Train Door Closing Pinch Force Tester

Solution

• Digital force measurement gauge
• Cradle fixture with cantilever-based pinch mechanism

Benefits

• Accurate peak force measurement for safety validation
• Small and light to handle and transport

Requirement

South West Trains needed a precise and reliable method of determining the closing (pinch) force on their external train door that was fitted flush. To achieve the safety of the passengers, there was a need to get accurate and repeatable force readings when opening the door, as this would enable the operators to ensure that the doors operate correctly in meeting the safety standards and that all the doors in service operate in a similar manner.

Solution

A cantilevered-type concretion was combined with a digital force meter (500 N), giving the direct compressive force and enabling it to be transmitted to the load cell when the concretion was placed between the doors that closed them. This configuration enabled accurate measurement of the pinch force during door closure.

The pass/fail alarm function of the force gauge allowed immediate assessment and quick confirmation of compliance with safety specifications. Due to the cantilever design of the force gauge, measurements were possible at a width similar to a human hand, providing realistic conditions.

Additionally, this setup ensured that the operator’s hands remained safely away from the door closing area, overcoming limitations typically associated with standard load cell arrangements.

The cantilever fixture can be easily modified in length and shape, making it suitable for a variety of similar force measurement applications across different industries.

Test equipment

• 500 N Digital Force Gauge
• Cantilever-based pinch force fixture