Vehicle Floor Height Control via Distance Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the height of a vehicle's floor relative to a platform, particularly in rail transport, fail to consistently meet the ADA standard due to variations in platform height and internal vehicle parameters, leading to accessibility issues for users with reduced mobility and difficulties in transferring objects.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a distance sensor to measure the height difference between the platform and the floor, with a processor-controlled actuator system adjusting the secondary suspension to minimize the height difference, incorporating a solenoid valve for fluid control in an air cushion, allowing for real-time adjustments based on external measurements and load variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the height of the floor is adjusted using internal parameters only, then the control method is simple, but the height difference between platform and floor cannot be minimized below 16mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the actual height difference between platform and floor is measured and used to adjust the control target. The measured height difference replaces or supplements internal parameter estimates, allowing the system to continuously correct floor height based on real external conditions, thereby achieving precision below 16mm while maintaining control simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical/internal parameter estimation with optical/electronic measurement systems (distance sensors, encoders) to directly measure height differences. This substitution enables precise measurement of the actual floor-to-platform gap, allowing accurate control without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If distance sensor measurement is used to control floor height, then the height difference is minimized below 5mm, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distance sensor and control system serve multiple functions: measuring platform-to-floor height difference, determining when the vehicle is properly positioned at the platform, and providing feedback for continuous height adjustment. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensing and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing positioning and measurement infrastructure (encoders, distance sensors already present for other purposes) to achieve height control. The vehicle's own measurement capabilities serve the height control function, reducing the need for additional dedicated components and minimizing overall system complexity
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
The solution ensures the floor height is adjusted to within the ADA standard, typically less than 5 mm, facilitating easy access for all users and accommodating varying platform heights and internal vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor (26) capable of measuring a distance (D) between said sensor (26) and a platform (11)
Implementation Method 2
the device for controlling the height of the secondary suspension comprises at least one solenoid valve connected to the actuating device which can be activated by the processor, the solenoid valve being capable of introducing fluid into the cushion and/or expelling fluid from the cushion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the height of a floor (18) of a car (14) of a vehicle (10) relative to a platform (11). The car (14) comprises a body (16) equipped with a distance sensor (26), at least one bogie (20), and at least one secondary suspension (22) between the bogie (20) and the body (16). The method comprises the following steps: - measuring the distance (D) between the distance sensor (26) and the platform (11) by the distance sensor (26), - calculating the difference between the platform height (Hq) and the floor height (Hpla) from the measured distance (D), and - adjusting the height of the secondary suspension according to the difference.