Development and Testing of a Full-Scale Repoint Track Switch System

REPOINT is an innovative track switch system with a semicircular path motion mechanism, which allows passive locking and redundancy of actuation.Central to this study is the development and testing of a prototype system, which utilizes a single active bearer configuration tested at a 1:1 scale in the laboratory.The prototype embodies an enclosed active bearer equipped with dual servo motors, custom gearboxes and cams, sensors, and a passive locking mechanism, as well as a cascaded closed-loop control system, ensuring robust performance and high adaptability to various track and switch types.Testing results confirm the REPOINT system's operational efficacy, demonstrating rapid switching times and precise control within stringent railway standards.Future work will focus on scaling the system by adding two more active bearers to improve redundancy, test fault tolerance and integrate fault detection and condition monitoring strategies to bolster robustness.Through ongoing research and development, the REPOINT system aims to provide a scalable, reliable solution to modern rail network challenges.