Vehicle Access Step Plate with Overrun Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access systems for vehicles, such as sliding steps and ramps, face challenges when sensor failures occur, leading to improper extension of step plates and increased maintenance costs. Additionally, these systems often require manual operation by train personnel, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An access system that can autonomously determine whether a ramp or sliding step is required by using a sensor system to measure the gap and height difference, and then adjust the step plate accordingly. This system includes an overrun protection element that prevents the step plate from overrunning the platform, even if sensors fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensors are used to control step plate extension, then the system can automatically adjust to bridge gaps and height differences, but sensor failures can cause the step plate to overrun the platform and become stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements overrun protection elements (mechanical stops) that prevent the step plate from extending beyond the platform even when sensors fail. This prior cushioning mechanism ensures that sensor failures do not lead to catastrophic errors, maintaining system reliability while preserving automatic control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces overrun protection elements as intermediary mechanical components between the drive mechanism and the platform. These elements act as a mediator that physically limits the step plate's extension, providing a safety layer independent of the sensor system.
2Ease of operation
If ramps are used to bridge height differences, then accessibility for passengers with limited mobility is improved, but ramps operate slowly and are designed for smaller loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable step plate that can change its configuration based on the detected gap and height difference. The step plate can extend horizontally to bridge gaps like a sliding step, then lower vertically to create a ramp for height differences, optimizing both speed and accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional access system where the same step plate structure serves both as a sliding step for gap bridging and as a ramp for height difference compensation. This universal design allows the system to handle different access scenarios without requiring separate dedicated structures.
3Productivity
If sliding steps are used to bridge gaps, then faster operation and higher load capacity are achieved, but sliding steps cannot provide the gentle inclination needed for wheelchair users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically reconfigurable step plate that transitions from a horizontal sliding step configuration (for speed and load capacity) to a lowered ramp configuration (for wheelchair accessibility). The system adapts its geometry based on the specific access requirements detected by the sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal access device that combines the advantages of both sliding steps and ramps in a single structure. The step plate can function as a high-speed sliding step when gap bridging is the primary need, and transform into a gentle ramp when accessibility for passengers with limited mobility is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle access system includesa step plate extendible in an ejection unit with a walk-on upper side and bottom side facing a subsurface in the extended state, and in which is aligned horizontally in a sliding step position and inclined to the horizontal in a ramp position;a sensor configured whereby an area in front of the access system is measured in terms of relative position to the step plate and measurement data is generated, based upon which the step plate is moved into sliding step or ramp positions; andan overrun protection element on the bottom side and swivel-mounted with a front surface arranged at its free end at the front in the extension direction and vertically arranged in the swiveled out position and with a floor surface facing away from, and parallel to the main extension plane of the bottom side in the swiveled out position.