Automated train control and door locking systems

The brief:

To develop a central Train Management System (TMS) for an existing fleet of passenger rail carriages that would allow staff to monitor and control the following carriage systems developed as a part of these works:

• A new automated train door locking system inclusive of all locking mechanisms, emergency override provisions, door side controls, train speed monitoring and fault detection facilities.

• Carriage fire detection and alarm systems.

• Passenger emergency indication system.

• Gigabit/s train communications system including Wi-Fi access points and an on-board entertainment content server.

• Train data recording.

• Handheld radio notification systems.

• Gigabit/s inter-car connectors with breakaway provisions.

All TMS controls were managed via a series of 12-inch touch screen displays fitted to the various staff occupied carriages that comprise a train.

The solution:

• The design of the various control, monitoring and indication systems.

• The configuration of the data networks, development of the TMS operating, fault monitoring and software systems.

• The mechanical design of the locking point mechanisms including structural, pneumatic, pressure vessel and electro-pneumatic designs

• FMECA, FTA and reliability analyses.

• Hazard identification, management and safety in design compliance works.

• Prototyping, long life simulations, system type testing and the production of full manufacturing detail.

• The development of system test benches to enable maintenance staff to perform system checks on individual carriages or a complete train