Integrated Bus Access and Suspension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger bus systems face challenges in ensuring passenger accessibility, ride comfort, and safety due to limitations in suspension systems, access ramps, and integration with other bus systems, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fully- and semi-automated passenger access systems, including ramps, doors, lights, and annunciators, along with extensible suspension units and controllers, enables automatic or semi-automatic deployment and control of these components to enhance accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency, allowing for precise ramp slope management and improved ride comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of access ramps and doors is used, then system complexity is reduced, but passenger accessibility and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate systems (suspension, access ramp, door, lighting, annunciation) into a single integrated system controlled by one controller that receives signals from navigation sensors and coordinates all components automatically, resolving the contradiction by automating operations while managing complexity through systematic integration
Solution Approach 2:
The bus system performs self-service through automatic navigation to loading facilities, automated ramp deployment, and coordinated door operations based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining operational efficiency
2Productivity
If automated navigation and door control systems are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single controller performs multiple functions including receiving navigation sensor signals, controlling ramp deployment, coordinating door operations, and managing lighting and annunciation systems, thereby improving operational efficiency while consolidating complexity into a universal control unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges navigation control, ramp control, door control, and auxiliary system control into a single integrated controller that operates all components based on unified sensor inputs, enhancing productivity while managing device complexity through consolidation
3Ease of operation
If precise ramp slope management is implemented, then passenger accessibility is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from vehicle exterior condition sensors that monitor ramp deployment status and slope conditions, automatically adjusting ramp deployment to achieve precise slope management for improved accessibility while managing control complexity through sensor-based feedback loops
Data Source
AI summary
Improved passenger access and suspension systems for passenger buses, and controllers configured for use therewith; and passenger buses incorporating such systems and controllers. Integration of access ramp, door, suspension, charge interface, and other systems provides improvements in fully- or semi-automatic deployment of features such as passenger doors and ramps, and charge interface components, as well as navigation to passenger access points.