Railway Air Deflection System for Gangway Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed trains experience significant noise levels in gangways and platforms due to the partial openness of intermediate spaces between cars, which can be bothersome for passengers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of air deflecting systems on the roofs of adjacent cars, which are inclined to divert airflow away from the intermediate space, thereby reducing noise levels within the gangway and platform areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the intermediate space is kept open at the top for maintenance access, then ease of operation is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different closure configurations to different parts of the intermediate space: lateral sides are closed with bellows while the top remains open. This local differentiation allows maintenance access through the open top while the closed lateral sides block noise propagation pathways, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air deflection systems as intermediary elements that redirect airflow away from the open top of the intermediate space. These deflection systems modify the airflow pattern to reduce noise entry while preserving the open configuration needed for maintenance access, acting as a mediator between the conflicting requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lateral bellows are used to close the intermediate space, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lateral bellows as flexible shell structures to close the intermediate space laterally. These bellows provide acoustic isolation while accommodating relative movements between car bodies, using flexible membrane structures to achieve noise reduction without rigid complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: lateral bellows for acoustic isolation and air deflection systems for airflow management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving multiple objectives.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the intermediate space is fully closed, then noise reduction is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully closing the intermediate space, the patent applies partial closure: lateral sides are closed with bellows while the top remains open. This partial action provides sufficient noise reduction through the lateral closure while preserving maintenance access through the open top, avoiding the excessive action of complete enclosure.
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
This solution effectively reduces noise levels in the intermediate spaces by deflecting airflow, resulting in a more comfortable passenger experience.
Implementation Method 1
the first system being adapted for deflecting, away from the intermediate space, a first flow of air flowing longitudinally along the first roof towards the second car
Data Source
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AI summary
A railway vehicle (10) comprising a first car (12) and a second car (14) successive in a longitudinal direction (L), the first car and the second car delimiting an intermediate space (16), the first car having a roof (32) extending along a transverse direction (T), and two lateral walls (46, 48) extending along an elevation direction (V). The vehicle comprises a first system (18) fixed to a longitudinal extremity (64) of the first roof facing the second car, the first system having an upper surface (66) inclined with respect to the first roof, the first system being adapted for deflecting, away from the intermediate space, a flow of air (72) flowing longitudinally along the first roof towards the second car, the intermediate space being open in the elevation direction, downstream of the first system with respect to the first flow of air.