Integration of a mechanical interlocking lever frame into a signaling demonstrator

Maksabi, Mersedeh (2014). Integration of a mechanical interlocking lever frame into a signaling demonstrator. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

Preview

Maksabi14MRes.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (4MB)

Abstract

Railway signalling has experienced numerous changes and developments, most of which were associated with its long evolutionary history. These changes have occurred gradually from the earliest days of the railway industry when fairly safe distances between the trains were controlled by signalmen with their rudimentary tools to multiple aspects colour light signalling systems and complicated operating systems as well as computerised traffic information systems. Nowadays signalling technology is largely affected by the presence of high performance electromechanical relays which provide the required logic on one hand and securely control the train movement on the other. However, this kind of control system is bulky and requires large space to accommodate. Therefore, such a technology will be expensive as it requires intensive efforts for manufacturing, installation and maintenance.
The mechanical interlocking is an alternative substitution for the electromechanical relay-based systems. All interlocking systems have been developed by considering all the safety issues and existing standards within the railway signalling. The current project introduces a new electromechanical approach which utilises the real time data from a mechanical unit and produces the outputs in the form of electrical signals. To achieve this, an electronic circuit has been designed to use the extracted data to represent the status of each lever within the mechanical interlocking. Ultimately, this electronic circuit determines two aspects of signalling concerning straight and reverse route.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):