The mobile diagnostic box: innovation for the maintenance of ICE 4 bogies

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    • DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung is setting new standards in the maintenance of ICE 4 bogies with its mobile diagnostic box. This innovative in-house development, created by two employees from the Krefeld plant with a great deal of dedication and technical expertise, impressed in practical tests with its speed and precision.

    The diagnostic box was developed last year at the Krefeld maintenance depot by Joris Bongers and Erdem Akkol. It enables a complete, fast and accurate inspection of the electronics in ICE 4 bogies – regardless of location. Thanks to its compact design, it is handy and mobile and can be easily used under trains. The box does not require any cables or power supplies; two batteries are sufficient for operation. As a true innovation, it is not only efficient but also economical: comparable systems on the market involve significantly higher investment costs.

    A particular practical case impressively demonstrated the advantages of the diagnostic box: with its help, a persistent fault on an ICE 4 multiple unit train was located and rectified within just one hour. This avoided a costly and time-consuming replacement of the bogie, and the train was quickly back in full operation. Another reported fault on the lateral acceleration sensor was also reliably and quickly eliminated with the support of the diagnostic box.

    Outlook and future developments

    The success of this project speaks for the innovative spirit and initiative at DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung. Two prototypes of the mobile diagnostic box are currently in use, with more in the pipeline. A further development of these is already available: an improved version in a protective case design is intended to make handling even more convenient. A patent has already been filed. A version for the EMU 463 regional multiple unit is already available, for example, and the team is also working on further versions for additional series.

    This example impressively highlights how DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung employees are using creativity and technical expertise to create sustainable solutions for the future of rail vehicle maintenance. The aim is to make maintenance processes even more efficient and to be able to maintain bogies throughout Germany more reliably and cost-effectively – to the benefit of all customers, partners and passengers.