What equipment solutions are available for your rail-road vehicles?
Pedestrian detection, driver alerts, marking of the working area and signalling in the event of a breakdown: rail-road vehicles operating on the railway network must incorporate various safety systems.
efa supports OEMs with their design, integration and retrofitting.
There are an increasing number of requirements relating to the prevention of collisions between machines, operators and people in their operating area.
For manufacturers, the challenge lies in integrating a detection and warning system that is consistent with the geometry, kinematics and operating conditions of each machine.
Key security features
A suitable solution can incorporate several complementary functions:
- Detection of people in the work area;
- Audible and visual alerts for the driver;
- Markings on the ground to indicate the working area;
- Signalling that a vehicle has broken down or is in distress.
efa offers a range of technology modules designed to meet these needs, for both original equipment and retrofit applications.
1. People detection using the 2DKIT camera: camera and artificial intelligence
The 2DKIT combines cameras with image processing to detect people in monitored areas.
The cameras can be positioned to cover the vehicle’s blind spots. The presence of a person in a configured zone triggers a visual and/or audible alert for the driver.
Key features:
- Up to 4 cameras;
- 3 configurable detection zones;
- Person detection;
- Audible and visual alerts;
- Wireless communication and configuration;
- IP69K-rated enclosures suitable for harsh environments.
This solution is particularly well-suited where person detection is the priority function.
3. Signalling a breakdown or an emergency
A vehicle that has broken down must also be clearly identifiable.
efa offers a range of white flashing lights for signalling an engine failure or an emergency.
The choice of device can be tailored to the machine’s specific requirements: dimensions, light output, technology, installation location and operating environment.
2. Marking the operating area
Hazard prevention also applies to people moving around the machine.
efa offers LED projectors that visually mark the operating area on the ground. Depending on the machine’s configuration, the projection can take the form of a line, a ‘U’ or a specific shape.
This marking provides an immediate visual reference and complements detection systems. The projection can be adapted to the width and configuration of the machine and switched on or off depending on operating conditions.
A design tailored to each machine
There is no one-size-fits-all configuration for all rail-road machines. A rail-road excavator, a cherry picker or a material-handling machine each have different kinematics and risk zones.
The sizing and layout of the equipment must take into account, in particular:
- the geometry and overhangs;
- the kinematics and movements of the machine;
- its operating speed;
- the driver’s blind spots;
- environmental conditions: dust, mud, rain, vibrations, impacts;
- the electrical architecture and available interfaces.
The aim is to develop a coherent solution tailored to the machine as a whole, rather than simply adding together independent pieces of equipment.
Original equipment or retrofit
efa supports OEMs in both scenarios.
For a new machine, the equipment can be integrated right from the design stage: sensor placement, cable harnesses, power supply, operator interfaces, signalling and mechanical adaptation.
For a retrofit, modular solutions enable the creation of an architecture tailored to the existing machine, taking into account its space and integration constraints.
efa: your partner for railway equipment
From pedestrian detection to radar detection, from driver alerts to the marking of manoeuvring areas, efa provides the technologies required to design a safety architecture tailored to rail-road vehicles.
Our support covers the selection of technologies, their installation, electrical and mechanical integration, configuration and commissioning.
Are you developing a new rail-road vehicle or looking to upgrade an existing machine?
Contact efa to discuss your equipment project and identify the detection and warning solution best suited to your vehicle. sales@efa-france.com