The invention consists of 2 elements for use in heavy and light rail environments to identify and remove collision threats and to mitigate the impact of train collisions with humans. The 2 elements are termed: 1) The Obstacle Sensing, Classification and Removal System' (OSCARS) and 2) The Train-Human Impact Mitigation System (THIMS). The OSCARS uses sensory inputs to an Artificial Intelligence-based computer decision support system to control and trigger warnings and train braking responses and a compressed air system which dislodges obstacles (including animals and humans) to beside the track or inhibits them from approaching too close. The THIMS links to the OSCARS and deploys specially shaped pedestrian airbags to absorb collision energy and divert the impacted person to beside the track. THIMS also includes active and passive-action energy absorbing panels (in the event that the airbags do not provide sufficient cushioning or collision deflection) and retractable deflection panels on the side of the lead locomotive. Figure 12 Conceptual Rolling Stock System Component Layout Option 2:Unit designed Into new rolling Option 1: Unit designed as'bat on'to stock existing ruling stock colourr contrast deliberate for displaying concept only) Key: L. Retrofit sensor and camera array bars connected to central A.I. decision-support unit located with and connected to control systems within the train cabin 2. Locationsof side and forward-looking sensor and camera arays which would be built into new locomotives and connected to the central A.A. decision-support unit located within control systems within the train cabin 3. Indicative positions of lines of 'central' air bag units. These would deploy across whole width of train front as an angled triangular wedge, with the central portion projecting more (as a 'rounded triangle') prominently to force the sideways movement of a pedestrian upon collision 4. Indicative positons of central bottom airbag units projecting further outward and as close as possible to the ground and rail inner face to ensure 'sooping upwards' action captures prone intruders 5. Indicative position of outer bottom airbags coming the top of and outside of the rail each side of the train 6. Front panels, designed to have easily interchangeable, energy absorbing cellular construction, pre- angled outwards and/ or with dynamic 'bonnet' design on newly manufactured rolling stock to aid with 'sideways'deflection of impacted pedestrians 7. Gap in train panelling showing large potential for smaller animals or humans to encounter train wheels from the side - with retractable panels on lead locomotive not shown g. Retractable panels on lead locomotive (onlywhich would lower to prevent entanglement in instances of larger numbers of smaller animals or humans encountered in confined spaces (tunnels, station plts) inadvertently falling towards side of train after contact with air jets, air bags and/or deflection panels 9. Indicative positions of air jets or cannons. These would have retractable covers in the same colour as the surrounding panels (contrast shown hereto enable sufficient visibility ofthe concept). Compressed air supply would be drawn from adjacent local reservoir tanks connected to general compressed air system on the train, with local controls to activate retractable covers and air jet/cannon actuation and deployment response and cutoff. Figure 13
TRAIN COLLISION OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL AND PEDESTRIAN IMPACT MITIGATION SYSTEM
2024-06-20
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B61L Leiten des Eisenbahnverkehrs , GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC / G06N COMPUTER SYSTEMS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS , Rechnersysteme, basierend auf spezifischen Rechenmodellen / G06Q Datenverarbeitungssysteme oder -verfahren, besonders angepasst an verwaltungstechnische, geschäftliche, finanzielle oder betriebswirtschaftliche Zwecke, sowie an geschäftsbezogene Überwachungs- oder Voraussagezwecke , DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PEDESTRIAN COLLISION MITIGATION
European Patent Office | 2018
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