High-powered tubal handling

The need

The role of advertisers is to monitor and report the approach of traffic on the national rail network. To do this, they announce the arrival of trains using a high-powered horn (TGP).

The TGP weighs 12kg and must be carried by the advertiser on the shoulder via a strap and sometimes over long distances. This can lead to fatigue, falls from the ground, or musculoskeletal disorders.

The field teams therefore expressed the need for an ergonomic device to transport this TGP more comfortably.

TSO, a French company specializing in work on railway infrastructures and railways, wanted to meet this need via its subsidiary FVF (specialized in railway safety) by engaging with SNCF Réseau over a 4-month sprint.

The solution

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A carrying case prototype designed by the TSO/FVF teams, improved throughout the sprint.

The carrying case weighs 4.6 kg, accompanied by a quiver that can receive the announcer's devices (manual horn, flag, firecrackers, etc.) weighing 3.4 kg. The set including the TGP weighs around 20kg.

The experiment

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The experiment started on June 16, 2023 and took place in two stages in Nanterre on the EOLE project.

Initially, the cargo rack was tested in offices, then in the field in a closed domain (line not used) on the construction site. This second phase aimed to bring up issues related to the field, which were not detected during the first phase.

Apprenticeships

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Before the experiment, the agents determined the constraints created by the TGP. Carrying it at arm's length or across the shoulder is inconvenient because of its heavy weight and the bulkiness it generates. As well as the fact of not being able to use it easily during transport.

After experimenting with the carrier, the agents say they like the fact that it is adjustable and that it makes the TGP less heavy. The two main advantages of the solution are good weight distribution and practicality.

Overall, the TSO/FVF solution met the expectations of the business well.

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