NSK develops vibration control actuator for train cars

Contributes to improved ride comfort and higher travel speeds

NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Toshihiro Uchiyama) has developed a ball screw type vibration control actuator that can improve train ride quality (comfort) and enable higher travel speeds. This new product utilizes a ball screw actuator to suppress lateral vibrations that arise during rail travel.

The vibration control actuator has been introduced to new models of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) E353 series high-speed trains operating the “Super Azusa" limited express services on the Chuo Line (since December 23, 2017). The product is also used in Train Suite Shiki-shima, a luxury sleeper train service operated by JR East since May 1, 2017.

NSK will continue to develop new products and technologies for the railway sector contributing to safer, more comfortable, faster, and more environmentally friendly mobility.

JR East Chuo Line “Super Azusa” service E353 series high-speed train (Photo: JR East)

JR East luxury sleeper train “Train Suite Shiki-shima” (Photo: JR East)

                              NSK Vibration Control Actuator
                        (Top right: driver, Bottom left: actuator)

Development Background

With the rapid development and expansion of high-speed railway systems, vibration control for maintaining stability, ride comfort, and safety has become an important area of research and development for the railway industry. Typical undulations of railway tracks, and air pressure fields arising when entering tunnels can cause lateral swaying and shaking, resulting in a nauseating, uncomfortable riding experience. In light of this, NSK took the initiative to develop a vibration control actuator capable of enabling more comfortable travel at higher speeds.

Features

1. Highly efficient, highly responsive

NSK's ball screws translate rotational motion to linear motion with minimal energy loss. Making the most of ball screw qualities, NSK developed a highly-responsive electric vibration control actuator capable of efficiently suppressing lateral vibration and sway.

2. Compact, lightweight

Designed small and light to fit in the limited space available between the bogie and the rail car body.

3. Resistant to adverse environments

Designed to reliably withstand the constant shocks and vibrations experienced by components of railroad car bogies. Also water and dust resistant, making the product capable of operating in the adverse environmental conditions experienced by bogie components.

               Location of NSK Vibration Control Actuator
                 (Image: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.)