WABCO is using the 2012 Mid America Truck Show to debut its latest commercial vehicle safety systems
March 23, 2012
Braking technology specialist WABCO is using the 2012 Mid America Truck Show (MATS) to debut its latest commercial vehicle safety systems, including a lightweight trailer disc brake system.
The PAN air disc brake is designed for maximum axle loadings of 10.6 tonnes, with a unit weight of 36kg. WABCO says it helps keep trailer tare weights low for maximum productivity, while thicker pads allow longer service intervals.
As well as the PAN product, WABCO also unveiled the latest versions of its Transmission Automation, OptiDrive and Intelligent Trailer Program, combining a range of technologies into a single operating system.
Transmission Automation allows standard manual gearboxes to be converted into automated manual units, using both hydraulic and pneumatic mechatronic controls of the transmission, allowing both manual and automatic shifting.
Although similar, the OptiDrive system is a modular system with three main components. it has a cabin-mounted shifter, a gearbox-mounted shift actuator and the clutch actuator.
WABCO says this system can be retro-fitted to existing models, citing benefits including reduced demand on drivers through the use of electronic shifting.
It says it eliminates physical effort and in-cab noise and vibration, while fuel economy is boosted through optimised shift patterns.
Potentially the most important system on display is the Intelligent Trailer Program, which uses not only latest generation safety technology but also telematics to improve both driver and vehicle efficiency.
In terms of the available safety suite, WABCO’s offering includes TailGUARD blind spot detection with automatic braking and an RSS roll stability system to reduce or eliminate vehicle roll-overs by applying the brakes when sensors detect a dangerous situation.
It also includes ABS brakes and an electrical router to maximise the performance of EBS braking systems.
With trailer builders able to specify these technologies during construction, operators can order the modules to suit individual needs. Vehicles can also be retro-fitted during overhauls, providing a second life for existing trailers.