Digital automatic coupling (DAC) is a type of railway coupling developed in the 2020s to replace the English buffers and chain couplings, initially in Europe. It resembles the Scharfenberg coupler with extra contacts to join electrical circuits (power, detection and control) and air hoses. [1] Longer trains up to 750 m.

One key part of the Knorr-Bremse DAC is the innovative concept of the electric contact coupler (e-coupler). By connecting power and data lines from the locomotive all the way to the last freight car, e-couplers act as a crucial interface in the digital freight train.

2022年2月28日 · The introduction of the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) aims to address the three main challenges of the European rail freight sector – increasing capacity, productivity and quality – which are crucial for a more efficient and modern rail freight system.

Unlike traditional screw couplers used today, DACs are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and integration through automation and digitalisation. Moreover DACs automatically connect and disconnect freight cars, air pipes, data- and powerlines.

Scharfenberg® couplers have delivered reliable service in passenger rail for more than 100 years. Based on this proven technology, Voith’s digital automatic couplers introduce automatic coupling of freight trains to Europe. They are also packed with groundbreaking digital features that turn each freight train into an intelligent system.

Climbing between wagons to hook and un-hook the coupler is a physically demanding manual operation in a hazardous environment. The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) is an enabler to create a modern, more efficient, sustainable and competitive European railway freight system that meets the needs of rising transport volumes in a climate protective way.

To assist train operators, Dellner DAC has developed hybrid couplers for locomotives that allow easy switching between DAC couplers and screw couplers. This enables the operator to equip the locomotive with a coupler that always meets the requirements of the respective train configuration.

2024年12月3日 · Digital automatic coupling (DAC) for freight transport is one of many emerging innovations aimed at harmonizing the European rail system. Combined with ERTMS 1 and other emerging technologies, DAC promises to revolutionize the rail freight industry. Here’s how it works. The European railway system is unique.

With digital automatic coupling, the rail coupling process is transforming to become fully digitalised and automated. This makes the entire process faster and results in greater capacity at terminals and railway yards, which leads to a more even process flow.

Munich, November 25, 2021 – Knorr-Bremse, global market leader for braking systems and other rail and commercial vehicle systems, is developing a portfolio of couplers for making rail transportation even more efficient and flexible.