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Manfred Sommergruber
Jun 18, 2020 | 4 min read
The main reason wheel sensors are deployed is to reliably and accurately detect trains. The sub-par conditions that may await such as heat, frost, flooding, industrial waste, extreme mechanical or electromagnetic influences, to name a few, can negatively affect performance of some types of signaling equipment. In the name of safety, it is mandatory that this equipment is able to perform dependably, whatever the circumstances. All elements, from the their inner workings and potting compound to the housing and fixing device, must be designed to get the job done on a consistent basis.
The first wheel sensor Frauscher produced was the RSR180. When Josef Frauscher invented this sensor in 1987, he set he foundation for all of the subsequent models that the company supplies today to operators and system integrators worldwide.
The durable RSR180, pre-cursor to all Frauscher wheel sensor models, remains an important product in the portfolio almost 40 years later. By utilizing new technological advances and experience from around the world, the RSR180 it has been continuously improved over the years. The latest version, the RSR180 GS05, offers many positive features:
1. Mechanical enhancement:
The housing design and bolts have been improved in such a way that the sensor can be attached to its mounting with a torque of up to 40 Nm. This increases the stability of the entire system in the face of extreme mechanical influences.
2. Potting compound:
Changing from epoxy to polyurethane further improved the sensor’s durability. As a result, cracks that could allow moisture to penetrate inside the device are even less likely to develop. Furthermore, the potting compound and sensor housing now boast fire resistance to ULV94 V-0, meaning that the sensor is approved for use in tunnels.
3. Cable connection:
Its location in the middle of the sensor makes installation easier. The tensile forces affecting the cable are reduced. This change also makes it easier to lay a larger loop in order to minimize the bend radius of the cable. This has the effect of preventing cable faults and damage to the sensor resulting from stress on the cable connection.
However, the fundamental principle on which the RSR180 is based has remained unchanged throughout the years. To this day this makes it one of the most reliable and accurate wheel sensors available. Frauscher's philosophy has always been characterized by a spirit of innovation that is undiminished today. This spirit of innovation has led to Frauscher's success in producing gold standard products that meet the various requirements of global rail markets, with the RSR180 now used in over 70 countries.
Frauscher also developed its rail claw decades ago, and over the years this product has also undergone constant improvement and development. It enables sensors to be attached to the track without any drilling. The mounting height is freely adjustable on all models of the Frauscher claw. The SK150 rail claw is the latest version, with clamps fitted on its sides that make it extremely easy to adjust for different sizes of rail foot. The SK140 version allows adjustments by providing a choice between clamping bolts of differing lengths. The RSR180's most recent update allows it to be mounted to the SK150, enhancing its versatility. For other rail profiles, Frauscher also offers, the SK420 for grooved rails or the SK140-010 for slab tracks with restricted mounting space.
Frauscher also engages in market and user-specific development of its more recent model wheel sensors. The company’s approach to proactively develop user-friendly innovations has resulted in a variety of valuable features. An example is the plug-in connection on the RSR110 and RSR123. The sensor itself combines different inductive processes that makes it extremely resistant to electromagnetic interference.
The RSR110 is designed for non-vital applications and is available in two versions: the single wheel sensor RSR110s has an individual sensor system for one direction train detection. The double wheel sensor RSR110d is equipped with two sensor systems and enables wheel detection along with directional information. Thanks to their open analog interface, both wheel sensors can be easily integrated into the electronics of any system. This enables system integrators to adapt the evaluation of information as needed to meet individual requirements.
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Wheel Sensors
You have further questions regarding our highly reliable wheel sensors?
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Wheel Sensors
You have further questions regarding our highly reliable wheel sensors?
