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In the world of truck brake development, Wabco is a front-runner with a long history of innovation that has helped make both truck tractors and trailers safer and more cost efficient. The latest electronic braking system from the company is known as the EBS E Generation and it promises to make life easier, safer and more profitable for truckers and trailer builders says Mike Raath, marketing director, WABCO Automotive South Africa.
"The E Generation system is designed to make installation into trailers simpler while allowing for more efficient operation and maintenance," he says" "The system has a new sealing and locking concept that enhances the robustness of the modular cable concept to help withstand the harsh operating conditions trailers are subjected to."
Better tracking
Each trailer function is assigned its own plug on the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), explains Raath.
"The new design does away with Y-cables and allows for the easy connection of lift axles, trailer air suspension controls, tyre pressure monitors and telematics components. The input/output functionality can be customized to meet various lift axle control configurations, door control for refrigeration trailers or roadfinisher brakes."
In a business arena where demand for management reporting functionality is rapidly growing, the new E Generation's Operating Data Recorder (ODR) provides comprehensive information about vehicle handling and trailer status.
"Information on events such as warning lamp activation, lining wear information, under-run from tyre pressures, open door events as well as user-defined events bring a new levels of transparency to trailer management," adds Raath. "The ODR can also report on load conditions for single axles as well as brake pressure versus time for EBS applications."
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SmartBoard is
plug-in technology for EBS, allowing both drivers and
management easy access to the status of trailer brakes and other
components as well as providing vital management information
regarding distances traveled and load mass carried.
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Easy build, easy use
To help make trailer manufacturers' job easier, Wabco has the EBS E modulator. "The unit has integrated fittings which make the installation process significantly easier because the pneumatic tubes simply need to be pushed in," Raath says. "The modulator is also equipped with integrated electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS), which makes the lift axle control for trailers effortless."
Other features of the new system include the Extension Module which is directly mounted on the modulator, integrating various functions like overload protection valve, charging valve, as well as the pressure distribution for air leveling valve, lift axle valve and four ports for spring brake actuators, says Raath.
"One can also gain information on trailer EBS status and other systems and components connected to it by adding SmartBoard, a multifunctional information module that's easy to use and can display information regarding kilometers traveled, axle loads, lining wear etc."
It seems the Cinderella of the trucking industry, namely, the trailer, is now getting the high level of attention it truly deserves.
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The E Generation EBS
modulator unit from Wabco -
designed with people in mind, bringing greater ‘userfriendliness’
to both operators and trailer builders.
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