Movable Shuttle Platform for Rail Gap Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shared track rail systems pose challenges for passengers, especially those with mobility issues, due to steep inclines and gaps between platforms and rail vehicles, which are exacerbated by setback platforms and differing clearance requirements for freight and passenger trains, making boarding and exiting difficult.

Innovation Solution

A modular platform system with a shuttle platform that moves linearly to adjust its position relative to the centerline of the shared track, allowing for easier access and accommodating varying platform heights and rail vehicle sizes, including the use of modular platform members with integrated heating and electrical connectivity for control and safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a setback platform is used to comply with FRA regulations for shared track rail systems, then the platform clearance for freight trains is improved, but the gap between the platform and passenger rail vehicles increases making boarding difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform clearance for freight trainsVSAvoidboarding ease for passenger rail vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed as a movable structure that can dynamically adjust its position between a setback configuration (for freight train clearance) and an extended configuration (for passenger boarding). The platform moves along the track centerline to change its distance from the track, allowing it to adapt to different operational modes and eliminate the fixed gap problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The platform is divided into multiple segments or modules that can move independently or collectively. This segmentation allows the platform to extend or retract in controlled portions, facilitating smooth adjustment between setback and extended positions while maintaining structural integrity during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a high level platform (48 inch ATR) is used for passenger only tracks, then the horizontal gap between platform and passenger train car is reduced to approximately 8 inches, but the platform must be setback further from the track centerline when wider freight trains share the same tracks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal gap for passenger boardingVSAvoidclearance requirement for shared freight tracks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The high level platform incorporates dynamic positioning capability that allows it to move closer to the track centerline when passenger trains are present (reducing the 8-inch gap) and move farther away when freight trains require passage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining small boarding gaps and providing adequate freight train clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a low level platform (8 inch ATR or lower) is used, then all trains can pass over the platform unimpeded, but steep inclines of steps are required for boarding which makes entry and exit difficult for passengers with mobility issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrain passage over platformVSAvoidboarding accessibility for passengers with mobility issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The low level platform is transformed into a movable structure that can extend toward the track centerline when passenger boarding is required. This extension creates a level boarding surface that eliminates the need for steep steps, while the platform can still be positioned in a setback configuration when freight trains need to pass over, thus resolving the accessibility contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a setback platform is used to accommodate freight train clearance requirements, then FRA regulations are complied with, but additional difficulties with boarding and exiting are created due to the gap between the platform and rail vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with FRA regulationsVSAvoidboarding and exiting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform system maintains reliability through automated control that ensures FRA regulation compliance while improving ease of operation through dynamic extension. When passenger trains approach, the platform automatically extends to minimize the gap, making boarding and exiting easier while still maintaining the required setback position when freight trains are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11034365B2Method and system for setback modular platform with integrated shuttle platform

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORP

AI summary

A modular platform system includes a setback platform system for a shared track rail system on a ground level. The shared track rail system is usable by a commuter, regional and intercity rail vehicle and a freight vehicle. The setback platform includes a first path at a first height with respect to the ground level. The setback platform also includes a shuttle platform. The shuttle platform is at a second height in a first position different from the first height. The shuttle platform is configured to be moved from the first position to a second position different from the first position. A front edge of the shuttle platform is farther away from a centerline of the shared track rail system if the shuttle platform is in the first portion than if the shuttle platform is in the second position.