Winterproof railroad switch
Train delay due to railroad switch failure because of snow and ice is a problem with a major social impact. We worked for Arcadis on a system that covers the switch and prevents blocks of ice from ending up between the switches. The system works on the already existing movement of the switches so that it does not need extra energy or connections. The result is a simple and sustainable solution for a persistent problem.
In 2013, this design won the Ingenieursprijs Vernufteling award: “This project shows outstandingly that engineering firms are here to put an end to a persistent technical problem”, the jury report writes. “Countless agencies have dealt with this problem over the past decades, looked abroad and came up with the most ingenious solutions, but there was always a drawback due to costs or suitability. And then there is, very simply, the idea of a cover plate. Inexpensive, applicable everywhere, and it may make the maintenance-sensitive system of exchange heating redundant.”
- Client Arcadis
- Start Project 2012
- More information NLingenieurs.nl
The Winterproof railroad switch in summary
A hood that covers the switch when it opens and thus prevents blocks of ice from ending up between the switches. The system works on the already existing movement of the switches so that it does not need extra energy or connections.
This project
Industrial Design
A solution to a persistent technical problem
An analysis of the problem showed that the problems are caused by large blocks of ice. The first draft sketches were made with a great focus on implementability. Extra energy supply would require such large investments that this would make the product unrealizable. Therefore, the principle of less is more has been strived for, a simple solution to a complex problem.
- Problem analysis
- Concept development
- Aim for simple solution
ir. Guido Visser, Arcadis
"Great help with our project"
Product Engineering
A solid system that requires little maintenance
It is very important that the solution itself is very solid and needs little maintenance. For that reason, much attention has been paid to determining strong and proven materials. In the first instance, it was about the production of a small series and that is why assembly and production techniques were kept as basic as possible. This has been worked out in close consultation with the producers.
As an external party, you can react freshly and sharply and you can prevent the product design from getting more complex in a large organization.
- Material selection
- Determine production techniques
- Construction worked out
Frank Westland, Industrial engineer
Technical challenge for a persistent problem
“It is very inspiring to help to solve a problem where you yourself and everyone who travels often has had to deal with. The fact that the problem still occurs after all this time indicates that it is not so easy to come up with a suitable solution for this. Because it is a big problem, we have always worked on large, complex solutions. Just as with the drafting of a text, for example, a good elaboration can help to make a product design simpler. So the challenge was to work towards the simplest possible solution. Let’s hope that train delays due to railroad switch malfunctioning because of snow and ice will no longer occur. “
Prototyping and Production support
The Winterproof railroad switch in practice
A prototype and a comprehensive test environment have been drawn up. The operation appeared to function as expected. The result is a product that has been developed thanks to a combination of years of experience in the market of Arcadis and the expertise in the field of product development of Wortel. The implementation of the product depends on more than just a good operation. Issues such as liability, the interests of various stakeholders and costs all play a role. After a successful test and a good reception by the jury of the Ingenieursprijs Vernufteling, we now hope that the product will be rolled out on a large scale.
- Prototype developed
- Create a test environment
- Prototype testing
