UNCOUPLING CYLINDER

CUSTOMERAPPLICATION

A major supplier of components to the rail industry manufactures a variety of products from major repairable components to consumables. Included within this product range, the supplier offers an uncoupling cylinder; an important component which can be very costly to a train operating company should it fail.

BUSINESSCHALLENGE

The customer's existing uncoupling solution had a spring that intermittently failed to return to the cylinder, raising safety issues. The microswitch mounting hole used in the system was prone to cracking and would occasionally fall off, meaning the train couldn't leave the station which resulted in unwanted delays. The challenge was therefore for Norgren to provide an effective and reliable solution.

NORGRENSOLUTION

To overcome this problem encountered by the customer, Norgren engineered a custom uncoupling system for the customer utilising an improved mounting plate design together with an RA-8000 cylinder with modified end caps. The spring strength is three times greater than what was being used previously, and the whole system was incorporated into the same space as the previous cylinder.

ENGINEERINGADVANTAGE

Norgren helped its customer to improve their performance by using its market understanding and experience, and offering a customised solution to an important problem. Norgren's new uncoupling cylinder design was found to be entirely reliable and has been certified by WS Atkins so that it can be used by train operating companies.