Today’s trailer customers enjoy access to a complete range of integrated solutions, writes Ashish Bhatia.
Globally, the ambitious mission is to spearhead clean, safe, and comfortable mobility. Regardless of the propulsion system, every gram of CO2 that the industry can avoid is a step towards a cleaner future.
Earlier this year, the ZF emobility kit showcased central drives, CeTrax 2 and CeTrax 2 dual besides the AxTrax 2, AxTrax 2 dual and the AxTrax 2 LF for zero emissions CVs. Of these, the AxTrax 2 can be retrofitted to an ICE-powered truck-trailer combination. This concept can convert the ICE combination to a hybrid. Awaiting regulatory approval, it is claimed to offer a 16 per cent fuel saving that goes up to 40 per cent when the plug-in variant is used. The electric trailer can further also extend the range of an electric vehicle.
In another demonstration, a truck with a trailer combination used radar to avoid blind spots for increased driver safety. It aids in eliminating the fear of lane changes. Using the radar in combination with a camera derived from the passenger car segment, ZF Group demonstrated at the track among the suite of solutions to aid the compliance with EU General Safety Regulations (GSR II) particularly stringent for commercial vehicles. The eWorX electric Power Take-Off (PTO) system made a cakewalk by tipping over the load body of the Mercedes Actros dump semi-trailer in an operation using just a joystick. It is a big improvement over PTOs being coupled to the engine or transmissions in ICE vehicles. It also reduces noise and emissions suited to cities and residential areas. eWorX includes suitable power electronics, control units and software packages tailored to the respective application. The seamless connection to the CAN bus allows eWorX to be integrated into the vehicle’s battery and energy management. The option of controlling such heavy-duty machines from outside the driver’s cabin, using a smartphone or tablet is a welcome innovation.
ZF’s advanced chassis solutions and ‘X-by-wire’ technology are pivotal to the company’s strategy. Prof. Dr. Laier explained, “X-by-wire technology, which we first implemented in off-highway systems in 2017, is now central to our offerings. It allows for greater control and safety, particularly in challenging conditions.” Using electrohydraulic and electro-pneumatic systems, ZF’s turnkey solutions are claimed to pave the way for a faster transition to electric and autonomous vehicles.
The expansion of the cubiX vehicle motion control portfolio has the ZF-software controlling all actuators to ensure vehicle stability, safety, precision and performance accessible by commercial vehicles. Customers can customise it to their individual needs. It includes software, hardware and system integration and system engineering services. Dr Holger Klein, CEO of the ZF Group explained how it has been one of ZF’s strengths and competitive advantages; to adapt innovative technologies initially developed for one mobility application to several segments. Prof Dr Peter Laier, a Member of the ZF Board of Management and responsible for the commercial vehicle business echoed the sentiment further drawing attention to customers standing to benefit from the integration of modern assistance systems. It is particularly deemed apt for duty cycles like challenging driving scenarios such as freight yards and ports, where the scope for deploying automated technology is higher compared to public roads. This can result in yielding higher efficiency and productivity while addressing key issues impacting the logistics industry such as the ongoing driver shortages, especially in nighttime operations. cubiX is claimed to have been successfully deployed in a freight yard as part of a long-term pilot study in Germany.
In a real-world demonstration, the company showcased a trailer segment advancement said to be ahead of time. In a multi-camera setup on an Iveco trailer, especially the challenging setup on the rear was highlighted. It gives the operator the ability to look alongside the trailer using the side cam while moving the tractor-trailer combination and overcome blindspots from the truck corner in combination with the rear-view camera. The integrated camera and radar sensors with data fusion interact with braking and steering systems, enabling autonomous emergency braking, active reverse and lane-changing assist bringing along a broad range of value additions. Capable of working in low light conditions, operators can extend the hours of operation into the night as another advantage.
The truck trailer link offers the next generation of truck trailer communication and has the potential to replace existing cables on a tractor-trailer combination. Data transmitting capabilities are enhanced significantly as a result. For example, 16 pins on old connectors were attempted when there was no rule. Another proposal is to come up with a block of connectors and modules including data plus power supplies and high voltage connection to cater to multiple vehicle setups. The need is to have an ECU each on the truck and the trailer side going forward for the automotive protocol data to be transformed through the faster automotive ethernet. The plan also entails making it compatible with tractor head replacements and retrofitting with a global alignment to standardise. The Group also showcased SCALAR EVO Pulse, EBS connected and TPMS-ready trailer telematics powered by SCALAR. Operators gain access to trailer health data ready for compliance with GDPR and UN ECE-R 141 (TPMS). The telematics unit features an embedded OptiTire TPMS ECU. A patented trailer park release valve design claims to reduce 50 per cent installation size and includes silencer and corrosion-resistant composite material. An intelligent electronic braking system offers ABS-controlled emergency braking and quick start after parking with OptiTire (TPMS) and TailGUARD (reversing aid) ECU included. It’s 17 per cent smaller unit and 29 per cent lighter.
At the IAA Hannover, the TSF Group which derives its legacy from the erstwhile TVS group showcased its exhaustive product offerings including brakes, axles and wheels aimed primarily at the global trailer market. With a strong focus on design, development, world-class quality, competitive cost and superior customer centricity. Brakes India exhibited the 22.5-inch lightweight monobloc single-piston air disc brake. The product caters to trailer applications as well. As one of the largest braking system suppliers, the company took great pride in presenting the exclusive single-piston air disc brake with a proven design, field tested for over a million kilometres. “Our design team has created the lightest design in the market with improved stiffness and durability. With over six decades of serving international customers, we are optimistic that we can serve OEMs and trailer manufacturers globally with our full range of products,” stated Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India.
Axles India marked its presence with nine-to-12-tonne trailer axles known to come with higher strength, fully dressed from hub to hub and compatible with air suspension. The axles come with an option for both disc and drum brakes.
“Over the last six decades, Wheels India and Axles India have made it a mission to be the benchmark in global quality with a focus on putting the customer first. We strive to keep evolving our approach to meet our customers’ needs. We believe the best innovation happens indoors with a world-class Research and Development team,” stated Srivats Ram, Managing Director, of Wheels India, and Director, of Axles India. Wheels India exhibited their Diamond cut cast alloy wheel, powder black forged alloy wheel and lightweight steel wheel for the commercial vehicle segment, suitable for low bed trailers apart from the use case in other truck applications.
