The ultralight BVV hybrid wheel with aluminium rim, three part design

Up to 30% less weight per wheel

The benefits of our ultralight hybrid rubber element shock absorber wheels are impressive. Here are some numbers, based on a 6-axle tram car: 600 kg less weight per vehicle; 100 kg lower axle load; reduced stress on the track and vehicle; 195,000 kWh of energy savings over the vehicle’s life span with a total mileage of 3 million km; 98,000 kg less CO2 equivalent emissions. This means increasing the transport capacity by eight people or 600 kg of weight reserved for additional technical equipment.

Light weight

Up to 30% lighter thanks to the wheel rim made of high performance forged aluminium material

Low-noise

Integrated noise damping with special high-damping rubber compounds and individually tuned absorbers for a noise reduction of up to 30 dB(A)

Durable

Wheel tyres made of high-tech materials of ExcelsiorR N, H or SO qualities reduce wear and fatigue damage

High availability

Torsion-proof element shock absorber with high primary stress as well as fatigue-resistant tyres and rubber elements which ensure trouble-free operation

Variable

On track and carriage concept with individually tuned suspension behaviour

Easy to service

Maintenance-free rubber elements, tyre changing and fast and easy assembly

The design principle

1
Easily forged aluminium – The design and materials of the wheel rim are designed for longevity and weight reduction – Forged high-quality aluminium alloy reduces wheel weight by up to 30%
2
Simple assembly – During assembly of the rim ring, the rubber elements are simultaneously brought into their installation position by means of simple workshop equipment. In the end position, the rim ring is fixed by means of a press connection and the construction principle of the screw-less wheel is retained as with the two-part BVV wheels with element suspension
3
Non-rotating rubber elements – Individually designed rubber elements with special long-life rubber compound for maximum durability over the entire service life – Non-rotating due to high primary stress and tailor-made cut
4
Matched suspension behaviour – Vertical deflection, individually tailored to tracks and carriage concept up to mm 0.8 mm with 60 kN wheel force
5
Route protection – Reduced unsprung masses reduce wear and tear to the vehicle and track system and prevent oscillations and shocks in adjacent residential areas
6
Integrated noise damping – Significant noise reduction through the decoupling of wheel tyres and wheel rim by rubber element shock absorber with special rubber
7
Long-lasting tyres made of special steel – Wheel tyres in the tried and tested N, H or SO Excelsior grades reduce wear and fatigue damage and guarantee maximum mileage – Optional: Standard quality according to UIC and ASTM
8
Optional: High-performance absorber – Individually tuned high-performance absorbers reduce noise caused by going around bends by up to 30 dB (A) – Maintenance-free BVV mounting system
9
15 tonnes and more per wheelset – Designed for high continuous load and high axle loads
10
Current bridges Specially designed current bridges for safe power transmission between wheel rim and wheel tyres

Design example

Bo 2000 with frictionally connected wheel rim ring

Hybrid wheels do not differ in durability from conventional wheels, however their suitability has been proven over a long series of tests. Of course – due to the different material conditions – specific structural adjustments were made.

With this type of wheel, a wheel rim ring – frictionally connected with the rim by means of a press-fit joint – ensures that the rubber elements are seated securely against rotation. The particular advantage of this design is the simplified assembly/disassembly which can be carried out directly on the vehicle to reduce maintenance costs.

The bolts are also an additional security element in this case. They remain in operation without pull/pressure load and are therefore almost indestructible.

This type of wheel can, of course, be customised and developed further.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your specific requirements!

How should we build your wheelset?

Each track and carriage format poses different challenges to wheels and wheelsets. Therefore, the wheel types shown are not a standard offer to which you need to adapt, but specimens that you can individually design together with us and expand even further.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

1
Variable wheel body/rim – Individual material selection: BVV special steels of different grades – Individual design of the wheel bodies, with and without drive/brake disc attachment for conventional wheelsets and loose wheel bearing etc.
2
Variable rubber elements – Wide range of rubber shapes – Load carrying capacity matched to the loads – Individually tuned shock absorbing characteristics – Thermally stable up to 130 °C – Compliance with fire protection requirements according to EN 45545
3
Variable wheel tyre – Material: ExcelsiorR N, H, SO or according to customer specifications – Diameter: from 350 to 950 mm
4
– Optional: High-performance absorber – Individually tuned high-performance absorbers reduce noise caused by going around bends by up to 30 dB (A) – Maintenance-free BVV mounting system
5
Variable current bridges – individual in terms of interpretation and number