Our teams goal was to create an easy to install kit that converts a manually drawn railyard hand throw switch into an automatic one
Sponsor
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Team Members
Kerry Carr | Ruike Tang | Noel Caverly | Jonathan Mallachi | Robert Bria | Hima Patel | Aashay Tambi | | | | |
Project Poster
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Project Video
Project Summary PDF
Project Summary
Overview
Railroads move railcars from one destination to another and to make this transportation more efficient railcars are aggregated into groups of cars called “blocks” several times during each trip. These groupings are done in switching yards where the car makes a connection from one train to another. Currently this process of switching is done manually by a utility person, individually turning each switch to build the blocks.
Objectives
The purpose of the railyard switch conversion kit is to dramatically cut down the required time and energy it takes to flip railyard switches. We wanted to make it so utility workers no longer must spend their time constantly walking around dangerous tracks. Our vision is to have someone be able to sit comfortably behind a screen and flip any switch on the railyard at any time, expending little to no effort.
Approach
-Work with the sponsor to determine project requirements and develop a set of specifications.
-Develop initial hardware and software designs.
-Analyze designs to ensure that they meet the requirements.
-Reiterate as required.
-Order equipment and parts to build prototype.
-Fabricate mechanical design and develop software.
-Integrate hardware and software, performing tests as required.
-Install switch conversion kit on railroad switch.
Outcomes
Developed a prototype capable of delivering 125 ft-lbs of torque to the switch as well as 85 lbs of force to the locking latches. The prototype can be operated over the server, via an electric switch or manually by disengaging the motor.