Styrspårvinkel

Styrspårvinkel, in Swedish rail terminology, refers to the angle related to the guide rail (styrspår) used by guided rail vehicles such as trams and guided buses. The guide rail is a separate rail or rail-like surface that a guiding wheel or shoe follows to keep the vehicle on a defined path, especially when the main running rails are insufficient for steering.

The styrspårvinkel describes how the guide rail is oriented relative to the vehicle’s direction of travel at the point where the guide wheel or guiding shoe contacts the rail. This angle influences the lateral guidance force that the guide system applies to the vehicle, helping it follow curves, enter or exit switches, and maintain stability at low speeds or during steering maneuvers.

In practice, the angle is a design parameter of guided rail systems. It depends on the vehicle geometry, the type of guide mechanism (for example a central guide wheel or a side shoe), track geometry, and expected operating conditions. A suitable angle provides adequate steering action without inducing excessive wear on the guide rail or guiding components. Incorrect angles can lead to poor guidance, increased wear, or, in adverse cases, derailment risks if the interaction between guide element and guide rail becomes unstable.

Maintenance and inspection of styrspårvinkel-related guidance focus on ensuring the guide rail and guiding elements are correctly aligned, free of excessive wear, and within prescribed tolerances. Normal practice includes monitoring wear patterns, track alignment, and the interaction between guide wheels or shoes and the guide rail, adjusting as needed to preserve reliable guidance.

See also: guide rail, guided transport, tramway systems, guide wheel.