Central Structural Module Vehicle Staircase Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle staircases, particularly in rail vehicles, face issues with aesthetics due to coating deterioration and require lengthy assembly processes, necessitating heavy components and joint operator efforts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle staircase design featuring a structural module extending centrally within the stairwell, eliminating the need for stringers and finishing coats, which simplifies assembly and reduces weight, allowing single-operator installation without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stringers are used to support steps and link them together, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to the need for finishing coats at junction regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stringers from the staircase structure entirely. Instead of using traditional stringers that require aesthetic finishing, the invention uses a central support column with horizontal support elements that extend outward to support the steps. This extraction of the problematic stringer component eliminates the need for finishing coats while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If heavy polyester blocks weighing approximately 45 kg are used for each stair section, then structural strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases requiring handling tools and joint operator effort
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is divided into modular sections, each comprising a portion of the central support column, horizontal support elements, and associated steps. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of lighter components that can be easily handled and assembled by a single operator, while the overall structure maintains required strength through proper modular configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment studs and finishing coats are used to ensure alignment and aesthetics, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-manufactured with built-in alignment features and precise dimensions. The central support column and horizontal support elements incorporate guiding surfaces and positioning elements that automatically ensure proper alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustment and finishing operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This vehicle staircase (4) comprises: - a stairwell having a lower floor (16), an upper floor (18), an outer side wall and an inner side wall, - at least one stair module (8) having a plurality of steps (20) each extending from the inner side wall to the outer side wall, the stair module(s) (8) extending from the lower floor (16) to the upper floor (18).The staircase (4) includes a structural module (10) extending in a central region of the stairwell (6) between the outer side wall and the inner side wall, the structural module (10) being independent of the outer side wall and the inner side wall, the structural module (10) comprising a plurality of step support members (22), at least three steps (20) of at least one stair module (8) being each supported by one of the step support members (22).