Dana has unveiled its new tyre pressure management technology featuring an internal axle system for linehaul prime movers at the IAA show in Hanover, Germany.
Currently undergoing pre-release road testing, the system is designed to automatically maintain proper inflation for drive and steer axles, providing the potential for reduced maintenance and increased fuel efficiency.
While tyre pressure monitoring systems have been available for trailers for a number of years, Dana claims it will be the first in the market to offer fully integrated, electronically controlled systems specifically engineered for the more complex demands of prime movers.
The concept is based on the Dana Spicer Central Tire Inflation System fitted to military and some vocational vehicles and could be ready for commercial use in as little as a year.
Dana says its tyre pressure management technology can improve fuel economy by one percent by making periodic checks to ensure each tyre is properly inflated to a pressure equalised with the other tyres on the prime mover.
The technology automatically initiates periodic system and pressure checks while driving, eliminating the time drivers would otherwise spend checking tyre pressures at stops. As required, it inflates tyres to the optimum pressure and can equalise pressure in each of the vehicle’s tyres, minimising tyre dragging and premature wear. The system also features a closed design which isolates each tyre in the event of a hose failure or puncture, thus preventing air loss from the other tyres.
Maintaining proper tyre inflation also increases tyre life. Driving on under-inflated tyres damages the casing which renders tyres unsuitable for retreading. Under-inflated tyres are also more likely to fail from excessive heat build-up.
For more information, visit www.dana.com/commercialvehicle.
