Boarding Step Plate With Overrun Protection for Platform Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climbing systems for vehicles, such as rail vehicles, face challenges in reliably bridging gaps and height differences, especially when sensor failures occur, and they often require either a sliding step or a ramp, but not both efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A climbing system that includes a linearly displaced step plate arrangement capable of independently deciding whether to function as a sliding step or a ramp based on sensor data, with a transfer protection element to prevent overrunning platforms and ensure safe operation even without functional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sensor system is used to control the step plate extension, then the boarding system can automatically detect platform position and control sliding step movement, but sensor failures can cause the step plate to overrun the platform, creating safety hazards and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The overrun protection element is pre-positioned on the step plate before operation. When the step plate extends, the protection element提前 protrudes beyond the step plate's front end to detect platform presence. This preliminary positioning allows the system to detect platform boundaries and stop extension before overrun occurs, even when sensors fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The overrun protection element acts as an intermediary mechanical detection device between the step plate extension mechanism and the platform. Instead of relying solely on electronic sensors, this mechanical intermediary physically contacts the platform to detect its presence and trigger the retraction command, providing a backup detection path when sensors fail.
2Productivity
If the step plate is designed for high-speed sliding step operation with significant load capacity, then boarding efficiency is improved, but the system cannot provide ramp function for passengers with reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The step plate system is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing it to switch between two operational modes: sliding step mode for normal operation and ramp mode for accessibility. The control unit receives commands to change the extension distance - a shorter distance for sliding step function and a longer distance that allows the step plate to rest on the platform surface for ramp function. This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single system to serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The step plate assembly is designed as a universal boarding device that can perform both sliding step and ramp functions. By adjusting the extension distance and controlling whether the step plate hovers above or rests on the platform, the same hardware structure provides two different boarding aids, eliminating the need for separate sliding step and ramp installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ramps are used for passengers with reduced mobility, then accessibility is improved, but the ramps are slow, designed for lighter loads, and require manual operation by train staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sliding step mechanism with ramp functionality into a single integrated system. The same step plate, drive unit, and control system that provide high-speed sliding step operation also provide ramp function when needed. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ramp hardware and manual operation, allowing the high-performance sliding step system to serve dual purposes including accessibility support.
4Speed
If the step plate extends to bridge gaps efficiently, then boarding speed is improved, but without overrun protection the step plate may extend too far and touch the ground, causing it to become stuck and unable to retract
Solution Approach 1:
The overrun protection element protrudes beyond the step plate's front end before extension begins. This preliminary positioning allows the protection element to make contact with the platform first during extension, detecting the platform boundary before the step plate itself reaches it. This early detection prevents the step plate from extending too far and becoming stuck on the ground or platform edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The overrun protection element provides mechanical feedback about platform presence to the control unit. When the protection element contacts the platform, it triggers a signal that feeds back to the control unit, which then commands the drive unit to stop extension and initiate retraction. This feedback mechanism ensures the step plate maintains a safe distance from the platform edge, preventing overrun and ensuring reliable retraction capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an access system for a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle. This system comprises: - a linearly extendable step plate (20) in an extension unit, with a walkable upper surface (24) and an underside (22) facing a surface when extended, which, when extended, is oriented essentially horizontally in a first walkable sliding step position and obliquely to the horizontal in a second walkable ramp position; - a sensor system with at least one sensor, which is designed and arranged such that an area in front of the access system can be measured in its relative position to the step plate (20) and measurement data can be generated, on the basis of which the step plate (20) is moved into a sliding step position or a ramp position.- a drive-over protection element (28) arranged on the underside (22) of the step plate (20) and pivotably mounted with respect to the underside (22), the element having a front contact surface (30) arranged at its free end forward in the direction of extension and arranged substantially vertically in the pivoted state, and a floor contact surface (34) on its side facing away from the underside (22) and aligned substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the underside (22) in the pivoted state, wherein the drive-over protection element (28) is mounted on the underside (22) such that it pivots out when the sliding step is extended.