Railway vehicle having a guiding dummy for detecting track obstracles

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.

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.