Scharfenberg coupler maker, Voith, and Siemens managers say they’ll cooperate on performance monitoring for the coupler with Voith engineers developing the sensors and tools to monitor the coupler while Siemens will integrate the products into the company’s propriety Railigent operating system for Internet of Things devices on railroads.
Executives with the companies signed the agreement in May. Once complete, the Voith’s software will be offered as an application in Siemens’ Railigent software universe.
Voith’s software is expected to monitor the coupler’s deformation tube and damper, and will be able to lower inspection and maintenance costs. In addition, it reduces unplanned down-time and increases the level of passenger safety, according to a recent news release. The companies expect to debut the product at InnoTrans 2018 in Berlin.
Scharfenberg couplers are automatic couplers, which require two opposing, parallel pins to feed into and lock into opposing coupler pockets ensuring solid coupling, typically in passenger trains. The coupling connects a train’s frames as well as air brakes, signal lines, and electric cables without crew handling.
Amtrak and Via Rail Canada should adopt the Scharfenberg couplers to eliminate the clutter and labour involving cables that must be manually connected individually. Before head-end power (HEP), passenger trains were simpler to couple with only brake hoses, steam and signal lines as well as couplers. These cables were once limited to locomotives for multiple unit operations.