U.S. patent application number 12/143390 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for transversal generator set and modular design for refurbishment of locomotives.
This patent application is currently assigned to RAILPOWER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.. Invention is credited to Martin Burns, Michel Cousineau, Philippe Fusey, Daniel Plourde.
Application Number | 20090101041 12/143390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40155849 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090101041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burns; Martin ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
TRANSVERSAL GENERATOR SET AND MODULAR DESIGN FOR REFURBISHMENT OF
LOCOMOTIVES
Abstract
A generator set has a transversal configuration on the
locomotive. The generator set and its configuration on the platform
offer good performance with respect to the space it occupies along
the length of the locomotive platform deck, and offer better access
for maintenance purposes. A walkway interface structure supports a
modular design for locomotives using standardized major
sub-assemblies that can be easily interfaced from one locomotive
and under-frame to another.
Inventors: |
Burns; Martin; (Chambly,
CA) ; Fusey; Philippe; (Varennes, CA) ;
Plourde; Daniel; (St-Constant, CA) ; Cousineau;
Michel; (Montreal, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
RAILPOWER TECHNOLOGIES
CORP.
Brossard
CA
|
Family ID: |
40155849 |
Appl. No.: |
12/143390 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60929286 |
Jun 20, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
105/35 ;
105/413 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61F 1/06 20130101; B61C
17/04 20130101; B61C 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
105/35 ;
105/413 |
International
Class: |
B61C 7/04 20060101
B61C007/04; B61D 17/00 20060101 B61D017/00 |
Claims
1. A locomotive comprising: a platform deck; and a plurality of
generator sets on the platform deck, each generator set occupying a
space associated with a generally oblong footprint on the platform
deck, the footprint defining a longitudinal axis along a longest
length of the footprint, wherein each generator set is positioned
on the platform deck such that the longitudinal axis of the
corresponding footprint is generally perpendicular to a direction
of travel of the locomotive.
2. The locomotive according to claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of generator sets comprises: an engine generally oblong
along an engine major axis; a fuel line supplying fuel to the
engine through a fuel filter; an oil line supplying oil to the
engine through an oil filter; an electrical subsystem connected to
the engine comprising: an alternator driven by the engine, the
alternator being generally oblong along an alternator major axis,
the alternator major axis being generally parallel to the engine
major axis; and a junction box for power management of the
electrical subsystem and positioned on the first side of the
alternator; an air passage supplying intake air to the engine
through an air filter, the air filter being generally oblong along
an air filter major axis, the air filter being positioned above the
alternator and the air filter major axis being generally
perpendicular to the alternator major axis; an exhaust pipe for
removal of exhaust gases from the engine through a muffler, the
muffler being generally oblong along a muffler major axis, the
muffler being positioned above the engine, the muffler major axis
being generally parallel to the engine major axis; a radiator
system for cooling of the generator set and connected to the
engine, the radiator system being positioned above the engine; and
an operating panel for control of the generator set.
3. A walkway interface structure for supporting a locomotive
sub-assembly on a locomotive platform having a platform width, the
walkway interface structure comprising: a base structure adapted to
be removably placed on the locomotive platform, said base structure
supporting the locomotive sub-assembly and having a base structure
width substantially corresponding to the platform width; and at
least one interface means traversing the base structure for
operatively connecting the locomotive sub-assembly to another
locomotive sub-system.
4. The walkway interface structure according to claim 3, wherein
the at least one interface means comprises an element selected from
the group consisting of traction motor cables, generator set power
cables, dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power wires,
control harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or ducting.
5. The walkway interface structure according to claim 3, further
comprising connections for connecting to a further walkway
interface structure, said further walkway interface structure
supporting a further locomotive sub-assembly on the locomotive
platform.
6. The walkway interface structure according to claim 5, wherein
the connections comprise at least one connection element selected
from the group consisting of traction motor cables, generator set
power cables, dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power
wires, control harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or
ducting.
7. The walkway interface structure according to claim 5, wherein
the base structure comprises at least one internal passageway
through which the connections extend from a first extremity of the
walkway interface structure to a second opposite extremity of the
walkway interface structure.
8. The walkway interface structure according to claim 4, further
comprising connections for connecting to a further walkway
interface structure, said further walkway interface structure
supporting a further locomotive sub-assembly on the locomotive
platform.
9. The walkway interface structure according to claim 8, wherein
the connections comprise at least one connection element selected
from the group consisting of traction motor cables, generator set
power cables, dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power
wires, control harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or
ducting.
10. The walkway interface structure according to claim 8, wherein
the base structure comprises at least one internal passageway
through which the connections extend from a first extremity of the
walkway interface structure to a second opposite extremity of the
walkway interface structure.
11. The walkway interface structure according to claim 9, wherein
the base structure comprises at least one internal passageway
through which the connections extend from a first extremity of the
walkway interface structure to a second opposite extremity of the
walkway interface structure.
12. A locomotive comprising a plurality of walkway interface
structures as claimed in claim 3.
13. The locomotive according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of walkway interface structures, each of said plurality
of walkway interface structures supporting a corresponding one of
the plurality of generator sets on the platform deck and
comprising: a base structure adapted to be removably placed on the
locomotive platform deck, said base structure supporting the
corresponding generator set and having a base structure width
substantially corresponding to the platform width; and at least one
interface means traversing the base structure for operatively
connecting the corresponding generator set to another locomotive
sub-system.
14. The locomotive according to claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of walkway interface structures, each of said plurality
of walkway interface structures supporting a corresponding one of
the plurality of generator sets on the platform deck and
comprising: a base structure adapted to be removably placed on the
locomotive platform deck, said base structure supporting the
corresponding generator set and having a base structure width
substantially corresponding to the platform width; and at least one
interface means traversing the base structure for operatively
connecting the corresponding generator set to another locomotive
sub-system.
15. The locomotive according to claim 13, wherein the at least one
interface means comprises an element selected from the group
consisting of traction motor cables, generator set power cables,
dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power wires, control
harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or ducting.
16. The locomotive according to claim 15, wherein each of the
plurality of walkway interface structures comprises connections for
connecting to an adjacent walkway interface structure.
17. The locomotive according to claim 16, wherein the connections
comprise at least one connection element selected from the group
consisting of traction motor cables, generator set power cables,
dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power wires, control
harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or ducting.
18. The locomotive according to claim 16, wherein each base
structure of a corresponding walkway interface structure comprises
at least one internal passageway through which the connections
extend from a first extremity of the corresponding walkway
interface structure to a second opposite extremity of the
corresponding walkway interface structure.
19. The locomotive according to claim 17, wherein each base
structure of a corresponding walkway interface structure comprises
at least one internal passageway through which the connections
extend from a first extremity of the corresponding walkway
interface structure to a second opposite extremity of the
corresponding walkway interface structure.
20. The locomotive according to claim 14, wherein the at least one
interface means comprises an element selected from the group
consisting of traction motor cables, generator set power cables,
dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power wires, control
harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or ducting, wherein
each of the plurality of walkway interface structures comprises
connections for connecting to an adjacent walkway interface
structure, wherein the connections comprise at least one connection
element selected from the group consisting of traction motor
cables, generator set power cables, dynamic brake power cables,
power cables, power wires, control harnesses, fuel lines, drains,
piping lines or ducting, and wherein each base structure of a
corresponding walkway interface structure comprises at least one
internal passageway through which the connections extend from a
first extremity of the corresponding walkway interface structure to
a second opposite extremity of the corresponding walkway interface
structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application 60/929,286 entitled
"Transversal Generator Set and Modular Design for Refurbishment of
Locomotives" to Burns et al filed Jun. 20, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the refurbishment
of train locomotives, or the like. More particularly, it relates to
a transversal modular generator set to be installed on a locomotive
during its refurbishment. The present invention also relates to a
modular design concept which facilitates the refurbishment of
locomotives through the use of a walkway interface system and
standardized locomotive major sub-assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Refurbishment of locomotive generator sets is carried out
often these days as a cost-effective way for replacing older
locomotives that may otherwise have other highly functional
subsystems (such as traction motors, brakes, trucks and the
undercarriage of the locomotive) that can still used over a period
of several years with minor maintenance.
[0004] In older locomotives, sub-systems like the generator set
(genset), air compressor, dynamic brake, etc. are directly applied
to the locomotive platform. Consequently, for every refurbishment
project and every platform generation, the interface between the
sub-systems and the locomotive platform needs to be re-engineered.
Normally, the genset package is oriented along the longitudinal
axis of the locomotive.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal configuration of gensets
on a locomotive 10. The gensets 12 are placed in a longitudinal
arrangement on the locomotive. The locomotive must also sometimes
accommodate on the platform deck plates 18 a dynamic brake thereon,
as well as air compressor and rear sand box systems 16. The
locomotive illustrated in FIG. 2 is a GP-9 platform with three
gensets 12 placed in a longitudinal configuration, with no dynamic
brake.
[0006] In order to address spacing issues of gensets, Stauffer et
al. have proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,667 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,908,011 a reduced-length engine generator assembly. The
arrangement of components in these gensets permits an assembly with
a shorter overall length, while avoiding any significant increase
in height, thus facilitating installation aboard vehicles.
[0007] Furthermore, refurbishment of gensets on locomotives of
different lengths is complicated due to the fact that, when
longitudinal or side-by-side configurations are used, the actual
design and layout of the gensets needs to be adapted to each and
every new platform length. As illustrated in the following table,
the platform lengths of locomotives vary significantly from one
locomotive model to another:
TABLE-US-00001 Original Locomotive Model Platform Length GP-38 55'
SW-1500 40'3'' GP-9 52' B23-7, B30-7A 58'4'' (V1, V2), 57'4'' (V3)
SD-40 64'8''
[0008] There is a lack of standardization in the major
sub-assemblies of the locomotive which often prevents the use or
transfer of one sub-assembly from one particular locomotive and
under-frame to another locomotive and under-frame. There is also a
lack of standardization in common interface assemblies that could
also be used for the transfer of one sub-assembly from one
particular locomotive and under-frame to another locomotive and
under-frame.
[0009] Thus, there is still presently a need for a locomotive
generator set, as well as a configuration of the generator set on
the locomotive, which can offer good performance with respect to
the space it occupies along the length of the locomotive platform
deck, and offer better access for maintenance purposes.
[0010] There is also a need for a modular design for locomotives
using standardized major sub-assemblies that can be easily
interfaced from one locomotive and under-frame to another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to propose a
layout for the generator set on the locomotive platform deck that
satisfies another one of the above-mentioned needs.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
walkway interface system and standardized locomotive major
sub-assemblies that satisfy another one of the above-mentioned
needs.
[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a
locomotive comprising: [0014] a platform deck; and [0015] a
plurality of generator sets on the platform deck, each generator
set occupying a space associated with a generally oblong footprint
on the platform deck, the footprint defining a longitudinal axis
along a longest length of the footprint, wherein each generator set
is positioned on the platform deck such that the longitudinal axis
of the corresponding footprint is generally perpendicular to a
direction of travel of the locomotive. Preferably, the generator
set comprises: [0016] an engine generally oblong along an engine
major axis; [0017] a fuel line supplying fuel to the engine through
a fuel filter; [0018] an oil line supplying oil to the engine
through an oil filter; [0019] an electrical subsystem connected to
the engine comprising: [0020] an alternator driven by the engine,
the alternator being generally oblong along an alternator major
axis, the alternator major axis being generally parallel to the
engine major axis; and [0021] a junction box for power management
of the electrical subsystem and positioned on the first side of the
alternator; [0022] an air passage supplying intake air to the
engine through an air filter, the air filter being generally oblong
along an air filter major axis, the air filter being positioned
above the alternator and the air filter major axis being generally
perpendicular to the alternator major axis; [0023] an exhaust pipe
for removal of exhaust gases from the engine through a muffler, the
muffler being generally oblong along a muffler major axis, the
muffler being positioned above the engine, the muffler major axis
being generally parallel to the engine major axis; [0024] a
radiator system for cooling of the generator set and connected to
the engine, the radiator system being positioned above the engine;
and [0025] an operating panel for control of the generator set.
[0026] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
walkway interface structure for supporting a locomotive
sub-assembly on a locomotive platform having a platform width, the
walkway interface structure comprising: [0027] a base structure
adapted to be removably placed on the locomotive platform, the base
structure supporting the locomotive sub-assembly and having a base
width substantially corresponding to the platform width; and [0028]
at least one interface means traversing the base structure for
operatively connecting the locomotive sub-assembly to another
locomotive sub-system.
[0029] Preferably, the interface means comprises an element
selected from the group consisting of traction motor cables,
generator set power cables, dynamic brake power cables, power
wires, control harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or
ducting.
[0030] The transversal genset according to the present invention
offers a better HP/linear feet ratio compared to most actual
locomotives with their gensets aligned along the length of the
locomotive. The present genset also offers better access for
maintenance purposes with full access to all sides of the genset.
The genset according to the present invention also simplifies hood
designs, as much less doors are required for access to the genset.
Furthermore, the present genset is designed to comply with an
overall modularity and parametrization concept for locomotives.
[0031] The concept of a modular design consists of having
standardized major sub-assemblies that can be easily interface from
one locomotive and under-frame to another. The main benefits of
this concept include: [0032] Reduced engineering and drafting time
for new locomotive orders [0033] Simplified Manufacturing [0034]
Cost savings [0035] Quicker Time to Market [0036] Improved
Reliability [0037] Reduction in Design Documentation [0038] Design
Parameterization
[0039] The walkway interface structure according to the present
invention provides a structure to be added over the full width of
the platform and provides a number of pre-run cables and pipes to
standardized locations on the locomotive. These types of interface
structures, in combination with standardized sub-assemblies,
including the gensets in accordance with the present invention, can
be grouped together in different configurations to meet customer
needs.
[0040] A non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments of
the invention will now be given with reference to the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art locomotive with
gensets positioned in a longitudinal configuration along the length
of the platform;
[0042] FIG. 2 is an opposite perspective view of the locomotive
shown in FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a genset according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a layout of the footprints of gensets in a
transverse configuration with respect to actual and side-by-side
configurations;
[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a locomotive with
modular transversal gensets in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 6 is an opposite exploded perspective view of the
locomotive shown in FIG. 5;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locomotive with modular
transversal gensets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 is an opposite perspective view of the locomotive
shown in FIG. 7;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a side view of the locomotive shown in FIG. 7;
[0050] FIG. 10 is an opposite side view of the locomotive shown in
FIG. 9;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a locomotive with walkway
interface structures and gensets in a transverse configuration in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0052] FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective views of locomotives with
different configurations of walkway interface structures and
gensets in a transverse configuration in accordance with other
preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a locomotive with walkway
interface structures and gensets in a longitudinal configuration in
accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0054] FIGS. 14A-14C are perspective views of locomotives with
different configurations of walkway interface structures and
gensets in a longitudinal configuration in accordance with other
preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a locomotive with walkway
interface structures and gensets in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the locomotive
shown in FIG. 15;
[0057] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a walkway interface
structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of the walkway
interface structure shown in FIG. 17; and
[0059] FIG. 19 is a side view the walkway interface structure shown
in FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Referring to FIG. 4 for a schematic view and FIGS. 5-6 for
exploded perspective views, the present invention provides a
locomotive 30 comprising a platform deck 32 and a plurality of
generator sets 34 on the platform deck 32, each generator set 34
occupying a space associated with a generally oblong footprint 36
on the platform deck 32, the footprint 36 defining a longitudinal
axis along a longest length of the footprint 36. Each generator set
34 is positioned on the platform deck 32 such that the longitudinal
axis of the corresponding footprint 36 is generally perpendicular
to a direction of travel of the locomotive 30.
[0061] As explained previously, this layout of the generator sets
on the platform has a number of advantages. A comparison of this
transversal configuration of gensets with respect to prior art
configurations is illustrated schematically in FIG. 4 and a summary
comparison between the same three configurations is provided in the
following table:
TABLE-US-00002 Criteria Actual Transversal HP/linear ft 7.3 HP/ft
10.3 HP/ft (3 gensets) (4 gensets) Maintenance Good Very good all
access sides Universal Allows longer Does not allow package engine
longer engine Modularity Fair Very good friendly Interconnect Fair
Very good friendly
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exploded view of a locomotive
10 with gensets 34 placed in a tranversal configuration is shown to
illustrate the positioning of the gensets 34 under the hoods 38.
The locomotive shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a GP-9 platform with four
gensets 34 and a dynamic brake. FIGS. 7-10 show the same locomotive
10 of FIGS. 5 and 6 with the gensets 34 and hoods 38 installed.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, preferably each generator set 100
comprises an engine 102 generally oblong along an engine major
axis, a fuel line supplying fuel to the engine through a fuel
filter 104 and an oil line supplying oil to the engine through an
oil filter 106. The generator set 100 also comprises an electrical
subsystem connected to the engine 102. The electrical subsystem
comprises an alternator 108 driven by the engine 102, the
alternator 108 being generally oblong along an alternator major
axis, the alternator major axis being generally parallel to the
engine major axis.
[0064] The electrical subsystem also comprises starting batteries
110 for startup of the engine 102 and positioned on a first side of
the alternator 108. The electrical subsystem also comprises a
junction box 112 for power management of the electrical subsystem
and is positioned on the same first side of the alternator 108.
[0065] The generator set 100 further comprises an air passage
supplying intake air to the engine 102 through an air filter 114,
the air filter 114 being generally oblong along an air filter major
axis, the air filter 114 being positioned above the alternator and
the air filter major axis being generally perpendicular to the
alternator major axis. The generator set 100 also comprises an
exhaust pipe 116 for removal of exhaust gases from the engine 102
through a muffler 118, the muffler 118 being generally oblong along
a muffler major axis, the muffler 118 being positioned above the
engine 102, and the muffler major axis being generally parallel to
the engine major axis. The generator set 100 also comprises a
radiator system 120 for cooling of the generator set 100 and
connected to the engine 102, the radiator system 120 being
positioned above the engine. The generator set 100 also comprises
an operating panel 122 for control of the generator set 100.
[0066] Preferably, each generator set ("genset") has overall
dimensions of 110''.times.48''.times.96'' and comprises a pair of
rectangular radiators 124 with two fans or motors 126. The outline
of the individual on FIG. 3 illustrates how there is a good amount
of space available for circulation around the gensets on the
platform for maintenance, inspection or other purposes. Referring
to FIGS. 11 to 14C, the present invention also provides a walkway
interface structure 40 for supporting a locomotive sub-assembly 44
on a locomotive platform 46 having a platform width. The walkway
interface structure is part of a modular design consisting of
having standardized major sub-assemblies that can be easily
interfaced from one locomotive and under frame to another as
mentioned previously. As shown in FIG. 11, the walkway interface
structure 40 comprises a base structure 42 supporting the
locomotive sub-assembly 44 and having a base width substantially
corresponding to the platform width. The walkway interface
structure 40 also comprises at least one interface means 41, as
shown in FIG. 17, traversing the base structure 42 for operatively
connecting the locomotive sub-assembly 44 to another locomotive
sub-system 48, like a fuel tank for example.
[0067] Preferably, the interface means comprises an element
selected from the group consisting of traction motor cables,
generator set power cables, dynamic brake power cables, power
wires, control harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or
ducting.
[0068] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the walkway
interface structure 40 may comprise connections 60 for connecting
to a further walkway interface structure, the further walkway
interface structure supporting a further locomotive sub-assembly on
the locomotive platform. Hence several walkway interface structures
may be connected together. Preferably, the connections 60 comprise
at least one connection element also selected from the group
consisting of traction motor cables, generator set power cables,
dynamic brake power cables, power cables, power wires, control
harnesses, fuel lines, drains, piping lines or ducting. The base
structure 42 comprises internal passageways 62 for passage of the
connection elements from one end of the walkway interface structure
to the other, which helps facilitate modular assembly of several
walkway interface structures together as pre-run cables and pipes
can travel through the base structures along the length of the
locomotive.
[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates this modular design concept applied to a
road switcher locomotive with a GP9 platform. As shown, the walkway
interface structure 40 (also called Full Walkway Interface) is a
structure that is added over the full width of the platform
allowing to pre-run cables and pipes to standard locations. The
walkway interface structure 40 is separated into a number of
sections designated as A-B-C-D for the types of subassemblies it
supports. Section A is a standard walkway interface structure 40 to
be used with operator cab sub-assemblies 50. Section B is a
standard walkway interface structure 40 to be used with
sub-assemblies including a high voltage cabinet 52 and a number of
accessories 54, including batteries, fuel pumps and front traction
motor blowers. Section C is a standard walkway interface structure
40 to be used with genset sub-assemblies 56. Section D is a custom
walkway interface structure 40 to be used with other sub-assemblies
58 including rear traction motor blowers, air compressors, sand
boxes and dynamic brakes. FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate how the
different sections A-B-C-D can be used on different platforms of
different lengths. FIG. 12A is a GP9 platform measuring 52'. FIG.
12B is a B23-7 platform measuring 58'-4''. FIG. 12C is a SD-40
platform measuring 64'-8''.
[0070] The modular design according to the present invention
includes standardized sub-assemblies that can be grouped together
in different configurations to fit customer needs: [0071] Ex1:
Block A+B+C+C+C+D for a standard 3 genset configuration on a GP9
platform [0072] Ex2: Block A+B+C+C+E+D for a 2 genset configuration
on a longer platform
[0073] Every component needed to interface with the subsystem and
the underdeck would be included in the walkway interface
structure.
[0074] This mechanical modular design can undergo evolutionary
steps. It also can be used with gensets positioned in longitudinal
configurations and not only transversal configurations in
accordance with the present invention. Typically, each walkway
interface structure will be 120'' wide by 8'' high by a length "X"
to be determined depending on the application. The walkway
interface structure also has a number of interface means,
including, but not limited to: [0075] Traction motor cables (535)
for up to 6 axles [0076] Genset power cables (4/0) for up to 4
gensets [0077] Dynamic brake power cables (4/0) [0078] All other
small power wires (for air compressors, traction motor blowers,
fans . . . ) [0079] All control harnesses (lighting, sensors, can
wire . . . ) [0080] Fuel lines from fuel tank and to gensets
(suction, returns) [0081] Drains from gensets (ecology, lube oil,
coolant) and water collection drain [0082] Air brake piping lines
[0083] Traction Motor Blowers ducting
[0084] FIGS. 13 to 14C illustrate Phase 1 of the modular design
according to the present invention applied to road switcher
locomotives with gensets 56 in a longitudinal configuration and how
the different sections A-B-C-D-E can be used on different platforms
of different lengths. FIGS. 13 and 14A is a GP9 platform measuring
52'. FIG. 14B is a B23-7 platform measuring 58'-4''. FIG. 14C is a
SD-40 platform measuring 64'-8''. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate
another example of the use of a walkway interface structure on a
GP9 platform.
[0085] Although the present invention has been explained
hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that the invention is not limited to these precise
embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be
effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *