REDUCING THE NUMBER OF UNSCHEDULED REPAIRS OF TRACTION GEAR OF EMU TRAINS BY INTRODUCING MODERN TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to find a solution to the problem of reducing the number of the electric multiple unit (EMU) trains traction drive unscheduled repairs due to the breakage of the M24 bolts of the rubber-cord coupling. For these purposes, it is proposed to develop a device that allows accumulating and transmitting data of the impact forces perceived by the bolts of the rubber-cord coupling and whereby reduce the number of unplanned repairs, as well as the associated rolling stock maintenance financial costs for the JSC «Pasažieru vilciens» railway undertaking. The article presents the initial concept of the design development for a device based on the piezoelectric effect, which will make possible to determine the impact force acting on the M24 bolts of the rubber-cord coupling. The data on the minimum breaking force P were taken based on the results of determining the shear stress [τ] - on the shear acting on the M-24 bolts of the rubber-cord coupling fastening. Using the electronic modules included in the designed device, it is planned to provide storage and transmission of information with the further possibility of its processing by a developed PC software or mobile application. However, such devices have a significant drawback - a high development price. For this reason, in order to obtain economic viability, the challenge is creating a device, which cost is limited to 50 Euros. Putting this device into operation would reduce the number of unscheduled repairs therefore reducing the costs experienced by the JSC «Pasažieru vilciens».