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9/23/2015

Schwab Vibration Control: HALL 2.0 active hydraulic guide bearing

Schwab Vibration Control has introduced its HALL 2.0 active hydraulic axle guide bearing.

The technology receives its control information either from signals sent from cameras, path sensors, GPS data and programmed maps, or from built-in sensors for power control. With the help of the signals, the axles corner independently to a predetermined degree and allow the bearings to change in response to external pressure. The result is less wear on the wheels and rails, as well as less energy use and noise, according to the company.

Using internal sensors, this active technology can minimize the frictional forces on the wheels or be controlled through the use of route data. With GPS, programmed maps or cameras at the front of the train, the course of the route is evaluated in advance. The information is processed in a control unit that adjusts the bearing to the route using a hydraulic system. As a result, the wheel is already at the correct angle for the next curve, and grinds less against the rail, the company says.

The system also ensures better wheel adjustments on the narrow curves that streetcars and subways negotiate. The new active axle guide bearing HALL fits into the existing installation spaces of conventional systems, according to the company.