Railcar Step Device Vertical Deployment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railcar boarding devices face issues such as exposure to wind and snow, leading to freezing steps, complex configurations, and interference between doors and steps, which complicates operation, especially when transitioning between high and low platforms.
Innovation Solution
A step device with multiple steps arranged in the railcar width direction that can move upward and downward between an upper position integrated into the floor and a lower position forming boarding stairs, utilizing drive mechanisms to adjust height without the need for additional components or spaces, thus simplifying the configuration and preventing interference with the entrance door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steps are stored in the conventional boarding device, then the steps are exposed to wind and snow, but this causes the steps to freeze and require snow melting work
Solution Approach 1:
The steps are nested within the carbody when not in use, specifically stored in a space formed by the side walls and the floor surface. This nesting arrangement protects the steps from wind and snow exposure that would cause freezing, while maintaining the ability to deploy them when needed for boarding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boarding device is rotated to store steps, then the steps can be stored, but the door and steps interfere with each other, preventing operation with the door open
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the steps in the width direction which causes interference with the door, the steps move vertically in the height direction. This dimensional change from horizontal rotation to vertical movement eliminates interference with the door while maintaining storage functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a trapdoor is provided to enable boarding at high platforms, then passengers can get on and off at different platform heights, but a space for storing and operating the trapdoor is required, complicating the configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The steps serve multiple functions: they provide boarding assistance at low platforms when deployed downward, and they form part of the floor surface at high platforms when positioned upward. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate trapdoor mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining platform adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If the steps are moved to constitute boarding stairs, then passengers can board at low platforms, but the steps cannot be stored in the carbody
Solution Approach 1:
The steps are designed to be movable between two positions: a lower position where they form boarding stairs for low platform access, and an upper position where they become part of the floor surface for high platform access. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the steps to be stored within the carbody volume when not needed for boarding.
Data Source
AI summary
A step device includes: a plurality of steps arranged so as to be lined up in a railcar width direction and constituting a part of a floor surface; and drive mechanisms configured to cause the steps to move upward and downward at a railcar-width-direction inner side between an upper position at which the plurality of steps become a part of the floor surface and a lower position at which the steps are moved downward to constitute boarding stairs. Each of the drive mechanisms includes a rotating link configured to rotate about one end portion thereof in a vertical plane, connecting links respectively connecting the rotating link to the steps, and an actuator configured to cause the rotating link to rotate. The steps move upward and downward by the rotation of the rotating links via the connecting links.