Melvelle Equipment has developed a flexible, modular self-propelled rail quadricycle (Emergency Response Trolley / Railway Network Emergency Response Vehicle – RNERV) to meet a variety of needs in the rail industry such as track inspections and emergency response.
The general concept (patent pending) is a common multigauge lightweight chassis with programmable drivetrain which seamlessly integrates with a range of tailored enclosed decks.
The components and modules have been designed and manufactured to be as lightweight as possible in order to reduce the effort and number of personnel required to assemble and disassemble the unit without the use of tools.
This quadricycle features a fully interlocked system, ensuring all physical and electrical connections have been made before the vehicle can proceed. These systems interlock the deck, chassis, and drivetrain components. Incorporated is an intuitive and feature-packed display with useful monitors such as battery status, interlock status, vehicle speed and diagnostic information accessible via a series of menus.
The drivetrain includes brushless motors which also dynamically-brake, as well as additional fail-safe spring-applied brakes. This ensures smooth service braking and reliable emergency braking.
Power is supplied to the unit through (up to) four lithium-ion battery modules. The wheel motors also provide regenerative braking, charging the batteries when decelerating, helping to maximize range.
Ancillary components of the trolley include headlight/taillights, a horn, 2x 12-volt accessory outlets, a white noise in-motion buzzer (optional) and safety warning beacons.
The unit is highly adaptable. By simply changing the type of deck/handrails used, the quadricycle can be adapted to different rail gauges and personnel/equipment carrying situations.
