Rail Vehicle Footboard Pivot Arm for Ergonomic Boarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boarding aids for rail vehicles are mechanically complex, structurally unsound, and ergonomically disadvantageous, failing to meet the requirements of mechanical robustness and ergonomic comfort for safe and compliant entry.
Innovation Solution
A boarding aid with a pivot arm and step mechanism, featuring orthogonal pivot axes, a fastening element, and a compact design, allowing for ergonomic and safe entry with an electric motor or manual operation, and incorporating a clamping and pulling device for easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating and folding step is used to enable boarding from below door edge level, then accessibility compliance is improved, but mechanical complexity and structural soundness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boarding aid is divided into distinct functional segments: a fastening element for attachment to the rail vehicle, a pivot arm for positioning, and a step for boarding. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently optimized, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining compliance with accessibility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating and folding step is used to enable boarding from below door edge level, then accessibility compliance is improved, but structural soundness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is pre-configured with attachment means (such as mounting plates with bolt holes) that enable secure fixation to the rail vehicle structure before the boarding aid is put into service. This preliminary preparation ensures structural integrity from the outset, eliminating the need for complex field assembly that would compromise structural soundness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex rotating and folding mechanism is used, then boarding functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm is designed to rotate freely about a horizontal first pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different boarding positions and user needs. This dynamic capability provides versatile boarding functionality while maintaining simple operation, as users can easily position the pivot arm at the desired angle without complex controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an entry aid 1 for a rail vehicle 2. The entry aid 1 comprises a fastening element 7, wherein the fastening element 7 can be attached to the rail vehicle 2. Furthermore, the entry aid 1 comprises a pivot arm 8. The pivot arm 8 is pivotably attached to the fastening element 7 about a first pivot axis 9. The entry aid 1 also comprises a footboard 10. The footboard 10 is pivotably attached to the pivot arm 8 about a second pivot axis 11. The first pivot axis 9 and the second pivot axis 11 are essentially orthogonal to each other. In an application position of the entry aid 1, the first pivot axis 9 is essentially horizontal. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle 2 with an entry aid 1 and to a method for pivoting a footboard 10 of an entry aid 1 in and/or out.