To ensure efficient and reliable passenger rail transportation, trains must meet the highest level of safety standards to safeguard passengers and protect railway infrastructure.
Among the many vital components of train design, the connection systems including couplers, dampers and gangways must ensure train cars remain securely linked providing stability, flexibility and passenger comfort.
At the heart of the connection systems is Crash Energy Management (CEM). CEM technology absorbs collision energy in the event of a crash, which reduces the risk of injuries, derailment and damage to the train’s structure.
Dellner has been at the forefront of CEM technology development for decades. Aiming to better passenger safety by increasing energy absorption capability, Dellner has developed a High Force Control (HFC) feature for its coupler dampers. While maintaining the expected regenerative energy absorption at lower impact speeds, the HFC feature now allows the damper to absorb more energy at higher-speed impacts and does this without increasing the weight or length of the coupler.
Comparison of Conventional Dampers and the Ones with High Force Control
Conventional dampers are optimized for coupling speeds. Unfortunately, for collisions beyond coupling speeds, the gas hydraulic feature of the damper cannot compress fast enough and becomes stiff. This activates the coupler shear back before the full damper capability can be used.
By adding the HFC feature, the damper can accommodate both coupling and higher speed impacts. At higher collision speeds the damper will compress over a longer stroke and absorb more energy before activating the coupler shear back.
Both damper types are engineered with safety and reliable protection as a core priority, but the new HFC feature now significantly improves energy absorption in high-impact scenarios.
Watch this video featuring a comprehensive presentation of Dellner’s innovation.
The benefits of the High Force Control (HFC) feature in dampers:
- Improves control of force transfer between couplers in high speed impacts
- No increase in the length or weight of the coupler
As rail transportation evolves towards higher speeds, enhanced safety innovations like coupler dampers fitted with High Force Control will play a vital role in shaping the industry.
Dellner’s HFC feature is ideal for train manufacturers and operators who prioritize train and passenger safety, while also seeking flexibility in their CEM systems.
Stay ahead of railway safety innovations by connecting with Dellner experts today!
This article was originally published by Dellner Couplers.
