Bulktransporter 4540 Wabco Intelligent Brake Interlock
Bulktransporter 4540 Wabco Intelligent Brake Interlock
Bulktransporter 4540 Wabco Intelligent Brake Interlock
Bulktransporter 4540 Wabco Intelligent Brake Interlock
Bulktransporter 4540 Wabco Intelligent Brake Interlock

WABCO launches advanced tank trailer systems, blind-spot monitor at MCE 2017

Oct. 24, 2017
Learn about WABCO advanced tank trailer systems and blind-spot monitor

WABCO, a global supplier of technologies and services that improve the safety, efficiency and connectivity of commercial vehicles, introduced Intelligent Brake Interlock, an advanced electronic brake interlock system that improves the safety of tank trailers that haul hazardous materials or are equipped with cryogenic equipment. 

WABCO made the announcement leading up to the American Trucking Associations’ 2017 Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE 2017) taking place October 21-24 in Orlando FL.

WABCO’s Intelligent Brake Interlock uses proprietary technologies to improve the safe operation of tank trailers by ensuring that the vehicle does not move during loading and unloading. The breakthrough system monitors vehicle speed as well as the position switch and locks the foundation brakes electronically. An electronic failsafe provides an additional layer of safety by helping to prevent inadvertent brake activation while the vehicle is in motion. 

“We are excited to showcase WABCO’s Intelligent Brake Interlock at MCE 2017 and to offer an advanced solution to improve the safety of tank trailers in the region,” said Jon Morrison, WABCO president, Americas. “As the latest addition to WABCO’s Intelligent Trailer Program of advanced trailer technologies, this innovative system further differentiates WABCO as a technology leader in North America and around the globe.”

Now available for specification and retrofit, Intelligent Brake Interlock improves safety and reliability of transportation for pneumatic-braking trailers hauling gasoline, diesel, and crude oil; cryogenic and compressed gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, and natural gas; foodgrade materials; as well as heated tanks and chemicals.

Also introduced during the conference was the WABCO OnSide, an advanced blind spot detection system for commercial trucks and trailers. The radar-based system alerts drivers of the presence of a moving vehicle in a truck’s blind spot and provides a side collision warning to reduce the risk of accidents.

OnSide helps improve commercial vehicle safety by alerting drivers to the potential of a side collision with a vehicle traveling in a truck’s “blind spot,” an area in the adjacent lane which drivers cannot see in rearview or side view mirrors. The system uses advanced short range radar to detect a moving vehicle in the blind spot and then alerts the driver with a visual signal. When the truck’s turn signal is engaged, the system provides a more assertive warning in the form of an audible signal or a seat vibration.

When used in conjunction with WABCO’s OnLaneASSIST lane keeping assist system, OnSide has the capability to go beyond warning to enable active collision avoidance. In that case, if a lane change is initiated and OnSide detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, OnLaneASSIST applies a correction torque to the steering wheel to return the vehicle towards the lane center. WABCO’s lane keeping assist system also smoothly releases the torque as soon as the proper driving path is reestablished.

OnSide’s radar sensor enables a 160-degree field of view and provides coverage for up to 65% of a standard 53-foot trailer. The system performs reliably even in low visibility conditions such as darkness, fog, rain, or snow. In addition, OnSide distinguishes moving vehicles from objects that do not pose a hazard, thereby minimizing false warnings. OnSide can be mounted out of sight behind fairings on either side of the vehicle and features plug-and-play functionality that does not require alignment or calibration.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that among the 97,000 annual large truck crashes involving intentional lane changes, side view assist technologies could prevent or mitigate nearly 39,000 crashes annually, including 2,000 that result in injury and 79 that cause fatalities.

OnSide will be available as a retrofit kit in November 2017 and through major North American truck manufacturers in the first quarter of 2018.

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