ParkShuttle Exterior Appearance
The ParkShuttle II is designed to be unique, but familiar as a means of public transportation. The image of the vehicle had to be robust and spacious to enhace the safety feeling of passengers. The exterior blend in with the environment in which the system is operational and optimally protect passengers (from the elements).
The vehicle design has a major impact on the passenger perception of the Automated People Mover System. 2getthere offers a ‘standard’ design that incorporates all technical requirements. The design is modern and clean, appealing to large audiences and fitting within a variety of environments (airports, business parks, residential areas, resorts). Alternatively a customized design can be made for any application.
The vehicle body consists of reinforced sandwich panels, manufactured by a vacuum injection technique – a proven technology scaled up to manufacture a complete side pannel (inside and outside) as one part. The result is a smooth, light and strong body, consisting of a smaller number of parts and with smaller manufacturing and assembly tolerances. The body is also provided with a gel-coating (metallic colors are an option). The body as a whole is modular, with a similar front and rear end – providing the distinct image desired and reducing production costs. The materials ensure it is easily maintain- and repairable.
Each vehicle is equipped with an automated sliding door. The door opens automatically upon arrival in the station, but can also be opened by a push button. Safety sensors (photo-cells and contact sensitive rubbers) ensure smooth and quick operation. When the required torque exceeds normal values the door (remains) open. Fail-safe buttons on the in-/outside of the vehicle ensure the door can be opened manually.
The ParkShuttle features a mechanical, retractable bumper in addition to the non-contact safety sensors. Upon contact the mechanical bumper activates an emergency stop. The bumper is shaped and functions such that obstacles are pushed sideways, ensuring no objects can come underneath the vehicle. Vehicle lighting is according to standards 76/756/EEG and 97/28/EC.
The complete vehicle construction (body including chassis) will be analyzed by a Finite Element Method (FEM analyses) for several critical load situations, which are commonly used by bus manufacturers as maximum situations.