Design for six sigma (Dfss) applied to an innovative high-speed train bogie

High-Speed Trains are defined as the “transport of the future” thanks to three main characteristics: safety, capability and sustainability. It is an environment friendly solution because it relies on electric energy, which can be fully produced from renewable sources, and it pollutes less compared to other transport systems. In fact, in comparison with automobiles and airplanes, High-Speed Trains generate 9 and 6 times less carbon dioxide respectively; and in terms of consumption per kilometer, it consumes respectively 6 and 4 times less. The first ever High-Speed Train was born in Japan and it began service in 1964 under the name of “Shinkansen”. The Japanese railway system has proved throughout history the efficiency and safety of this solution, becoming a model for the development of high-speed networks in other countries. Train designs vary depending on existing railways, geography and market requests. Bogies were born as simple supports for the coaches, provided with wheels and brakes, but with technological innovations, modern models contain electric engines, sensors and security devices. In this work, a new bogie was proposed following the rules of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), which holds the main advantages of the models provided on the current market by the competitors.