Utility Support Frame for STA’s Articulated Buses
DELIVERING SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS SAVINGS
Problem solving is of crucial importance in engineering when products or processes fail, so corrective action can be taken to prevent further failures. “Effective problem solving involves experience, knowledge, process, art and focus,” says Ian Lowe, Engineering Manager, Chess Industries.
Long standing client, State Transit Authority of NSW, recently approached Chess Engineering to fix a problem with their articulated buses. The client currently has 234 buses, with the number growing everyday, so it was important to develop an effective solution for the transport segment.
In the middle of the turntable area, or more technically, the bellows section of an articulated bus, the utilities were not being supported in a way that prevented the hoses, tubes and cables rubbing against each other. They were laid in a cradle and cable-tied in place. Over time, the rubbing action of the 18 service hoses was causing major wear and tear and a significant cost for the client to repair the hose faults. Buses were taken out of service for maintenance causing a significant impact to customer satisfaction as passengers were being transferred to a second bus.
Chess designed a utility support frame made from powder coated mild steel. This attaches to the middle support frame of the bellows using two rubber mounts which can flex with the bus. On top of the frame a machined plastic manifold can accommodate up to 18 service hoses such as fuel and oil lines and pneumatic lines. “The plastic manifold is a key design component as it is manufactured to snuggly hold each service line so that it cannot move around and rub against other lines, preventing service failure,” says Chris Peal, Key Account Manager, Chess Engineering.
“We identified and clearly understood the client's problem and determined what was required to solve it. Our designed utility support frame has led to significant cost reductions for the client, enhanced the passenger experience and most importantly, improved safety on the road,” says Ian.
The utility support frame has been deemed a success with the client following a 3-month trial. The service lines rubbing action has been 100% eliminated. The job now begins to manufacture and install 80 utility frames to the client‟s articulated buses.
For further information, please contact Chris Peal on 0418 467 181 or c.peal@chessindustries.com.au
