When braking systems are very powerful, there is a danger of them
locking the wheels when they are applied. heel locking is highly undesirable because the
flats that it produces on the rims not only generate noise, but also involve high costs
for repairing the wheels. In very bad cases the wheels have to be scrapped.
The origins of mechanical methods of wheelslide protection go back
to about 1939. However, the introduction of microprocessor control has enabled substantial
improvements in the systems to be made. The Knorr-Bremse wheelslide protection system
keeps the wheel permanently in the range of optimum slip and so reduces the braking
distance.
But new development are advancing rapidly here too; such features as
self-contained electronics for freight cars and diagnostic facilities integrated into the
protection system. The parameters that are continuously acquired as the vehicle is running
are analyzed, stored and then passed on to the central computer.
However, it is not only during braking that a continuous check is
needed. Modern traction systems are so powerful that the wheels are also very prone to
slipping as the train is starting. The Knorr-Bremse wheelspin protection system takes care
of it.
Like all the electronic braking systems, the wheelspin and
wheelslide protection systems are also total in-house development projects -- Innovation
Right Along the Line.
Speed Sensor 