Burs, Austria — Vibration protection firm Getzner has developed a floating aluminium floor which uses polyurethane foam to isolate it from its surroundings.
The firm says that the products, designated the Sylomer Aluminium Vibration Damper, have been designed specifically for use in rail vehicles and decouple the interior floor from the rest of the train. The polyurethane components absorb vibrations from the body of the train, Getzner said.
It is possible that the bearings operate in both compression and shear.
The new system is designed to "allow rail vehicle manufacturers to make weight savings and increased passenger comfort. The noise level in the compartment is also reduced which passengers really appreciate," said Thomas Gamsjager, product manager at Gartner.
The floating floors are also designed to be attached to railway vehicles with screws, reducing installation times and costs, the firm added.
Additionally, because the inserts are elastic, they increase installation tolerance. "Objects and components connected to the floor are exposed a few vibrations which can have a positive effect on the service life," concludes Gamsjeger. Getzner suggests the dampers could be used on ships, or other mechanical engineering applications."
