journeys. However, another common reason is that passengers lose the comfort, privacy, safety, and security of their private automobile. In fact, for many, there is no argument that can outweigh the importance of safety and security.

[0004] Therefore, it follows that automobile and rail transportation can be complementary to each other if passengers can travel inside of automobiles that are loaded onto railcars. This offers passengers the comfort, privacy, safety, and security of their private automobile. Moreover, while it is not as efficient as typical passenger rail transportation, it can be more efficient than the same journey by plane or automobile.

[0005] Unfortunately, it is extraordinarily rare that passengers can travel within their loaded automobiles. This is likely because most vehicle loading processes and mechanisms optimize for space instead of the passenger safety and comfort. Thus, automobiles are loaded with minimal longitudinal gaps and are stacked atop each other on decks that are barely tall enough for the vehicles to fit.

[0006] However, one can imagine a future where passengers remain inside their vehicles for a journey by rail. This may be more likely as automobiles become increasingly autonomous and electric; their interiors will correspondingly trend towards luxurious and comfortable private cabins. Furthermore, increasingly aggressive pushes towards environmentally sustainable transportation will increase the demand for rail transportation solutions.

[0007] Fortunately, railcar configurations can be modified in many ways to promote passenger travel over space efficiency. Yet there is one constraint that may pose the biggest challenge: the railcars’ limited width. While railcar widths do vary somewhat, most are only slightly wider than the typical automobile. This constraint is relatively inflexible; railcar widths are highly regulated and correlated to the track gauge of their rail network.

[0008] Thus, the lateral clearance may not be enough for automotive doors to practically open, preventing passengers from exiting and entering their vehicles. This is a clear detriment for many reasons. Passengers must be free to reach a restroom, to get food or drinks, or to simply stretch their legs. It also poses a health and safety risk: medical personnel must be able to reach a passenger in a health crisis and passengers must be able to evacuate in case of an emergency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a railcar, which provides the necessary lateral clearance for passengers of a vehicle to enter and exit the vehicle during a transport of the vehicle on the railcar.

[0010] This object is solved by a railcar according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0011] An aspect of the present invention is related to a railcar comprising a vehicle platform for parking a vehicle. The vehicle platform is situated above a railcar platform of the railcar, wherein the railcar comprises a motion mechanism, configured to move the vehicle platform laterally along a transversal direction of the railcar.

[0012] Therefore, this invention is a system and mechanism to move automobiles laterally on a railcar so that passengers can exit and enter when they request.

[0013] This invention takes advantage of the tendency for the vehicles to be loaded in the center of their lateral space. This tendency reduces the probability that the vehicle will collide with a side wall. However, it also halves the lateral clearance on each side. Thus, passengers on neither side have sufficient clearance to exit or enter the vehicle.

[0014] Consequently, this invention proposes that the vehicles are loaded onto a railcar platform that can move itself laterally within the railcar. If a passenger would like to exit or enter the vehicle on the right side, the passenger can request that the platform moves all the way to the left. This ensures that the lateral clearance is used fully for the right passenger, which may make the difference between constrained and free passenger mobility. Of course, passengers on any side can utilize this process if there is no ongoing request for the other side.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the motion mechanism is configured to move the vehicle platform between a predefined parking position and at least one predefined enter position, wherein the respective enter position is selected to provide additional lateral clearance to a respective transversal side of the vehicle.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the motion mechanism is configured to roll the vehicle platform about an axis along a longitudinal direction of the railcar. longitudinal axis to provide additional lateral clearance.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the railcar comprises a collision detection device, comprising a collision detection sensor device, wherein the collision detection device is configured to control the motion mechanism to stop a motion of the vehicle platform, when an obstacle is sensed in a direction of the motion by the collision detection sensor device.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the railcar comprises a communication network device, configured to receive a request signal via a communication network device, wherein the railcar is configured to move the vehicle platform as a function of the request signal.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the railcar comprises an exit detection device, comprising an exit detection sensor device, configured to detect a predefined motion of a door of the vehicle on the vehicle platform and to control the motion mechanism to move the vehicle platform, depending on the detected motion of the door of the vehicle.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the railcar comprises a warning device, configured to provide an acoustic and / or a visual warning signal prior or during motion of the vehicle platform.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0023] The drawing shows in:

[0024] Fig. a schematic illustration of a railcar comprising a vehicle platform for parking a vehicle.

[0025] In the figure the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0027] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0029] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] Fig. shows a schematic illustration of a railcar 10 comprising a vehicle platform 16 for parking a vehicle 18.

[0031] The railcar 10 may comprise a horizontal railcar platform 12. The railcar platform 12 may be surrounded by side walls 14 of the railcar 10. The railcar 10 may comprise one or more vehicle 18 platforms 16 that may be situated above the railcar platform 12 of the railcar 10. The vehicle platform 16 may provide space for parking vehicle 18. The railcar 10 may comprise a motion mechanism 20 configured to move the vehicle 18 platforms 16 laterally along a transversal direction 30 of the railcar 10. The motion mechanism 20 may be configured to move the vehicle platform 16 between the predefined parking position 22 and at least one predefined enter position 24. When the vehicle platform 16 is situated in the predefined parking position 22, the vehicle platform 16 may be arranged in a center between the two side walls 14. A lateral clearance between the vehicle 18 and the side walls 14 may be too small for entering and / or leaving the vehicle 18. Therefore the motion mechanism 20 may be configured to move the vehicle platform 16 to the enter position 24, when a passenger 26 of the vehicle 18 wants to exit or to enter the vehicle 18. When the vehicle platform 16 is in the enter position 24, the vehicle platform 16 may be situated closer to one of the side walls 14. Therefore a lateral clearance on one side of the vehicle 18 is enlarged. A passenger 26 may open a door 28 on the respective side for entering or leaving the vehicle 18. The motion mechanism 20 may be configured to roll the vehicle platform 16 about an axis along a longitudinal direction 32 of the railcar 10. Therefore the vehicle 18 may be rotated, wherein the lateral clearance for leaving or entering the vehicle 18 is enlarged in addition.

[0032] The motion 46 of the vehicle platform 16 may be performed by the motion mechanism 20 upon request. The railcar 10 may comprise a communication network device 34 configured to receive a request signal 36. The railcar 10 may be configured to move the vehicle platform 16 as a function of a request signal 36. The request signal 36 may be provided by a mobile device or the vehicle 18. The railcar 10 may comprise a button 52. Upon pressing of the button 52, the motion mechanism 20 may move the vehicle platform 16 between the parking position 22 and the enter position 24. The railcar 10 may also comprise an exit detection device 38, comprising an exit detection sensor device 40. The exit detection sensor device 40 may be configured to detect a predefined motion of the door 28 of the vehicle 18 on the vehicle platform 16. The exit detection device 38 may be configured to control the motion mechanism 20 to move the vehicle platform 16 depending on the detected motion 46 of the door 28 of the vehicle 18. As an example, the exit detection device 38 may recognize that a passenger 26 opens the door 28 of the vehicle 18 to a certain extend. The exit detection device 38 may control the motion mechanism 20 to move the vehicle platform 16 into the enter position 24 to allow the passenger 26 to leave the vehicle 18, when the motion 46 is detected by the exit detection device 38.

[0033] The platform’s lateral motion can be requested in many ways, including but not limited to:

[0034] Buttons or touchscreens that are integrated within the railcar and are are accessible from the vehicle’s open windows

[0035] A mobile device app that is connected to the internet or the railcar’s local wireless network (e.g. WiFi or Bluetooth connections)

[0036] Requests from the vehicle’s infotainment screens, where the vehicle itself is communicating with the railcar via wired or wireless connections

[0037] Sensor and perception systems within the railcar can detect when a vehicle door is opened or is in danger of colliding with the railcar’s internal structure to then automatically request motion

[0038] Individual or universal requests from a central control room within the train, e.g. to aid evacuation in case of an emergency

[0039] The platform’s lateral motion can be automatically halted or rejected to avoid collisions with vehicles (including their doors and side mirrors). This requires a collision detection system that may be supported by a variety of sensors, including but not limited to: Cameras, Laser range finders, Ultrasonic, RADAR sensors, LIDAR sensors, Magnetic sensors like Hall effect sensors, and possible subsequent perception systems.

[0040] In some implementations, the vehicle platform may slightly roll about the vehicle’s longitudinal axis to provide additional lateral clearance. The platform may be moved by pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuators.

[0041] In some implementations, the moving vehicle platform sits above passenger walkways. Thus, the platform’s lateral motion may cover and expose opposite sides of the passenger walkway. Lights or audible alerts may be used to warn pedestrians of opening or closing passenger walkways. The aforementioned collision detection systems may also be used to prevent collisions with pedestrians. These systems may be augmented with sensors specific for pedestrian detection. They may include, but are not limited to: pressure sensors on passenger walkways, infrared cameras, etc. Emergency stops (e-stops) buttons may be present throughout the railcar to abort any platform’s lateral motion at any time. Reference signs 10 railcar 12 railcar platform 14 side wall 16 vehicle platform 18 vehicle 20 motion mechanism 22 parking position 24 enter position 26 passenger 28 door 30 transversal direction 32 longitudinal direction 34 communication network device 36 request signal 38 exit detection device 40 exit detection sensor device 42 collision detection device 44 collision detection sensor device 46 motion 48 warning device 50 warning signal

Claims

1. A railcar (10) comprising a vehicle platform (16) for parking a vehicle (18) characterized in thatthe vehicle platform (16) is situated above a railcar platform (12) of the railcar (10), wherein the railcar (10) comprises a motion mechanism (20), configured to move the vehicle platform (16) laterally along a transversal direction (30) of the railcar (10).

2. The railcar (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe motion mechanism (20) is configured to move the vehicle platform (16) between a predefined parking position (22) and at least one predefined enter position (24), wherein the respective enter position (24) is selected to provide additional lateral clearance to a respective transversal side of the vehicle (18).

3. The railcar (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe motion mechanism (20) is configured to roll the vehicle platform (16) about an axis along a longitudinal direction (32) of the railcar (10).

4. The railcar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe railcar (10) comprises a collision detection device (42), comprising a collision detection sensor device (44), wherein the collision detection device (42) is configured to control the motion mechanism (20) to stop a motion (46) of the vehicleplatform (16), when an obstacle is sensed in a direction of the motion (46) by the collision detection sensor device (44).

5. The railcar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe railcar (10) comprises a communication network device (34), configured to receive a request signal (36) via a communication network device (34), wherein the railcar (10) is configured to move the vehicle platform (16) as a function of the request signal (36).

6. The railcar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe railcar (10) comprises an exit detection device (38), comprising an exit detection sensor device (40), configured to detect a predefined motion (46) of a door (28) of a vehicle (18) on the vehicle platform (16) and to control the motion mechanism (20) to move the vehicle platform (16), depending on the detected motion (46) of the door (28) of the vehicle (18).

7. The railcar (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe railcar (10) comprises a warning device (48), configured to provide an acoustic and / or a visual warning signal (50) prior or during a motion (46) of the vehicle platform (16).12

Images