Um develops EBS in competition with Bosch
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Wabco is developing a competitor for the Bosch ELB electronically controlled full-air braking system seen on Scania prototype truck-trailer combinations since 1985. Wabco is collaborating in the EBS (electronic braking system) project with several other equipment producers including Bendix and Rubery Owen Rockwell.
Integral to the EBS installations will be ABS anti-skid, in which Wabco is already a leading manufacturer. A new valve feeding air to the brake actuators will make interfacing the two systems easier, according to Wabco. Current ABS control valves have three fixed positions; on, off and hold. The new Wabco valve is graduated, to make the system more responsive.
ABS is active when the wheels are about to lock up. Brake application and release is also said to be accomplished more smoothly. Wabco says the latest valve is proving to be particularly beneficial in applying ABS to the air over hydraulic systems such as the Leyland Daf 45 series and Dennis Rapier fire tender. Response to the start of wheel lock is critical because of the inherent lag in interaction between compressed air and hydraulic fluid.