Feature: Components


Protection solutions for rail electronics By Meike Kurzak, Managing Partner, DTi


M


odern trains are loaded with communication technology, to exchange information


between the individual on-board systems and the outside world. Te extensive network of cables is hidden in walls, floors and ceilings, mostly in very confined spaces; see Figure 1. Te cables pass sharp edges, which, if inadequately protected, can cause cracks and lead to short circuits, with fatal consequences such as data loss, system failures or fires. Terefore, a hard-wearing material is required, which protects the cables sufficiently without being affected by abrasion, vibrations or extreme temperature fluctuations. Device Technologies (DTi) has developed


an edge protection especially designed for use in trains, which is particularly durable and can be attached by simply plugging it on without using adhesives; see Figure 2. In this way, productivity can be increased as


32 March 2021 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


fewer process steps are required, and costs for adhesives, for example, are eliminated, reducing installation costs by nearly 50%. Te steel-reinforced SL-FST is also heat and flame resistant. As a result, the variant meets the high requirements of the European rail industry, including EN45545 or FST/UV exposure. Te material was initially used in the aviation industry and has proven successful in environments with high vibration levels, making it ideal for use in high-speed trains and other rail applications.


Smooth operation Driver’s cab, passenger monitors, train- land communication interfaces or automatic door control, these are just a few examples of on-board systems in trains that need to communicate with each other for smooth train operations. As a result, modern trains are increasingly becoming very-high-performance computers on wheels, whose most important lifelines – the connecting cables between the


individual electronic components and signaling devices – must pass through sharp edges and narrow transitions. In addition, these cables are sometimes subject to high vibration or temperature fluctuations. For this reason, the edges to be passed are equipped with a special edge protection, which previously had to be applied with adhesives, which is a time-consuming process. In the case of a fire, when combined with the adhesives, the nylon grommets can cause a toxic load and smoke. For this reason, DTi customised its


leading grommet edging solution Spring- Fast by optimising it to meet the needs of rail transport. Te SL-FST edge protection consists of a particularly hard-wearing, non-flammable and steel-reinforced thermoplastic (Figure 3), so that in the event of a fire it does not burn further or produce additional toxic smoke. Compared to conventional plastic edge protection, this material also cannot dry out or become porous, even if it is exposed to extreme changes and temperatures.


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