Actuator-Supported Auxiliary Device Positioning for Rail Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rail vehicles with sliding doors face challenges in maintaining operational reliability due to auxiliary devices like lighting or image acquisition systems being impaired by the door's position, as existing solutions lack actuator-supported positioning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary device, such as a lighting or image acquisition system, is designed with a movable part that can be actuator-supported to change its position and orientation relative to the rail vehicle, allowing it to protrude beyond the door area even when open, using a stationary part with fastening means for mechanical connection and a guide system for linear or pivoting movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the auxiliary device is positioned in the door area of the rail vehicle, then the device can provide lighting or information for boarding and disembarking passengers, but the door leaf covers the lighting area or detection area when the door is open, impairing the function of the auxiliary device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting for boarding and disembarkingVSAvoidfunctionality of auxiliary device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device is made movable relative to the door area through an actuator-supported positioning device. The device can dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (when the door is closed) and an extended state (when the door is open), ensuring that the lighting or detection area remains uncovered by the door leaf during door operation, thus maintaining reliable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is controlled in coordination with the door position. Before the door opens, the auxiliary device is preliminarily positioned in the extended state to ensure that when the door opens, the lighting or detection area is already clear and functional. This preliminary positioning action prevents the door from covering the auxiliary device's operational area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the auxiliary device is made stationary relative to the rail vehicle, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the door position impairs the functionality of the device when open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment to door position
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device transitions from a stationary configuration to a dynamic one, where it can be actuated to change its position relative to the door area. The actuator-supported positioning device enables the auxiliary device to adapt its position based on door status, maintaining both structural reliability through controlled movement and adaptability to door position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the auxiliary device is positioned once before operation, then the installation is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different door positions during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device incorporates an actuator-supported positioning mechanism that enables dynamic position adjustment during operation. While the installation process remains relatively simple with the stationary part having fastening means, the device gains adaptability through the movable part that can be actuated to appropriate positions based on door status, combining ease of installation with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a stationary-mounted device (for simple installation) and as a movable device (for adaptability). The positioning device allows the same auxiliary device to adapt to different operational requirements, making it universally applicable regardless of door position variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2974938B1Device and method for positioning an accessory and railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP2974938B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2974938B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2974938B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Device and method for positioning an auxiliary device in the door area of ​​a rail vehicle, wherein the device (2) comprises at least one part that can be arranged in a fixed position relative to the rail vehicle, wherein the fixed part comprises at least one fastening means for attaching the fixed part to the rail vehicle, wherein the device (2) comprises at least one part (19) that is movable relative to the fixed part, wherein the auxiliary device is arranged on the movable part (19), wherein the movable part is movable between a retracted and extended state by means of an actuator, and a rail vehicle.