Automatic Mobile Gangway Positioning for Guided Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no satisfactory automatic solution for adapting the position of a gangway to match the varying floor levels between guided vehicles and platforms, posing safety challenges for users with reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
A system with a mobile gangway and control unit that automatically determines the position of the gangway relative to the platform based on guided vehicle access characteristics, using detectors and moving means to bridge the gap between the vehicle and platform, allowing for easy access without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or motorized gangways, elevators, or mobile ramps are used, then access for persons with reduced mobility is enabled, but operator intervention is required which reduces efficiency and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic detection of vehicle arrival, automatic positioning of the mobile gangway, and automatic bridging of the gap without requiring operator intervention. The control unit receives vehicle position data, calculates the appropriate gangway position, and activates the moving means autonomously to deploy the gangway when a user with reduced mobility is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, communication modules, and motorized actuators. The control unit processes vehicle position data electronically and automatically controls the moving means, substituting the mechanical manual positioning with an automated electromechanical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gangway position is manually adjusted to match vehicle floor level, then safe access is provided, but the system cannot adapt to different vehicle types and floor levels automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives real-time position data from the guided vehicle via a communication module, uses this feedback to calculate the appropriate gangway position, and automatically adjusts the gangway accordingly. The control unit continuously monitors vehicle position and floor level characteristics to adapt the gangway deployment parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit calculates and adjusts multiple parameters of the mobile gangway including horizontal position, vertical elevation, and angular orientation based on the detected vehicle characteristics. The system changes these parameters dynamically to match different vehicle types, floor levels, and door positions.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise vehicle stopping is required to align with platform, then gangway positioning is simplified, but this reduces scheduling flexibility and increases waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position gangway to a dynamic mobile gangway that can adjust its position horizontally and vertically. This dynamic capability allows the gangway to adapt to vehicles stopping at different positions and elevations, eliminating the need for precise stopping while maintaining safe access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile gangway acts as an intermediary element between the fixed platform and the variable-position vehicle. It absorbs the positional and elevational variations through its own movement capabilities, mediating the connection without requiring either the platform or vehicle to be precisely positioned.
4Device complexity
If a fixed gangway is used on the platform, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying vehicle floor levels and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed gangway structure into a mobile, dynamically adjustable system. The gangway can move horizontally along the platform, adjust its vertical elevation to match vehicle floor levels, and orient itself toward the vehicle door, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and system for providing an access to a guided vehicle (2), said system (1) comprising: - a mobile gangway (13) configured for enabling a person (9) to get in or off the guided vehicle (2); - moving means (14) configured for moving the mobile gangway (13) with respect to a platform (3); - detectors (16) for determining an exact position of a door (22) of the guided vehicle (2) stopping at said platform (3); and being characterized in that it further comprises - a control unit (15) configured for automatically determining a position for the mobile gangway (13) with respect to the platform (3) so that the mobile gangway (13) forms at said position a bridge between the guided vehicle door (22) and the platform (3), and for automatically controlling said moving means (14) for moving said mobile gangway (13) to said position.