GB2528768A

GB2528768A - Improvements in or relating to railway platforms

Info

Publication number: GB2528768A
Application number: GB1509942.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Eves
Original assignee: Pipex Structural Composites Ltd
Current assignee: Pipex Structural Composites Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-08
Filing date: 2015-06-08
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: GB2529380B; GB201509939D0; GB2529034A; GB2529380A; GB201509942D0; GB201410146D0

Abstract

A railway platform hump or system comprises a plurality of modules. The modules comprise a frame 110 and a removable wear plate 115 secured to the frame 110. The hump or platform can be retrofitted onto an existing platform. The frame 110 may be formed from a phenolic fibre reinforced polymer material. There may be means for adjusting the height 118, 119. The frame 110 may have a foam core. Also claimed is a static platform gap filler 890 comprising a base 891 and a plurality of fingers 892 which are axially rigid and longitudinally deformable. The filler 890 may be formed from a rubber material.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1509942.7 RTTVI Date:25 November 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Saerfoarn Twaron Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO RAILWAY PLATFORMS

The present invention relates generally to railway platforms and particularly to systems and methods by which the height of a railway platform can be increased.

S

Platform height across rail networks is generally not standardised. Platforms sited low (compared to the level of the railway carriage floor) present entry and exit problems to mobility-impaired railway users, including wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs or luggage.

One of the key requirements of a high capacity railway system is to maintain a dwell time to sustain the throughput of trains. One of the major factors influencing dwell time is the time taken for passengers to board and alight from a train. This time can be extended if the passenger has reduced mobility and requires assistance, particularly if a manual boarding ramp is needed for wheelchair passengers. Studies have indicated that dwell times required at many stations cannot be met using a manual boarding ramp.

The present invention seeks to address the problem of disparity between the height of a platform and the floor entry height of railway carriages. For example the present invention may address user access to railway carriages from relatively low station platforms.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a railway platform hump for providing access to rolling stock, the hump having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together.

S The present invention also provides a railway platform raising system comprising a plurality of modules assemblable together to form an improved rolling stock access structure.

The present invention may provide level access, which by inference may imply unassisted' access, for the benefit of disabled, elderly and other passengers.

The present invention may provide a raised platform section to achieve the successful transport of persons with limited mobility.

In some cases the platform needs to be lightweight The term hump' means a raised section of platform. In some embodiments an entire platform is raised, in others a section of platform is raised. In some embodiments the present invention provides localised platform humps' adjacent to the persons of reduced mobility coaches of rolling stock.

At least part of the hump may be manufactured from corrosion-resistant material, for example advanced composites.

Each module may comprise a frame. The frame may form from a composite material, such as fibre-reinforced plastic FRP material.

FRP (also known as fibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite material made of a S polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres may be glass, carbon, basalt or aramid, although other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos may be used. The polymer may be an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic, or a phenol formaldehyde resin.

The PIP material may, for example, be a phenolic FRP material. Phenolic-based resins are ideal for high temperature applications where parts must meet fire safety, smoke emission, combustion and toxicity requirements. They have excellent flame retardence, heat and chemical resistance, and electrical non-conductivity characteristics; they offer low density, good thermal insulation, outstanding durability and ease of formability to complex contours.

FR? products require minimal maintenance, and our lightweight PIP materials may be ideal where access is difficult The minimal conductive properties of PIP also eliminate the need for electrical grounding, and fire-resistant properties have a significant benefit Each module may comprise a replaceable top plate or panel, for example a removable wear plate. The panels may be designed to be independent so that if one is damaged it can be easily lifted out and replaced without disturbing adjacent panels. The top panels may have a high level or wear-resistance, as they may be positioned in high footfall environments. The top panels may be formed from, or contain, a composite material, which may be the same or different to the frame to which they are secured. The top panel may be secured or securable to a generally flat top deck provided on or by the module.

S Each module may be secured or securable, for example using bolts, screws and the like, to an underlying structure, for example a pre-existing platform.

The hump may be sized and positioned to meet a particular door on a train; for example a door designed for limited mobility (e.g. wheelchair access).

The modules may be generally polygonal, for example square or rectangular in plan.

The present invention may be formed as a pre-fabricated modular raised platform system which allows access to a train for travellers with limited mobility, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, by eliminating the large gap from a train to a platform.

In some embodiments the module frame is formed using a resin infusion process.

In some embodiments the frame includes one or more structural ribs. Alternatively or additionally at least part of the frame (for example the deck) may be formed with a foam core to give structural rigidity.

The hump or system may form an integral part of a platform structure.

The hump or system may be formed as a superstructure securable to an underlying platform.

The hump or system may be retrofittable onto an existing platform.

Individual modules may be removable. The modules may be designed to be independent so that if one is damaged it can be easily lifted out and replaced without disturbing adjacent modules. The modular structure also means that, if necessary, entire sections or parts of a hump could be relocated if required.

Modules may be provided in one or more standard sizes; bespoke modules are also possible, for example to accommodate seating, pillars, doorways and drains. A hump structure can be assembled by selecting appropriate modules and assembling them together.

Each module may include means for adjusting the height thereof. Adjustable supports such as feet or pedestals may be provided. In some embodiments the height can be adjusted from above', allowing adjustment whilst the module is in position. A tool may be provided for making adjustments.

Some modules may have a slope, for example a slope of approximately I in 20.

Some modules may be modified to allow access to structures beneath the hump. For example a bespoke PIP man-hole cover may be provided, with a turret' in the frame to allow access therethrough.

In some embodiments a "gap filler" is also provided, in order to bridge gaps between the edge of a platform and a carriage. In some embodiments a mechanical gap filler is provided which is extendible and retractable.

S

The present invention also provides a static (or "passive") gap filler. For example a structure including a plurality of flexible "fingers" may be provided formed so that weight can be applied onto the fingers so that they serve to fill a gap, but that if struck by train carriages they deflect and deform and do not cause damage.

In some embodiments the linger array is tapered.

The gap filler may form part of a level access system as described herein.

In some embodiments the gap filler is formed from a vulcanised material based on synthetic rubbers and mineral fillers, such as Treadmaster TM7 produced by Tiflex Limited.

The present invention also provides a module for a railway platform hump, the module comprising a frame for receiving a top plate and being securable to a railway platform.

The present invention also provides a level access system for a railway platform, comprising a framework and a plurality of replaceable top plates secured to the framework.

The framework may be formed from a plurality of modular frames.

The present invention also provides a railway platform having a hump or as described herein.

The present invention also provides a railway station having a platform as described herein.

The present invention also provides a level access system for an underground railway platform using some/all of the principles described and discussed herein.

The present invention also relates generally to a plate and particularly to a wear plate which is intended for long-life in highly abrasive environments, such as when used as a flooring plate.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a mould for a wear-resistant plate, comprising the steps of: a) providing a master plate; b) applying particulate material onto a surlace of the plate; and c) taking a mould of the master plate.

Prior to step b) the plate may be abraded. In some embodiments adhesive is applied to the plate after abrading; then particulate material is sprinkled over the adhesive.

After curing of the adhesive excess particulate material may be removed to provide the finished master plate prior to a mould being taken.

A further aspect provides a method of forming wear-resistant plates, comprising the steps of: i) providing a master plate; S ii) applying particulate material onto the plate surface; iii) forming a mould with a textured surface using the plate; and iv) using the mould to form wear plates.

The wear plates may be formed by adding particulate material to the textured surface and then introducing material into the mould.

In aspect and embodiments of the present invention the master plate and/or wear plates may be formed from a composite material, such as an FRP material.

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) (also fibre-reinforced polymer) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres may be, for example, inorganic fibres (with glass fibre being most common), carbon, aramid, or basalt The polymer may be, for example, an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic, or a phenol formaldehyde resin. Resins are usually thermosetting types, but thermoplastic resins can also be used for infusion.

The FRP material may, for example, be a phenolic FRP material. Phenolic-based resins are ideal for high temperature applications where parts must meet fire safety, smoke emission, combustion and toxicity reciuirements. They have excellent flame retardence, heat and chemical resistance, and electrical non-conductivity

S

characteristics; they offer low density, good thermal insulation, outstanding durability and ease of formability to complex contours.

FRP products require minimal maintenance, and our lightweight FRP materials may be S ideal where access is difficult The minimal conductive properties of FRP also eliminate the need for electrical grounding, and fire-resistant properties have a significant benefit.

In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the master plate and/or wear plates may be formed by resin infusion.

Resin (or vacuum) infusion: in the field ol composites, resin infusion is a process where the voids in an evacuated stack of porous material are filled with a liquid resin. When the resin solidifies, the solid resin matrix binds the assembly of materials into a unified rigid composite. A key part of the process is the evacuation, or removal, of the air from the porous material prior to admitting the resin. The air needs to be removed from the porous material to allow the resin to take its place.

The particulate material may, for example, be grit (such as particles of stone and/or sand).

In some embodiments one or more tactiles, studs or the like are introduced into the mould.

At least part of the master plate mould may be formed from silicon.

The particulate size used to form the master plate may be larger than the particulate size to be used when forming wear plates therefrom.

The resin used to form the wear plates may include a dye to add colour to, or to change the colour of, the plate.

A further aspect provided a method of manufacturing a mould for a wear-resistant plate, comprising the steps of: a) providing a master plate; b) applying one or more studs onto a surface of the plate; and c) taking a mould of the master plate.

A further aspect provides a method of forming wear-resistant plates, comprising the steps of: i) providing a master plate; ii) applying one or more studs onto the plate surface; iii) forming a mould a surface having one or more stud recesses using the plate; and iv) using the mould to form wear plates by introducing studs into the stud recesses and then introducing composite material into the mould.

The present invention also provides a method of forming a wear-resistant plate, comprising the steps of: i) providing a mould; I0 ii) applying particulate material into the mould onto a surface which will become an upper surface of the plate; and iii) introducing material into the mould to form the plate.

S One method of wear plate fabrication in accordance with the present invention is as follows.

Wear Plate Plug A fibre reinforced plastic (FR?) plate is prepared for bonding by the use of a double action sander.

A thin layer of adhesive is applied and grit is sprinkled over adhesive, which is then left to cure. Once cured, the lose grit is removed and you have a standard' FRP gritted plate ready for the next process.

Silicone Mould Fabrication A thermoplastic boundary is attached to the fabricated plug plate as stated above. A high grade moulding silicone is mixed, de-gassed and poured onto the plate and allowed to cure. Once cured, the silicone mould is then peeled off and placed into a composite mould which is used to give the silicone strength.

Wear Plate Fabrication The silicone mould is prepared for layup; it is cleaned; a mould sealer chemical is applied and a mould release chemical is applied. Once dry, a thin layer of grit is applied within a thermoplastic boundary. When an even amount is applied the glass layup can now be added. The layers of glass depend on how thick the plate needs to be.

S

Once the glass is applied, the resin infusion consumables are applied and a vacuum is attached. A leak test is now carried out to ensure the vacuum is absolute. The mould is then placed into an oven and heated to 40°C.

Once the mould has reached the required temperature, phenolic resin is injected into the mould at 40°C until all the glass has been wetted out'. This confirms the infusion is complete.

Once complete, the injection machine is turned off and cleaned; the oven temperature is ramped up to cure the resin off.

When the resin has cured, the plate is removed from the mould, placed on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine, and cut to the correct size. The process is then repeated to create another plate.

Further method steps may include painting or tactile installation.

The present invention also provides a wear plate formed according to a method as described herein.

The plates may be regularly or irregularly shaped depending on the required purpose.

The plates may be generally quadrilateral in shape, for example square or rectangular.

The present invention also provides a railway platform level access structure comprising one or more plates as described herein. In some embodiments, for example, the plates is a wear surface forming part of a modular frame. The wear plates may be removable so it can be replaced/repaired and be resistant to wear from footfall.

The present invention also provides a resin-infused, wear-resistant gritted plate, the grit being formed integrally with the resin-infused material of the plate.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows a module formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underside of a module of the type shown in Figure Figure 3 is a top plan view of the module of Figure;

S

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the module of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an end view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 6 illustrates the use of the tool to raise! lower an adjustable pedestal forming part of the module of Figure I; Figure 7 is a plan view of a hump assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a side elevation of the assembly of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a section of part of a hump assembly formed in accordance to the present invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the assembly of Figure 9; Figure I I illustrates a hump formed in according to the present invention in use; Figure 12 illustrates an extendablel retractable spacer system; Figure 13 is an exploded view of a module formed according to a further embodiment; Figure 14A to 14C show plan, side and end view of a module of the type shown in Figure 13; Figure 14D shows a plan view of an assembly of a plurality of modules of the type shown in Figures 14A to 14C; Figure 14E is a magnified view of the region A shown in Figure 14D; Figure IS is an exploded view of a module formed according to a further embodiment; Figure 16 shows a plurality of modules of the type shown in Figure IS assembled together; Figure 17 shows a stainless steel stud a plurality of which are provided on the module of Figure IS; and Figures 18 to 21 show perspective, top and side views of a static gap filler formed according to an aspect of the present invention.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many I5 alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiment can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used to designate like elements throughout the various views, several embodiments of the present invention are further described. The figures are not necessary drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present invention.

Referring first to Figure I there is shown a module frame generally indicated 10. The frame 10 is generally rectangular and is shown in the figure with a top panel 20 removed. In use the top panel 20 is fitted on to the frame 10 and together the unit can be assembled with other such units 25 as shown in the figure.

S

Referring now to Figures 2 to 5 a frame I 10 of the same general type as the frame 10 is shown.

The frame 110 comprises opposite side walls III, 112 and opposite end rolls 113, 114.

A top deck 115 is formed over the walls. In this embodiment the deck 115 and the walls I I I-I 14 are formed as a single, one-piece FRP construction. A central longitudinal rib 116 and two spaced transverse ribs 117, 118 are provided and formed integrally with the top deck and side walls to add strength to the structure. Six pedestals I IS are provided and depend from the top deck I IS, one at each corner and a generally central pair. Each pedestal 118 is provided with an adjustable foot 119 which can be moved up and down to adjust the height of the frame 110 locally.

In the embodiment of Figure I the top deck IS includes six holes 105, each being in register with a respective pedestal. The pedestals are secured to the underside of the deck IS by bolts 6. As shown in Figure 6, the holes 5 allow a tool 7 to be inserted into the interior of the pedestals. Turning of the tool 7 causes the feet to be raised and lowered. It will be noted, therefore that the height of the frame can be locally varied from above and with no need to access the feet from below.

Referring again to Figure I, the top panel 20 is a removable wear plate which is securable to the top deck 15 using fixings (for example bolts, screws or studs) which pass through pre-drilled holes 21 and are received by fixings holes 8. The panel 20 is removable and therefore repairable and/or replaceable in use. The top panel includes S a gritted top surface 22. In other embodiments different coating/surfaces may be used to provide required properties including non-slip and wear-resistance. The top panel also includes markings (in this embodiment, coloured lines) and a studded zone.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a hump structure generally indicated 250. To create a hump with required dimensions three different types of module 225A, 225B, 225C are used. At either end of the hump stainless steel nosing 255 is provided.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10 there is shown a hump generally indicated 350. A plurality of modules 325D, 325E, and 32SF are used. The frame pedestals 318 are secured to an existing platform 360 by fixings 309 passing through the feet 319.

Referring now to Figure II there is shown schematically a hump for 450 providing a raised platform level adjacent a pre-hump platform area 470. A railway carriage 475 is shown with a set of doors 480 in register with hump 450 so that a level access route is provided onto the carriage.

Referring now to Figure 12 there is shown schematically railway carriages as they might come to rest next to a curved platform 590 provided with a hump 550 formed in accordance with the present invention. It will be noted that because the carriage I8 575 is generally straight and the platform 590 is not there is a gap 596. In order to address potential access problems from the hump 550 into the carriage 575 a gap filler 585 is provided. In this embodiment the gap filler 585 is mechanical and is movable from the extended position shown to a retracted position when not required.

In Figure 13 a module generally indicated 610 is shown. The module 610 comprises an FRP base 611 including a foam core 613. A wear-resistant top cap 612 is provided and fits onto the base deck. The module is supported on a plurality of pedestals comprising a male part and a female part. In this embodiment the female parts are secured to the underside of the base deck and the male parts are received in the female parts so that they can be extended and retracted (for example by screwing) to adjust the height so that the frame can be adjusted to suit uneven surfaces.

In this embodiment the materials from which the module base is formed include: Fabric (Glass): EQX 1200; Description -balanced quad 01-451901+45, total weight 1200 gIm2, Epoxy-silane fibres (Hybon 2002 roving's) Resin: J2027 X phenolic Infusion Resin Core: IS mm Saerfoam PU 15 025/30 Additional strengthening: Aramid Tape (Twaron) Plain Weave SOOg x 60mm wide.

Figure 14 shows an array of a plurality of modules of the type shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 shows a module 710 formed according to an alternative embodiment The module 710 is similar to the module 610. In this embodiment a wear-resistant top plate is provided with stainless steel studs/tactiles 714 (one of which is shown in Figure 17). Stainless steel edging strips 715 are provided.

Figure 16 shows a plurality of modules of the type shown in Figure 15 assembled together.

Figures 18 to 20 show a static gap filler 890.

The gap filler 890 comprises a base 891 from which extend a plurality of fingers 892.

The gap filler 890 is locatable, for example, on corners so that it fills the gap between the platform and a train. The fingers 892 are rigid enough to support the weight of passengers and items moving across them onto the train, but flexible enough so that they deform if hit by the train as it passes. The fingers are therefore axially strong/rigid but longitudinally deformable.

The platform gap filler may be used on an underground/metro systems subway stations or on train stations. It may effectively be a platform edge extensions at stations where there is a gap between the platform and the train, for example where the curvature of the platform creates a significant gap between the platform and train carriage / subway car door.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing S from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A railway platform limited mobility access system which retrofittably provides permanently level access to restricted mobility rolling stock carriage/s, the system having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together, the modules comprising a frame and a removable wear plate or cap secured to the frame.
2. A railway platform hump for providing access to rolling stock, the hump having a modular construction and comprising a plurality of modules assembled together.
3. A railway platform raising system comprising a plurality of modules assemble into together to form an improved rolling stock access structure.
4. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module comprises a frame.
S. A hump or system as claimed in claim 4, in which the frame is formed from a composite material.
6. A hump or system as claimed in claim 5, in which the frame is formed from a FRP material.
7. A hump or system as claimed in claim 6, in which the frame is formed from a phenolic FRP material.
8. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module comprises a replaceable top plate.
9. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system forms an integral part of a platform structure.
10. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system is formed as a superstructure securable to an underlying platform.
I. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hump or system is retrofittable onto an existing platform.
12. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an individual module can be removed.
13. A hump or system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each module includes means for adjusting the height thereof.
14. A module for a railway platform hump, the module comprising a frame for receiving a top plate and being securable to a railway platform.
15. A level access system for a railway platform, comprising a framework and a plurality of replaceable top plates secured to the framework.
16. A system as claimed in claim IS, in which the framework is formed from a S plurality of modular frames.
17. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame includes a foam core.
18. A railway platform having a hump or system form according to any preceding claim.
19. A railway station having a platform as claimed in claim IS.
20. A hump substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
21. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
22. A module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
23. A static platform gap filler comprising a base and a plurality of fingers extending from the base, the fingers being axially generally rigid and longitudinally d eformable.
24. A gap filler as claimed in claim 22, in which the filler is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material.
25. A gap filler substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.