Automatic rail coupling said to minimise downtime

Parker Hannifin has developed a new system for the control of automatic rail coupling.

The solution is optimised to offer a fail-safe actuation of the coupling function through a series of circuits designed to ensure all actuation signals are present before actuation can occur. In addition to the safety characteristics, the solution offers driver controls, allowing for full control of the duration of the coupling cycle. This is achieved with the use of adjustable flow restriction and a small volume. This was calculated to offer the range of adjustment required with the minimum volume, therefore keeping system size as small as possible. Components used on the system are vibration tested and are fully compliant with EC 61373:1999 Cat 1. The operating temperature range has also been extended to meet the environmental requirements and wide voltage tolerance to allow for the vehicle voltage variances.