US20050161554A1

US20050161554A1 - Railway vehicle having a guiding dummy for detecting track obstracles

Info

Publication number: US20050161554A1
Application number: US10/504,725
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Lotz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-11
Filing date: 2003-01-07
Publication date: 2005-07-28
Also published as: GB2385039B; EP1509436A1; GB2385039A; WO2003068577A1; GB0203206D0

Abstract

A Railway vehicle having a guiding (A) dummy moulded to fit the front of a train (C), attached with two parallel hydraulic pistons (B). The dummy extends along the track in front of the train relative to its speed. At top speed the dummy is fully extended, while is right up against the drivers carriage (O) when stationery. The dummy is well below the drivers line of sight. The hydraulic pistons (B) alternatively ‘push’ and ‘pull’ the dummy away from or towards the drivers carriage depending on the speed that it is travelling. Laser sensors in front of the dummy help to alert the driver to any obstacles on the track. The dummy may derail the obstacle prior to the train reaching it or alternatively allow more time for braking prior to the train itself colliding with the obstacle. Collision with an obstacle would also apply automatic braking to the train.

Description

This invention relates to a railway vehicle having a guiding dummy 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. (as per claim 1).
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 (as per claim 1). 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 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.

Accompanying Diagrams

FIG. 1 shows the guiding dummy as it would be fully extended at the top speed of the train.
FIG. 2 shows the guiding dummy at the position while the train is stationery or about to take off.
FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the guiding dummy.
As seen in FIG. 1 the guiding dummy consists of a rounded front housing that fits into the shape of the train when stationary (as per claim 1) made of any type of material from metal or see through plastic housing (as per claims 2 and 3). 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 FIG. 5 the two parallel hydraulic pistons fold up within themselves when the train is stationary.
In addition FIG. 3 reference P (the sides of the dummy) and FIG. 4 reference Q (underneath the dummy) shows the points at which the laser sensors would be attached (as per claim 4).
It is acknowledged that a previous publication reference DE-B-1 234 256 (dated 16, Feb. 1967) has indicated a guiding dummy attached by hydraulic pistons and accompanying sensors for detecting obstacles, however, this publication does not have extension of the pistons and therefore the guiding dummy, dependant upon the speed of the train. In addition it does not have a rounded front housing that fits into the shape of the train when stationary.

Claims

1. A railway vehicle having a guiding dummy comprising an end housing coupled to the remainder of the vehicle body by hydraulic pistons with accompanying sensors for detecting an obstruction and an actuator for initiating braking upon impact with an obstruction, characterised by the extension of the pistons which is dependant on the speed of the train and additionally that the guiding dummy consists of a rounded front housing that fits into the shape of the train when stationary.

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.