Adjustable Floor Height Mechanism for Railway Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway vehicles face difficulties in adapting floor height to changing platform levels, especially due to varying international standards and operational needs, which can hinder barrier-free access and free movement, particularly for passengers with heavy luggage or wheelchairs.
Innovation Solution
A railway vehicle with a floor supporting assembly that includes a multifunctional profile and mechanical connection system, allowing reversible adjustment of the floor height at boarding areas from a first level to a second level, using a combination of fastening points and a decoupling member to support the floor, enabling easy adaptation to different heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the floor height is fixed to match historical platform levels, then the vehicle can operate with existing platforms, but it cannot adapt to new international standards or changing platform heights
Solution Approach 1:
The floor supporting assembly is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the floor height to be dynamically changed between a first level and a second level. This enables the vehicle to adapt to different platform heights while maintaining operational flexibility throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor supporting assembly is divided into modular components including a floor beam, support elements, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment and reconfiguration of the floor height without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floor levels are provided to match different platform heights, then adaptability improves, but passenger movement and circulation inside the vehicle are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed floor levels simultaneously, the invention uses a single adjustable floor that can be positioned at different heights as needed. This dynamic adjustment ensures barrier-free access at the boarding area while maintaining a uniform, level floor throughout the passenger compartment for free movement.
3Ease of operation
If inclined sections or ramps are added to connect different floor levels, then access between levels improves, but the floor height cannot be changed during the vehicle's operative lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The floor supporting assembly incorporates adjustable support elements that can be repositioned to change the floor height directly, eliminating the need for fixed inclined sections or ramps. This allows the floor height to be modified during the vehicle's lifetime to match new platform standards while maintaining direct, barrier-free access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the floor height is adjusted to match new platform standards, then barrier-free entrance is ensured, but the structural integrity and stability of the floor may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The floor structure is segmented into a floor beam and adjustable support elements that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows for height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through proper fastening at each support position.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor supporting assembly is designed with universal fastening points and adjustable supports that can accommodate multiple floor heights while maintaining consistent structural stability. The same assembly structure serves both structural support and height adjustment functions reliably.
Data Source
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AI summary
A railway vehicle (100) comprising a car body (1), a floor (2), and one or more boarding areas (3) each associated with at least one door (4), wherein a floor supporting assembly (10) is operatively connected to and support the floor (2), the floor supporting assembly (10) being arranged to reversibly adjust the height of the floor (2) at least at the one or more boarding areas (3) from at least a first level (H1) to a second level (H2).