Advanced braking technology promotes safer trucks

The braking system is one of the truck’s most important safety systems. By combining the various types of brakes fitted in a truck, it is possible to significantly improve safety levels.

The demands on efficiency in modern trucks are constantly increasing. Although it is important to be able to maintain a high average speed, it is equally important that the truck’s braking system is developed in parallel to ensure enhanced safety.

In 1999, Volvo Trucks introduced the first version of a new technology known as "brake blending" - the electronically-controlled parallel activation of various braking system such as the wheel brakes, the engine brake and other auxiliary braking systems.

With this technology, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the system automatically selects the most suitable combination of braking systems to deliver optimum braking. For example, on long downhill gradients, the use of a powerful engine brake can reduce the burden on the wheel brakes.

This is particularly important for safety reasons, since the brakes are kept cool and ready for use whenever they are required. At the same time, the system also reduces brake maintenance costs. To keep the wheel brakes in trim, the system automatically "exercises" them roughly once every tenth brake application.

Peter Lingman, industrial graduate at Volvo Trucks and the Chalmers University of Technology of Gothenburg, Sweden has written a thesis in which he has developed a theoretical basis for calculating the truck’s optimum braking, particularly on downhill gradients. His research will, among other things, form the basis for the development of the Volvo Truck Corporation’s next generation of braking systems.

As Peter Lingman says, "The braking system is one of the truck’s most important safety systems. If we can harness research and new technology to tailor the braking system to suit different situations, we will be able to further improve traffic safety."

Peter Lingman will be defending his thesis at the Chalmers University of Technology today Peter’s research is supported by Volvo Trucks as well as the state-run IVSS (Intelligent Vehicle Safety Systems) research programme.