Increasing Usability Through Reliable, Efficient Components

Opportunity:

No matter what industry your machines are designed for, creating a simple experience, both for the operator and any technician that works on it is a top goal for OEMs. This is important both in terms of machine operation, but also when trying to meet all technical requirements within existing budgetary guidelines. Therefore, thoughtful machine analysis is a crucial step both when selecting machine components, but also when determining what functions can be integrated to best set the operator up for success.

Solution:

In this instance, we worked with an OEM in the rail industry to simplify a few things within their machine. With the rail blower pictured above, they needed a simple method of independently controlling 4 different safety and work lights to optimize safety. After reviewing the options, we integrated a SCS200 power distribution module which was very simple to connect and integrate into their existing IQAN control system. It also was able to withstand a very cold environment, down to -40° C, which is obviously crucial in this application.

We were also able to automate a few different functions in the machine. Its primary function is to blow snow and ice off railroad tracks and we were able to create an auto-sweep function. So rather than always manually running the blower, the operator could use auto-sweep, but still have the ability to override it, operating the blower with a joystick when necessary. We also added a few rotational sensors to the main blower, creating an auto-stow function. This allowed the operator to simply initiate that function and the blower would rotate at 2 separate spots into a more compact idle state.

Result:

• We were able to quickly get the OEM a component that met their machine needs while staying within their budgetary restrictions. The chosen components were also easily integrated into their existing control system and was overall more user-friendly
• Some primary and secondary machine functions are now automated, while still giving the operator the ability to override and run things manually when necessary.