Floor-Guided Flexible Barrier for Mixed Train Door Geometries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform screen door systems face challenges in accommodating mixed vehicle fleets with varying door geometries, particularly in retrofit scenarios where structural integration is difficult and architectural preservation is essential, limiting flexibility and compatibility with different train types.

Innovation Solution

A flexible floor-based barrier system with movable barrier elements guided by parallel rails, allowing passage openings to be created at any point and width, which can be retrofitted without disrupting operations and is adaptable to various platform geometries, including those with complex layouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed panels and doors at predefined locations are used, then structural stability and ease of manufacture are improved, but adaptability to different vehicle door geometries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different vehicle door geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The door elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned dynamically at different locations along the platform screen door facade. This enables the system to adapt to various vehicle door geometries while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The platform screen door facade is divided into multiple independent door elements that can be individually positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each element to be independently adjusted to match different vehicle door locations, providing versatility while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If ceiling-mounted suspension devices are used for flexible doors, then adaptability to different door locations is improved, but ease of installation and architectural preservation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in door locationVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of suspending door elements from the ceiling above, the system inverts the mounting approach by attaching door elements to the platform screen door facade at floor level. This inversion simplifies installation by eliminating the need for ceiling structural modifications while preserving architectural integrity and maintaining full flexibility in door positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If floor-based barrier system is used, then ease of installation and architectural preservation are improved, but structural support capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the barrier function with the platform screen door facade structure, integrating support and positioning functions into a unified floor-based mounting system. This combination allows the barrier elements to be securely supported at floor level while maintaining ease of installation and preserving architectural features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2429874B1Floor-guided flexible barrier and door system
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 RAUCH JURGEN
  • EP2429874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2429874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2429874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a flexible barrier and passage system, comprising at least two rails (10) which are arranged on the floor of an access region, at least two barrier elements (6) which are displaceably guided in the rails (10), with the result that they can be arranged in at least one closed arrangement, in order to form a barrier in the access region, at least one drive unit which is adapted to displace at least one barrier element (6) in relation to the closed arrangement, in order to produce at least one passage opening in the barrier, and a controller which is adapted to control the drive unit in such a way that the at least one passage opening is produced at a defined location of the access region.