Sliding Driver Console for Rail Vehicle Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicles require significant effort and complex conversions to switch between manual and automatic operation modes, as the extensive instrumentation must be reconfigured or repositioned, and there is a lack of secure storage for controls, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A rail vehicle with a slidably mounted driver's desk that can be quickly converted between manual and automatic modes by sliding and locking into accessible or inaccessible positions, maintaining connectivity to vehicle electronics without requiring wiring changes, and featuring a secure stowed position to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the driver's console is made fixed and permanently installed, then the controls are always accessible and stable, but the vehicle cannot be quickly converted between manual and automatic operation modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvertibility between manual and automatic operationVSAvoidcomplexity of conversion process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver's console is designed as a movable, sliding unit rather than a fixed installation. It can be positioned in different states (retracted into the driver's cab or extended outward) to adapt between manual and automatic operation modes, eliminating the need for complex permanent reconfiguration of the control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driver's console is separated from the main vehicle structure as an independent, modular unit. This segmentation allows the console to be independently moved, stored, or repositioned without affecting the rest of the vehicle's control systems, enabling quick mode switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the driver's console is always accessible, then the controls are readily available for operation, but unauthorized access to controls cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of controlsVSAvoidunauthorized access to controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The console's position is dynamically controlled - it can be extended outward for authorized access during operation or retracted into the driver's cab to prevent unauthorized access. This dynamic positioning provides security without requiring constant physical barriers or covers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If the driver's console is retracted into the driver's cab, then space is saved and controls are protected, but the controls become inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization in passenger compartmentVSAvoidaccessibility of controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The console is designed to slide smoothly between retracted and extended positions on demand. When extended, it provides full accessibility to controls; when retracted, it conserves space in the passenger compartment. The sliding mechanism ensures both positions are easily achievable without complex operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3294603B1Rail vehicle having a driver's console
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP3294603B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3294603B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3294603B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a rail vehicle (1), comprising at least one driver's console which is designed as at least one driver's desk table (2) equipped with operating and display devices (3). The driver's desk table (2) is movably mounted between two end positions, wherein, in one end position, the operating and display devices of the driver's desk table (2) are inaccessible and, in the second end position, the driver's desk table (2) is in a use position.