Technology: Conti advances hydraulic bushings for train bogies

Hanover, Germany – ContiTech has developed a new generation of hydraulic wheelset guiding bushes for train bogies, designed to reduce maintenance and enhance passenger comfort.

Unveiled at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin late last month, the bushings offer improved adaptation to track pressure compared to conventional hydraulic models.

This helps balance the forces on the wheelset, extending the lifespan of critical train components, ContiTech said 20 Sept.

Passenger comfort is also improved, as the bushings reduce the impact of track sleepers on the wheels.

According to ContiTech, the design allows for a clearer differentiation between high and low stiffness, exceeding the performance of traditional hydraulic bushes.

In a train’s primary suspension system, these bushings connect the primary spring swingarm to the bogie, providing necessary movement and flexibility.

This ensures optimal wheelset guidance, allowing the train to adapt smoothly to track irregularities.

Hydraulic bushings are key to managing varying ride conditions, offering rigidity during high-speed travel on straight tracks and softer suspension for curves or low-speed manoeuvres.

ContinTech maintains that its new bushings greatly improve the differentiation between static and dynamic longitudinal stiffness.

This results in "very soft" guidance in curves and reduced track pressure, while maintaining high directional stability at speed.

The improved adaptability also extends servicing intervals and reduces maintenance costs.

The bushings can be retrofitted without any modifications to the bogie.