Active Door Locking Mechanism for Rail Vehicle Swing-Sliding Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-leaf pivoting sliding door systems for rail vehicles are unable to withstand greater loads, particularly along the main closing edge, due to their complex and expensive structures.

Innovation Solution

A two-leaf pivoting sliding door system that incorporates a passive locking device with a central fitting and an additional active locking device, featuring a rigid elongate element and actuator, which supports the passive locking mechanism to enhance strength and maintainability, allowing the system to handle increased loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passive locking device is used in the middle section of the door frame, then the door system can be locked by friction, but the construction becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a passive locking device with fittings in the kick plate and door leaves, and a separate active locking device with rigid elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring complex integration, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining reliable locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive locking device with fittings acts as an intermediary between the door leaves and the active locking device. The fittings provide fixed reference points that guide and support the rigid elements, enabling the active locking mechanism to function effectively without direct complex interaction between the actuator and door structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If both passive and active locking devices are implemented, then the door system can withstand greater loads, but the construction becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a passive locking device with fittings in the kick plate and door leaves, and a separate active locking device with rigid elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring complex integration, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining reliable locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive and active locking devices are merged into a coordinated system where the passive fittings provide structural reference points and the active rigid elements provide controlled locking force. This combination enables the door system to withstand greater loads along the entire main closing edge while keeping individual components simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a complex locking system is used to increase strength, then the door can withstand heavier loads, but maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a passive locking device with fittings in the kick plate and door leaves, and a separate active locking device with rigid elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring complex integration, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining reliable locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive locking device with tapered fittings automatically guides the rigid elements into proper alignment during door closing, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The self-aligning feature reduces maintenance requirements while the coordinated action of both locking devices ensures high load bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3702234B1Active additional door fastening in the lower area of the main closing edge
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 BODE - DIE TUR GMBH
  • EP3702234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702234B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a two-leaf swing-sliding door system (10) for a rail vehicle (1) comprising a door portal (11) with a kick plate (12), a first and a second door leaf (20, 21) with which the door portal (11) can be closed along a centrally arranged main closing edge (22), a passive locking device (40) with which both door leaves (20, 21) can be locked forcefully in the closed state, and according to the invention an additional active locking device (50) which actively supports the passive locking device (40).