Sliding Plug Door Step Linkage Without a Separate Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step systems for vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, require frequent maintenance, cleaning, and have high maintenance costs due to separate drive systems, which increase the weight and energy consumption of the vehicle and complicate replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting sliding door system that eliminates the need for a separate drive for the step system by using the existing swivel and sliding mechanism, where the rotational movement of the rotating column is converted into linear movement of the tread plate via a joint arrangement, allowing the step system to be extended and retracted without an additional motor drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate motor drive is used for the step system, then the step system can be extended and retracted reliably, but the maintenance effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the step system drive with the existing door drive mechanism. The step plate is connected to the rotating column via a joint arrangement (cardan joints and rods), allowing the door drive to simultaneously control both door movement and step plate extension/retraction. This eliminates the need for a separate step system motor, reducing maintenance effort while maintaining reliability through the existing proven door drive system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate motor drive is installed for the step system, then the step system can be controlled independently, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step system is integrated with the door drive mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate motor. The joint arrangement (connecting links, cardan joints, rods) transmits the door drive's rotational movement to extend and retract the step plate, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining functional control through the existing door control system.
3Ease of operation
If a separate motor drive is used for the step system, then the step system can be precisely controlled, but the energy consumption of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step system utilizes the existing door drive motor and control mechanism, eliminating the need for an additional motor. The joint arrangement efficiently transmits mechanical energy from the door drive to the step plate, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining precise control through the existing door control system that already manages the drive mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate drive system is installed for the step system, then the step system can be independently actuated, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The step system is integrated with the existing door drive mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate motor and control components. The joint arrangement (connecting links, cardan joints, rods) compactly connects the door drive to the step plate, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining independent actuation capability through the door control system.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a complex joint arrangement is used to connect the step plate to the rotating column, then the conversion from rotational to linear movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cardan joints (universal joints) as intermediaries to connect the rotating column to the step plate through connecting links and rods. These cardan joints serve as mediators that efficiently convert rotational movement into linear movement while accommodating angular misalignments, thereby achieving the required movement conversion with a relatively simple and robust mechanical arrangement.
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 design simplifies maintenance, reduces energy consumption, and facilitates quicker replacement of the step system, as well as minimizing electronic components and space requirements, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and ecological balance of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A rotary movement of the rotating column can be transferred into the linear movement of the tread plate via the joint arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a step system for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the step system interacts with a pivoting sliding door having at least one door leaf, wherein the door leaf is pivoted at least partially about a pivot column (1) connected to the door leaf when opening and closing, and wherein the step system comprises: - a step plate (2) which is reversibly displaceable from a retracted position to an extended position by means of a linear movement along a displacement axis (V), - and a guide device (3) arranged on the vehicle side in which the step plate (2) is slidably mounted. The step system is characterized in that the step plate (2) is connected to at least one pivot column (1) via a joint arrangement, and that a rotational movement of the pivot column (1) can be transmitted into the linear movement of the step plate (2) via the joint arrangement.