Fourth-gen Haldex EBS adds smart benefits
Trailer technology provider Haldex has highlighted some key features introduced with its EB+ 4.0 platform, which began serial production last year.
The EB+ 4.0 system applies or releases the brakes by responding to electrical signals received from the brake pedal, which responds by using solenoids to modulate air pressure in a closed compressed air system connected to axle-mounted brake actuators.
That design is maintained for service brakes, but the unit’s new modular design provides additional features, says Haldex, as well as facilitating hardware and software customisation.
Thanks to a new optional valve bank, electronic control is extended for the first time to the parking (spring) brake side of the double-diaphragm brake actuator. Previously, connecting the red coil between truck and trailer would automatically release the parking brake if the red knob of the park and shunt valve was not activated. Now, the system provides additional control of that process, via the EBS ECU (electronic control unit) and an extra solenoid valve. The EB+ 4.0 supports a 12V and 24V voltage supply of the vehicle, explains Haldex, thereby making it suitable for customers in all global markets.
“First, this so-called ‘Mobiliser’ feature connects the parking brake release command to other onboard microprocessor-controlled systems for additional security checks – such as the closure of the rear door lock, or the detachment of a charging cable, in the case of an electric fridge assembly,” said the company.
“To prevent theft or misuse of the trailer, it could compare the VIN of the tractor it has been hitched to, to a white list of approved tractors, before releasing the brake. Or, with this system, the tractor might remain locked in place until it is able to reach, via a telecommunications box connected to the data cloud, a remote telematics system.
“This might compare its transmitted location to the expected position based on its planned itinerary, to make sure it has not been taken outside of its authorised area. Alternatively, the ‘go’ signal might come direct from head office. (Semitrailers with parking brakes fitted with conditional control do not require continuous power, but they do require an electrical connection from the tractor and to be able to receive a data signal.)”
These examples are by no means exhaustive, says Haldex; such functions must be programmed into the system via a new application programming interface (API). Haldex is quite flexible when it comes to implementing such modifications. On behalf of the customer, the company can develop customised functionalities or incorporate customer functions into regular software updates, and by the same token, a customer-specific release plan can also be agreed.
“What makes all of this possible is strict separation between application software and braking software,” said Haldex.
“Previously, any change to braking system software could affect the vehicle’s type approval and might face regulatory review. Not so with EB+ 4.0, as Haldex has further separated safety-related brake control features from customer-specific software.
“That means that it is potentially easier to make changes and maintain the overall safety of the system with EB+ 4.0.”
Beyond the mobiliser feature, the new connectivity aspect provides real-time, remote access to operational data. One immediate benefit is compliance, says the firm: trailers fitted with EB+ 4.0 comply with the new European regulation R141 for onboard TPMS. This regulation requires EBS to transit the tyre pressure and temperature information to the tractor unit.
Access to real-time information from the EBS system can lead to further potential logistics and engineering benefits, says Haldex, once that data is provided available for connection to external fleet management software for further processing and analysis.
“TPMS can give information about pressure and temperature, and so might indicate tyre wear and pressure if the temperature increases,” the firm added.
“EBS knows the load profiles, and deceleration levels and ABS events and stability systems, so may give an indication to the system about brake pads and wheel bearings.”
