Haldex introduces fully modular ABS adaptable for all markets
Haldex has announced the introduction of its new, completely modular trailer braking system ABS 4.0, which enables OEMs to deliver all types of ABS and EBS, in 12- or 24-volt systems, via a single, fully adaptable platform, which is also compliant with the latest legislation updates.
Eight years in development, Haldex’s first ABS 4.0 units are now being delivered to customers, enabling them to overcome the challenges of engineering pneumatic trailer braking systems for different global markets with varying local standards, without switching suppliers.
“This is a future-proof platform,” says Haldex’s senior commercial product manager Alexander Kraus. “It's a modular design, and it's easy to upgrade to EBS, because the piping is the same, the cabling is the same and the mounting positions and mounting pins are the same.”
Haldex’s ABS 4.0 system enables economies of scale by allowing customers to create just one product line and use the same tools whether they are installing basic ABS, premium ABS, ABS with roll-over protection or EBS.
“Conventional ABS is still utilized in 80% of all trailers in the USA,” explains Kraus “But in Europe most trailers moved to its electronic successor EBS around 20 years ago. In the past there were different products for different applications. So we had conventional ABS mainly for agricultural and steel suspension trailers. Then we had special applications for North America and South America and Asia and then for Europe and other parts of Asia we had EBS.”
Now there is one global trailer braking platform that can cater for all these regional variations – Haldex’s ABS 4.0, which allows any ABS (anti-lock braking system) or EBS (electronic braking system) to be built up using the specially designed modular components. It is likely to be most often built around a 24-volt architecture, but it is also adaptable to 12-volt systems that are used in the majority agricultural trailers.
Another benefit of the new platform is meeting new statutory regulation, particularly in Europe where new legislation (R141) makes TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems) mandatory in trailers from May 2024. This is something earlier generations of ABS weren't capable of, but it is fully integrated in ABS 4.0, which is also compliant with the upcoming legislation (R156) surrounding necessary updates to software management systems in Europe.
ABS 4.0 also has environmental benefits in that it is lighter than conventional systems, because it's utilizes engineering-grade plastic for the majority of components. This helps to reduce waste and increases the trailer load-capacity.
How does it work?
The platform consists of three main modules, the electronic control unit (ECU), the solenoid valve and the pressure modulators, which are all connected to a manifold base. For more advanced functions, including EBS, modular components can be added, which include a pressure protection valve, pneumatic auxiliary module, mobiliser and a spring brake control module.
“A minimum of two wheel-speed sensors are connected to the ECU,” explains Kraus. “The ECU is constantly comparing the vehicle speed with the wheel speed. Once the vehicle speed is higher than the wheel speed the system knows that the wheel is getting locked and it releases. It does this by energising the solenoid within the system and that interrupts the airflow from the breaking pedal to the brake chamber and releases the brake for short periods of time. Of course, once the vehicle speed is again equal to the wheel speed, then the ECU releases the airflow and allows the air to flow to the brake chamber.”
For ABS with roll-over stability an additional solenoid is installed, which can apply the brakes. “Conventional ABS can only release brakes it cannot apply brakes,” explains Kraus. “But in the roll-over stability version, when the accelerometer inside ECU senses the dangerous inclination it can also apply the brakes.”
Modular throughout
The modular thinking behind ABS 4.0 was not only applied to the mechanical hardware but also to its software. There is basic software for ABS, but application layers can be added to this for controlling the auxiliaries and connecting to other devices such as TPMS.
The modular approach is even utilized in the production line. So, every module can be pre-assembled and pre-tested on its own. Because each module must then be bolted together, as opposed to being integrated, Haldex has taken special care to ensure that all the interfaces are properly sealed. Nevertheless, potential future maintenance costs will also be reduced as modules can still be swapped out separately.
With type-approval for ABS carefully controlled, functionality in standard trailer systems is assured, however if there are any specialist applications required Haldex can offer customers a full testing service. “We have a possibility to check it on a hill, on the hardware, in the loop test rig, and also in the MIRA proving ground where our R&D centre is based,” says Kraus.
Haldex has been building ABS technology for over 40 years, with its first system launched in 1980. Its speciality has always been in the engineering these systems for trailers. Now it has created what is possibly the most modular, adaptable trailer ABS the market has ever seen. ABS 4.0 delivers to customers a platform that is fully adaptable to all trailer configurations and all trailer types in all markets.
