Knorr-Bremse TruckServices Showcases Advanced Solutions at Automechanika 2024, Paving the Way for a Smarter Aftermarket

Knorr-Bremse TruckServices Showcases Advanced Solutions at Automechanika 2024, Paving the Way for a Smarter Aftermarket

(IN BRIEF) At the Automechanika 2024 event, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is unveiling an array of future-focused solutions to enhance the digitization of the commercial vehicle aftermarket. Key highlights include new dealer and workshop partnership concepts, an optimized diagnostics solution, and a repair strategy for electronic control units (ECUs). The company’s “Digital Experience” offers visitors an interactive journey into a future aftermarket ecosystem. Alongside this, the brand presents new products such as the reduced-weight wheel end for semi-trailer applications and the upgraded Active Pad Release system, which improves fuel efficiency and brake durability. These innovations demonstrate Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to optimizing fleet operations while aligning with sustainability goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 4-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Knorr-Bremse TruckServices, a leading provider of vehicle systems and services for commercial vehicles, is set to unveil an exciting lineup of future-oriented innovations at this year’s Automechanika trade show. With a strong focus on digital transformation and sustainability, the company is highlighting a range of new solutions designed to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the commercial vehicle aftermarket.

The company’s standout offerings include cutting-edge tools for workshops and dealerships, featuring state-of-the-art diagnostics and electronic control unit (ECU) repair strategies that promise to streamline the vehicle maintenance process. Knorr-Bremse’s groundbreaking “Digital Experience” will take center stage, offering visitors an immersive preview of what the future aftermarket might look like. This interactive experience showcases the company’s vision of an ecosystem where smart, digital solutions reshape how fleet operations are managed, enhancing both performance and sustainability.

In addition to its digital innovations, Knorr-Bremse is launching new products like a reduced-weight wheel end for semi-trailers and an upgraded Active Pad Release system that promises significant fuel savings and extended brake lifespan. These products are designed to minimize environmental impact while delivering superior performance, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Through these innovative solutions, Knorr-Bremse is reinforcing its role as a key player in shaping the future of the commercial vehicle aftermarket, where technology, efficiency, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Introducing Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics

Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics is based on the user interface of Jaltest Diagnostics, the brand-independent commercial vehicle diagnostics suite developed by Cojali. The new software provides all-in-one diagnostics for Knorr-Bremse’s truck and trailer systems, and is the successor to two software packages: NEO for truck systems and ECUtalk® for trailer systems. For use with Cojali’s Jaltest Link hardware, Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics is based on a subscription model. It can be purchased either as a standalone solution for Knorr-Bremse systems only, or as a Knorr-Bremse add-on for the multi-brand diagnostics tool Jaltest Diagnostics, offering customers a comprehensive solution for troubleshooting multi-system scenarios. Workshop customers benefit from a unique depth of diagnostic capabilities during the repair process, because Knorr-Bremse – as an original OE supplier – has contributed its expertise to various diagnostic functions, as well as the accompanying guided repair instructions. The higher level of software integration (in the form of a single software package covering both trucks and trailers) can also speed up repair times. In addition, Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics includes another feature as standard: a diagnostics solution for iTEBS® X, Knorr-Bremse’s latest generation of trailer EBS, now in series production.

Smart service concept for the new iTEBS X electronic trailer braking system

With its electronic and pneumatic control options, the intelligent iTEBS X electronic trailer braking system improves safety, efficiency and comfort in vehicle operations. The range of functions in the new-generation product has been further refined, and the individual braking system components – including the parking and maneuvering valve, as well as the air suspension – are even more tightly networked and integrated. The iTEBS X system combines an electronic control unit, sensor technology and a pneumatic brake controller, as well as braking functions such as ABS and load-dependent braking, in a single, compact assembly, while retaining all the proven advantages of the Electronic Braking System for Trailers (TEBS). Another impressive feature of the iTEBS X is an exceptionally user-friendly pneumatic coupling design, as well as best-in-class harmonization with the tractor unit’s brake control system.

To provide the best possible connection between iTEBS X and the digital world, Knorr-Bremse and Cojali have also developed the new, cloud-based configuration platform OCT (Online Configuration Tool), now ready for market launch. Together with the smart service concept, OCT enables futureproof diagnostics, as well as compliance with the latest regulatory requirements applying to software update management systems (UNECE R156) and cybersecurity (UNECE R155).

Reduced-weight wheel end optimized for semi-trailer axle applications

Knorr-Bremse’s NG4 EVO Pro double-diaphragm cylinder for pneumatic disc brakes in trailers is a new addition to the Knorr-Bremse TruckServices portfolio. The highly synergistic combination of the NexTT® SyT7 brake with the sealed and fully crimped NG4 EVO PRO brake cylinders delivers enhanced braking force for parking operations, optimizing braking efficiency and improving the vehicle’s overall safety. The harmonized wheel end for demanding applications is already in successful operation in a fleet customer’s 9-ton semi-trailer application. The innovative design of the brake cylinders includes full crimping (service and parking side) and a fully sealed parking brake which effectively protects the internal components from external contaminants such as dust, dirt and moisture, further increasing the product’s reliability and durability.

Knorr-Bremse upgrades brake pads with Active Pad Release

Knorr-Bremse’s Active Pad Release (APR) system for pneumatic disc brakes is the technological successor to the well-established Active Caliper Release (ACR) system. Like ACR, the retrofittable APR solution reduces brake drag torque in commercial vehicles. This reduces the vehicle’s fuel consumption – hence also its carbon footprint – as well as wear and tear and particulate emissions from the brake pads. Initially, the Active Pad Release retrofit solution will be introduced for vehicles with previous-generation SN7 and ST7 brakes, then extended to cover other applications. The APR system actively separates the brake pads from the brake disc using a spring-powered system fitted directly to the brake pad. It is designed to ensure that the retrofitting process is both time and cost-efficient. In conjunction with the APR system, Knorr-Bremse also uses eco-friendly, copper-free brake pads which meet the company’s usual high quality standards and have recently been launched on the European aftermarket.

GSAT and the rotary vane compressor: repair-friendly service concepts

The Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT) technology platform is the outcome of development work on generations of Electronic Air Control (EAC) systems, and is expected to become available as a service solution for the aftermarket toward the end of 2024. Compatible with Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics, GSAT’s modular design means that components can simply be replaced when repairs are required. To make repairs even more convenient, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices offers three service kits, including a dryer cartridge, dryer module and multi-circuit protection valve (core module). All GSAT functions are scalable, consistent and comply with the most important regulatory requirements, anywhere in the world and for numerous types of vehicles. Where a cost-efficient architecture is required that saves both space and weight, GSAT can even accommodate an electronic parking brake. Medium-pressure and high-pressure variants are available. GSAT is already in series production and optimized for safety, thanks to the use of Knorr-Bremse’s own premium dryer cartridges and adherence to the latest cybersecurity standards.

GSAT is also capable of controlling e-compressors – including the compact rotary vane compressor that is also available as an aftermarket product. Designed as an energy-efficient, lightweight compressor for electric commercial vehicles with low to medium compressed-air requirements (volumetric flow: 180 to 300 NL/min; 330 NL/min up to 11 bar), the e-compressor is available in three variants. Together with a compact electric motor, the rotary vane compressor forms the Electric Vane Modul (EVM). Knorr-Bremse TruckServices offers a wide range of user-friendly service kits for the e-compressor, optimized for components such as air filters and electric motors.

Workshop assistant: cable marker for efficient replacement of air brake components

Knorr-Bremse TruckServices offers a wide selection of special and auxiliary tools for making repairs and maintenance procedures faster and safer. Among other useful tools, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices will be presenting a new cable marker at Automechanika that will help to support and simplify the replacement of air brake components in workshops.

Über Knorr-Bremse

Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX)is the global market and technology leader for braking systems and a leading supplier of other rail and commercial vehicle systems. Knorr-Bremse’s products make a decisive contribution to greater safety and energy efficiency on rail tracks and roads around the world. 33,000 employees at over 100 locations in approximately 30 countries develop and produce innovative solutions and services that meet the highest technological standards. In 2023, Knorr-Bremse’s two divisions together generated revenues of approximately € 7.9 billion. For almost 120 years, the company has been at the cutting edge of its industries, driving innovation in mobility and transportation technologies with a leading edge in connected system solutions. Knorr-Bremse is one of Germany’s most successful industrial companies and profits from the key global megatrends: urbanization, sustainability, digitalization, and mobility.

Media Contact:

Simon Basler
Spokesperson Truck Mobility
simon.basler@knorr-bremse.com
+49 89 3547 1498

SOURCE: Knorr-Bremse