The new Voith Turbo Scharfenberg coupler head One4 was launched at InnoTrans in 2006. Since then it has been installed in more than 2,000 vehicles. Train operators enjoy the advantages of the One4, which include fast delivery, quick assembly and affordable repairs in the event of accidents.

The operating principle could not be simpler. In a rail vehicle, the coupler usually comprises an energy absorption element and the actual coupler head. In the event of minor accidents, it was often necessary in the past to exchange the entire coupler complete with its energy absorption element because it constituted a single unit.

With the One4, module design now also applies to coupler construction. In the event of accidents that do not affect the energy absorption elements, the One4 coupler only requires a replacement of the front plate and not the entire coupler element. Not only can this be carried out very quickly, it also saves the vehicle operator expensive repairs. Thanks to the module design, Voith Turbo Scharfenberg is able to store larger numbers of the product. This means short delivery times for vehicle operators.

Voith Turbo Scharfenberg produces about 4,000 couplers per year for all kinds of rail vehicles. According to Schaku sales manager Holger Costard, in the past two years alone more than 2,000 One4 couplers have been delivered, with more in the pipeline. Today the share of One4 couplers already makes up 70% of all new orders.

The One4 can be installed in light rail systems, metros and high-speed trains. The metro trains in the Paris suburbs and in Dubai, just as the new high speed trains in Korea (KTX II), Spain (Talgo) and of course the ICE 3 drive with One4 couplers.

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith AG.