Shuttle Platform Mitigates Gap for Light Rail Passengers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The loading and alighting of light rail transit vehicles on shared track rail systems are hindered by steep inclines and gaps between platforms and tracks, making it difficult for passengers, especially those with mobility devices, to access the vehicles safely and easily, due to regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A setback platform system with a shuttle platform that actuates linearly between two positions, allowing the platform to move closer to the track centerline to reduce the gap and provide easy access, equipped with a guide system driven by a drive component and safety features like motion sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a setback platform is used to comply with FRA regulations on shared track rail systems, then safety and regulatory compliance are improved, but the gap between the platform and track centerline increases making passenger loading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a stationary setback platform and a movable shuttle platform. The shuttle platform dynamically changes position between a first position (aligned with track centerline for easy boarding) and a second position (setback for regulatory compliance), allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements throughout the boarding process
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is segmented into two functional components: the setback platform that provides regulatory compliance and the shuttle platform that provides passenger access. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently while working together to resolve the contradiction
2Ease of operation
If a level boarding platform is used to reduce the gap for passenger access, then ease of operation is improved, but compliance with FRA regulations on shared track systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a movable shuttle platform that dynamically transitions between positions. When positioned at the first location, it provides level boarding for easy passenger access; when positioned at the second location, it maintains the required setback distance for FRA compliance on shared track systems
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle platform acts as an intermediary between the setback platform and the track. It bridges the gap by providing a movable intermediate surface that can be positioned to satisfy both the regulatory setback requirement and the passenger access requirement at different times during the boarding operation
3Reliability
If steep inclines are used for platform access to maintain setback distance, then regulatory compliance is improved, but accessibility for passengers with mobility devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle platform provides a dynamically adjustable boarding surface that can be positioned at different locations. When positioned at the first location adjacent to the light rail vehicle, it creates a gentle incline or level surface that is accessible to passengers with mobility devices, while the overall system maintains regulatory compliance through the setback platform's positioning
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the platform system have different characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The setback platform maintains the required distance for regulatory compliance, while the shuttle platform provides locally optimized gentle access at the boarding point, allowing each portion to have the quality needed for its purpose
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a shuttle platform that is configured to allow a path for one or more passengers to load or unload from a light rail transit vehicle that runs on a shared track. The shuttle platform can move in a linear plane that is parallel to a ground level from a first position to a second position and/or the second position to the first position. The shuttle platform can be associated with a setback platform that provides a first path parallel to a centerline of the shared track and a second path parallel to the centerline of the shared track, wherein the first path is at a first height from the ground level, the second path is at a second height from the ground level, and the first path and the second path are adjacent to one another.