ELAS-m | mobile corner force measuring unit

The ELAS-m corner force measuring system is a low-cost alternative to the automatic ELAS-a system. This transportable four-point measuring system can easily be integrated in jack systems and has a precision lift facility.

The ELAS-m mobile corner force measuring unit is a very flexible high-precision system designed to calculate and set positions and reference positions of low torsional stress on coach bodies and to calculate the centre of gravity, including on locomotives. It is used in bodywork and final assembly processes, retrofits and repairs and is also used to analyse the condition of vehicles which have been involved in accidents. The ELAS-m corner load measuring system conforms to the requirements set out in DIN 25043 (reference force measurements). The system is also used to calculate the shim thicknesses required for the undercarriage which will subsequently be used and the gross weight.

The corner force measuring unit is supplied in conjunction with the ELAS data software which automatically and permanently computes the corner force measurements and design calculations, comparing reference data with actual figures, and displays the current status to the operator required to achieve the position of low torsional stress. This software-assisted design also rules out operating errors because the operator receives a visual confirmation from the software as soon as the position of low torsional stress has been reached. The corner force measuring system was developed on the basis of the relevant standard, DIN 25043 (reference force measurements).

The ELAS-m mobile corner force measuring unit was developed in response to market demands for lower-cost alternatives to automatic stress test rigs.

The compact design of the system makes it suitable for mobile use on jacks at different locations. This provides a high degree of certitude for those with responsibility for planning and budget.

The integrated precision lift facility allows exact positioning in respect of heights and forces. The special design of the measuring points guarantees that heights will be sustained and forces held, even for relatively long periods of time. This prolonged height hold is essential if a geometric measurement of the profile of the coach body is required after the position or reference position of low torsional stress has been reached.

Corner force measurement on the pneumatic spring plates 🔍

Corner force measurement on the main sole bar 🔍

The ELAS-m corner force measuring system consists of four measuring points 🔍

The measurement points are designed to lift and measure forces of up to 200 kN and 300 kN respectively, depending on the model, therefore the whole system can handle weights of 80t and 120t respectively.

Both designs have a height levelling system (optional) and patented pendulum heads and plain bearings so as to ensure highly accurate measurements, even if the bearings are on a slight incline.

The patented pendulum heads neutralise the transmission of force while the patented bearings offset the stresses in the vehicle. These features guarantee high-precision results and reproducible measurements.

The ELAS-m corner force measuring unit is a fully electronic measuring system. The four measuring points are separably connected with the specially developed measuring amplifiers. These are wired up via a CAN bus system and their job is to supply the measuring bridges with a specific input voltage and to digitise the output voltage received from the measuring bridges.

They communicate with a central measurement data controller, the WMV. The WMV has a TFT panel to display the readings. The touch-screen input facility is also the means whereby commands can be sent to the measuring amplifiers.

It is possible in the event of malfunction, due to the modular design and the digitisation of the measuring jacks, to replace a defective jack with one that is working so that the measuring process can be continued without any major delays.

All the components belonging to the measuring system are delivered in packages on a roll cage trolley. The system is supplied ready calibrated, obviating the need for any time-consuming and expensive set-up processes on site.

The system is calibrated by an independent accredited body in conformity with DIN 7500-1. This body is in turn accredited by the German national accreditation body (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS)) as conforming to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.

ELAS-m features

Mobile corner force measuring system designed to calculate the position and reference position of low torsional stress on coach bodies
Conforms to DIN 25043 (reference force measurements)
Software-assisted setting of position of low torsional stress
Adjustment of reference position of low torsional stress
Calculation of the centre of gravity and total mass of coach bodies and locomotives, and of the required shim thickness
Capacity to hold the position for a relatively long time once reached, e.g. while the follow-up geometric measurement is taken
Cost-saving alternative to automatic corner force measuring units
Installed within a few minutes without any special tools
Easy to use
Compact dimensions for versatility of use in different installation situations
Flexibility of location providing high degree of certitude with planning and cost considerations
Modular design with digital connection via CAN bus allowing simple replacement of measuring jacks in case of defects
Patented system designed to counterbalance coach body forces resulting in very high levels of accuracy and reproducibility of measurements
Supplied as a calibrated and accredited measuring system approved as conforming to DIN 7500-1
Measuring accuracy exceeding ±0.5% (±0.1% on request)

Technical specifications

ELAS-m
Build	Compact measuring jack
Protection rating	IP 54
Storage temperature range	-20 to +60 °C
Nominal temperature range	0 to +40 °C
Max. load / force per measuring jack	20.000 kg / 200 kN 30.000 kg / 300 kN Higher on request
Min. load / force per measuring jack	10% of measuring load / measuring force
Increments	2 kg / 0,02 kN More on request
Measuring equipment class	0.5 under DIN 7500-1 0.1 on request
Power supply	230 V / 50/60 Hz Other supply voltages on request
Data transfer	Digital data bus
Interfaces	USB, LAN, WLAN
Software	ELAS data

ELAS-m | mobile corner force measuring unit

ELAS-m features

Technical specifications

ELAS data

ELAS-h

ELAS-a