Railroad technology

In Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) trains, contactless linear position transducers are installed linear position transducers in the drive cylinder of the active lateral centering system. These sensors precisely detect the current position, thereby enabling continuous control of the system. When traveling through curves, lateral accelerations occur that shift the car body out of its spring-centered mid-position. At higher speeds, this deflection can reach the permissible limits and result in noticeable jolts that reduce ride comfort. In extreme situations, travel safety can even be compromised. Active lateral centering counteracts these forces and keeps the car body in a stable central position. This maintains passenger comfort even as the train’s speed increases. At the same time, the system enables higher travel speeds, resulting in shorter travel times.

A snow-clearing device removes snow from the railroad tracks and ensures that train service can be maintained reliably even in winter conditions. To ensure the device operates safely, both its position on the track and the lateral position of the two clearing units must be precisely adjusted. The position on the rail and the lateral position of the two snowplows are adjusted by hydraulic cylinders and controlled using built-in non-contact position sensors.