Overcoming obsolescence of components
Paul Markwell on 04 September 2017 07:26:49
Tags:
Better Reliability
Continuous Improvement
Reducing Obsolescence
Traction and Rolling Stock
To improve the reliability of the operation of the gangway doors between the carriages on Class 365 EMU vehicles Unipart Rail has identified new components that can be used in the overhaul of the door control unit to overcome obsolescence issues. The units are overhauled in the company’s own manufacturing facilities to control the quality of the work and provide full certification and testing in accordance with the Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMI) specification.
The Door Control Panel fitted in the original build of the Class 365 includes several components that are now obsolete or have alternative more modern fittings that will both improve the reliability of the door operation and reduce the risk of future failures. The specification of the overhaul uses the existing base board and replaces or upgrades the components to provide a fully functioning unit that uses existing electrical and mechanical connections.
Product improvements implemented by Unipart Rail, as part of the overhaul process, include:
• Installing two new relays and bases with wiring to replace existing obsolete Schrack components
• Installing a new Obstacle Detector Pressure Switch to improve the detection of passengers in front of the doors
• Air isolation valves are removed to install a new modern pneumatic sub-assembly
• A mono-block manifold is installed to improve the reliability, maintenance and testing