Reduction of material wear
Comprehensive Solutions for Preventing Excessive Material Wear and Failures
The reliability of public transport is increasingly influenced by factors such as climate, traffic volume, technical complexity, IT security, connectivity, and energy supply.
We empower transport operators to obtain objective and manufacturer-independent metrics for the quality of their infrastructure, enabling them to proactively address the growing operational challenges.
Damages from Poor Wheel-Rail Interaction
Causes, Consequences, and Prevention
Effective Case Studies
Our Solution in Action for Optimal Performance and Efficiency
Intelligent Rail Maintenance
Sustainable Noise Reduction and Material Protection for a Quieter Urban Transit
An insufficiently accurate connection between a train's wheels and the rails, also known as poor wheel-rail interaction, can cause various damages and problems. These affect both the infrastructure (rails and switches) and the train itself. Here are some of the potential damages and consequences:
- Uneven Wear: If the wheels do not run accurately on the rails, uneven wear occurs on both the wheel treads and rail heads. This leads to a reduced lifespan of both wheels and rails.
- Flat Spots on Wheels: Uneven loading and possible slipping of the wheels on the rails can cause flat spots. These result in vibrations, noise, and additional wear.
Conclusion: A precise connection between a train's wheels and the rails is crucial for the safety, comfort, and efficiency of rail operations. Lack of accuracy in this connection leads to increased wear, potentially dangerous situations like derailments, noise, higher energy consumption, and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check and optimize wheel-rail interaction.
Challenge
In tram traffic, the wheels of trams often produce unpleasant noises when navigating curves, which are caused by inadequately lubricated rails. Efficient lubrication is not only a matter of noise reduction but also of environmental protection and resource conservation. The challenge lies in accurately predicting where and when lubrication is needed to minimize lubricant consumption while simultaneously preventing wheel squeal.
Solution
Our solution is based on an intelligent combination of deep learning and real-time data processing. Equipped with the RET4000 measurement device, which continuously captures noise and vibration data during operation, and an RAR4000 edge computer, which analyzes the data, the system can precisely determine when and where lubrication needs to be applied. This prediction is made possible by a deep learning model that learns from the captured data and continuously improves.
Advantages
- Efficient Lubrication: By precisely controlling the mobile grease pumps, lubrication is applied only where it is actually needed. This reduces material consumption and is environmentally friendly.
- Noise Reduction: Trams operate more quietly as the wheels are consistently optimally lubricated, preventing disturbing squeaks.
- Longer Lifespan: By minimizing wear on the rails, their lifespan is extended, which saves costs in the long run.
System Architecture
Our solution is fully integrated into Bernmobil's infrastructure and uses an edge system to process data directly on-site. The RET4000 measurement devices are installed in the trams and continuously collect data on noise and vibrations. The collected data is sent to a central RAR4000 edge computer, which performs the calculations and controls the grease pumps as needed. An LTE connection ensures that the data is transmitted in real-time to a cloud database, where it is available for further analysis.
Components
- RET4000 Measurement Device: Continuously measures noise and vibration data.
- Mesh Network: Connects multiple devices to each other if needed.
- Microphones: Capture both internal and external noises.
- Vibration Sensors: Optional for additional vibration measurement.
- LTE Connection: Provides remote access and data transmission to the cloud.
- RAR4000 Edge Computer: Performs calculations and controls the grease pumps.
Detailed Views of the Solution in Operation
Detailed Views of the Solution in Operation
Ready to enhance your rail system? Contact us today for smarter, quieter, and more sustainable solutions!
Sustainable noise reduction and material protection for quieter urban transportation
With our intelligent rail head conditioning, we enable predictive and efficient rail maintenance that not only reduces noise but also minimizes material wear. This actively contributes to quieter and more sustainable urban transportation.
RET4000 Measuring Node
The RET4000 measuring node is part of the time-synchronized, mobile RET measuring system. It allows the recording of analog and digital values from external sensors.
Characteristics
- 8 isolated analog inputs +-2.5V +-10V
- Up to 500,000 analog samples per second
- IEPE/ICP can be switched on
- 4 digital inputs 5-75V with configurable safety function
- 2 digital outputs solid state relay 1A
- Concurrent GNSS / GPS
- 3 axis IMU internal
- WiFi Mesh
- LTE modem with dual SIM
- CAN2.0
- Isolated power supply 24 / 48 / 110V (variants)
- EN50155 Compliant
RAR4000 Mobile Edge Computer
RAR4000 is a mobile edge computing platform that can be used as a gateway for Ethernet, mesh or mobile, as well as for control and monitoring tasks. The hardware is designed and certified for use in trains and buses.
Characteristics
- Very efficient fanless design
- Quad-core CPU with 1.6 GHz
- Neural Network Accelerator
- Wide range power supply
- 4G/LTE cellular connectivity
- Up to 3 modems internally
- WLAN-MESH
- Highly sensitive GPS receiver
- Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- Can be integrated into RET measuring system
- Power supply backup for controlled shutdown in the event of a power failure
- -40 - 70°C temperature range
- Compact housing 105 x 170 x 34 mm (with adjustable mounting flanges)
- Software Support
- LinuxOS
- Software Container Architecture
- Over the air updates and secure remote access
- Software for router operation on the device
- Internal REST interface for use with any programming language
- EN50155
- ECE R10 Rev4