GB2385039A

GB2385039A - Railway vehicle with extendable end housing

Info

Publication number: GB2385039A
Application number: GB0203206A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Lotz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-11
Filing date: 2002-02-11
Publication date: 2003-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-11
Also published as: WO2003068577A1; US20050161554A1; GB2385039B; EP1509436A1; GB0203206D0

Abstract

The vehicle C has the housing A coupled to it by telescopic pistons B which extend the housing from the remainder of the vehicle body dependent upon the speed of the vehicle. The housing has associated laser sensors N, P for detecting any obstruction on the track and an actuator for initiating braking of the vehicle upon impact with such an obstruction. The housing A provides for deflection of an obstruction to avoid impact with the vehicle itself.

Description

TRAIN GUIDING DUMMY This invention relates to a guiding dummy that could be attached to the front of any train for added protection in the event of a collision.

The problem that occurs during an accident involving a train is that the train is usually unable to stop quickly enough, with the result being that a collision is very difficult to avoid. With the guiding dummy attached to the train along with its laser sensors the train is effectively extended beyond the drivers cabin (without interfering with the drivers vision) in order for the dummy to take the impact of the collision rather than the train itself. The dummy may push the object off the track or derail the obstacle prior to the train reaching it. This would also allow the driver more time to slow the train down prior to the collision of the train itself or even prevent a collision. Once the dummy strikes an object the braking system would automatically be activated as well as any passenger warning signals or devices.

The purpose of the train guiding dummy is to serve to protect the train should it pass a red signal or take the wrong track. The laser sensors attached can also be used to identify objects on the track which may result in derailment e. g. a car or tree. The dummy is situated at the front of the train, on the track. While the train is stationery the dummy is right up against the drivers'cabin. As the speed of the train increases so the dummy extends out onto the track to provide the additional space between the train and the end of the dummy. This allows the train more time to slow down in the event of a collision prior to the train itself colliding with the obstacle.

Accordingly this invention provides a guiding dummy, with laser sensors attached to the front of a train on two parallel extendable hydraulic pistons.

Accompanying diagrams: FIGURE A shows the guiding dummy as it would be fully extended at the top speed of the train.

FIGURE D shows the guiding dummy at the position while the train is stationery or about to take off.

FIGURE M shows a cross section of the guiding dummy.

As seen in Figure A the guiding dummy consists of a rounded front housing that fits into the shape of the train when stationary made of any type of material form metal or see through plastic housing. At the trains top speed the guiding dummy would be fully extended along the track in front of the train. The dummy is attached to the train with two parallel hydraulic pistons that suck the dummy towards the train or push it outwards depending on the change in speed of the train.

As can be seen from figure M the two parallel hydraulic pistons fold up within themselves when the train is stationery.

In addition figure P and Q shows the points at which the laser sensors would be attached.

Train Guidins Dummy The purpose of the train guiding dummy is to serve to protect the train should it pass through a red signal or take the wrong track, in addition the laser sensors can be used to identify objects on the track which may result in derailment. The dummy is situated at the front of the train on the track and varies in distance between A and C based the speed at which the train is travelling (e. g. the faster the train travels the further apart it moves but when stationary, at the station for e. g. , the dummy is up against the drivers cabin.

A-Dummy stretched to the full distance at the train's top speed.

B-Two parallel hydraulic pistons that suck A towards C and push it out C-Train Front carriage D-Train at stationary position-dummy is retracted against the driver's cabin E-existing trains F-railway track G-Front view-position of dummy K-The same principal can be used for underground trains (tubes) L-Dissection of the dummy M-Dissection of dummy N-Laser detectors 0-Frontal view P-positions of lasers and headlights Q-Track

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A guiding dummy consisting of a moulded front housing fixed to a train by hydraulic pistons that extend relative to the speed of the train with accompanying sensors for detecting obstructions on the track and an automatic braking trigger on impact.

2. A guiding dummy as claimed in 1 where the front housing is made of any durable material possibly see-through plastic or metal.

3. A guiding dummy as claimed in 2 where the sensors attached to the dummy could be laser or radar sensors.

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A railway vehicle having a guiding dummy comprising an end housing coupled to the remainder of the vehicle body by hydraulic pistons that extend dependent upon the speed of the vehicle with accompanying sensors for detecting an obstruction and an actuator for initiating braking upon impact with an obstruction.
2. A railway vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing is made of plastic.
3. A railway vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing is made of metal.
4. A railway vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the sensors are laser sensors.