Rail Vehicle Step Carrier Panel Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle driver climbing aids face maintenance complexity due to exposed and unprotected pivoting mechanisms, leading to impairment over time, and existing solutions either complicate access or protrude beyond the vehicle's boundary, affecting functionality and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle design with a foldable step that pivots about a horizontal axis, where the axis of rotation is positioned between the step profile and the door opening in the rest position, allowing the step to extend horizontally in use, and incorporating a maintenance cover that forms part of the cladding for easy access to drive components without protruding beyond the vehicle's contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivoting mechanism of the step is exposed and unprotected in the use position, then the step can be accessed easily, but the function of the driver mounting aid is impaired over time due to dirt and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the protection principle by covering the previously exposed pivoting mechanism with a protective element. The step carrier, which forms part of the panel, now shields the pivoting mechanism from dirt and weather conditions while maintaining the step's functionality. This converts the harmful exposure to a protected state, preventing impairment over time while preserving ease of operation.
2Ease of repair
If maintenance covers are provided inside the vehicle to access drive components, then maintenance is possible, but the device complexity increases and access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the maintenance access function with the existing panel structure. The step carrier forms part of the panel and integrates the maintenance opening directly into the cladding structure. This eliminates the need for separate maintenance covers inside the vehicle, reducing device complexity while improving ease of repair by allowing access from the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a maintenance opening in the step carrier as an intermediary element. This opening provides direct access to the drive components without requiring internal maintenance covers. The maintenance opening acts as a mediator between the external environment and the drive components, simplifying the maintenance structure while improving accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the step protrudes beyond the vehicle boundary line in rest position, then the step can be positioned for use, but the aerodynamics are affected and the vehicle contour is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamic principle by making the step carrier itself movable between a stowed position (where it forms part of the panel and does not protrude) and a deployed position (where it provides the step function). This dynamic transformation allows the step to be positioned for use when needed while maintaining aerodynamics and vehicle contour when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the step carrier into the panel structure when not in use. The step carrier is nested within the cladding structure, forming part of the panel surface and not protruding beyond the vehicle boundary line. This nested configuration preserves aerodynamics and vehicle contour while allowing deployment when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures long-term functionality of the driver climbing aid with reduced maintenance complexity, improved aerodynamics, and minimal gaps in the vehicle's outer skin, while maintaining compliance with high-speed train geometry and vehicle gauge specifications.
Implementation Method 1
the step has a support that can be pivoted about an axis of rotation, in particular a horizontal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a rail vehicle (1), in particular a traction vehicle, comprising a vehicle body structure (2) which has a door opening (3), comprising a paneling (4) which separates the surroundings of the rail vehicle (1) from the interior of the vehicle body structure (2) and which is connected to the vehicle body structure (2), and comprising a driver embarkation aid (5) which has steps (5.1) that can be moved between a rest position and a use position. The steps (5.1) have a support (5.11) which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (X) and a step profile (5.12). In order to simplify maintenance, the support (5.11) of the steps (5.1) forms a section of the paneling (4).