Haldex technology prevents trailer accidents
Trailer systems provider Haldex offers a solution designed to prevent potentially fatal mistakes and damage during coupling and uncoupling, in the form of its Safe Parking technology.
A failure to activate the parking brake after trailer uncoupling, and the connection of air lines in the wrong sequence, can pose a severe risk to the driver or other road users, points out Haldex.
“If the driver has not yet mechanically connected the tractor unit and the trailer, and if the two are parked on a slope, the trailer can crush the man on the deck against the rear wall of the cab,” said the company.
“The other possibility is equally bad – if the trailer rolls backwards, it can threaten bystanders or traffic.”
There are two Safe Parking variants available designed to prevent such issues: the Trailer Control Module+ (TrCM+), and the Trailer Emergency Module (TEM) which is a technically simplified version of the TrCM+.
TEM is also available in a single knob version with ‘Deadman’ feature. TEM is not intended as a replacement for TrCM+, but as a streamlined, low-cost alternative. Fleets requiring emergency braking with the service brake instead of the parking brake can retain this preference with TrCM+.
With TEM, the parking and release functionality is operated via the integrated control buttons. An optional pressure protection valve is available for air suspension systems or other auxiliary devices, and the system can be used in all trailers with ABS and EB+. Benefits are said to include a reduction in weight and reduced number of fittings and piping.
Safe Parking offers protection for the driver in the event of incorrect operation. Spring brakes are activated in the event of a pressure loss in the air system. Prior to departure, the spring brake actuators have to be released manually using the parking valve.
The Safe Parking feature is recommended by professional health and insurance organisations to prevent accidents and damage claims, says Haldex.
