Monorails – innovative system solutions for modern transit

Take a look at our product portfolio!

The bogie equipment is the part of the braking system that generates the braking force. The bogie equipment portfolio for monorails features brake discs 'ProDisc Axle' hydraulic brake calipers 'HydroAct' and a range of compact brake calipers including the SN7 from the commercial vehicles business.

To achieve optimum braking, the optimal braking force must be applied to each axle and bogie. Our engineers adapt the system to each monorail’s specific application scenarios.

Windscreen wiper and wash systems ensure that the vehicle always has a clear view. Windscreen wiper and wash systems for monorails usually comprise wiper drives, arms and blades, control units, operating controls, washer water tanks and washer pumps. Rain sensors are also often fitted to vehicles that serve aboveground sections of the line.

Fast, reliable entrance systems play an exceptionally important role in public mass transit systems. Innovative door drives ensure that doors open and close quickly and efficiently, minimizing platform dwell times. Depending on operator requirements, sliding doors or sliding plug doors can be fitted in a wide variety of configurations, including all-glass, aluminum-sandwich or stainless-steel variants. Anti-trap obstacle detection systems keep passengers safer, and access aids such as sliding steps, ramps or gap bridges provide a user-friendly experience for people with limited mobility.

Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) are the technological nerve center of monorails, connecting the subsystems to each other and to the central vehicle control system. They must therefore be tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. The WSP3 expansion module seamlessly integrates the wheel slide protection system with the monorail’s TCMS. The TDS Defense in Depth Threat Detection Solution detects cyberthreats in their early stages.

Whatever the outside weather, monorail passengers expect a comfortable on-board environment. Sophisticated and increasingly eco-friendly HVAC systems mounted on the monorail’s roof ensure that this expectation is met.

Monorails rely on a range of electro-mechanical and electrical control components. Contactors, disconnectors and resistors are designed to meet the individual requirements of each application scenario.

Monorails with hydraulic braking systems require a range of special hydraulic components and systems. These include hydraulic brake calipers, leveling cylinders, electro-hydraulic control modules, hydraulic auxiliary release units and hydro-pneumatic suspension systems.

Coupling Systems are complex multi-purpose systems that join up high-speed trains, coupling their mechanical, pneumatic and electrical components. Out on the track, they check, manage and control tractive forces while at the same time compensating for relative movements between cars. Automatic center buffer couplers are employed in the form of front couplers on high-speed trains.

Against the backdrop of globalization and urbanization, and with a view to greater energy efficiency and safety, digitization is adding new functionalities that underpin the pre-eminent role of rail transportation. And Knorr-Bremse’s digital solutions are paving the way.

Every monorail operator has its own unique profile and equally individual service requirements for the maintenance, overhaul and repair of its vehicle subsystems. A service package tailored to the customer’s specific requirements is thus nothing short of essential.