What's New at Truck & Bus
Virtual prototyping
ADAMS Functional Virtual Prototyping software from Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. allows engineers to simulate the ride and comfort of a truck at their desktops. The ADAMS truck-specific software tools can be used to model, simulate, animate, and refine the design early in the development cycle. Users can include physically accurate representations of engines, drivelines, tires, chassis, freight, and drivers for complete system-level simulation. With the software, the engineering team can enhance innovation, collaborate between departments and suppliers, and reduce engineering costs of delivering a truck to market.
Drive technology
The low-floor front drive system from Marmon-Herrington uses the axleless suspension created by Dallas Smith Corp. The advancement allows the floor of large service vehicles to be as low as 152 mm (6 in) off the ground, enhancing convenience and safety while improving handling and ride with a low center of gravity and an independent rear suspension. With the technology, emergency vehicles can have increased interior height and width for performing life-support measures; restaurant and convenience-store commissary trucks can eliminate shaky ramps for loading and unloading; city buses can have lower entry for easier boarding; and vending and office machinery can be rolled directly from the vehicle onto the sidewalk.
Logic controller
The Nevada Automotive Test Center's solid-state logic controller (SSLC) is a low-cost intelligent network node that replaces bulky vehicle light and load wiring harnesses. The SSLC adds intelligence to augment any mechanical, electrical, or electronic system. The SAE J1939 interface (FULL CAN 2.0B) allows the SSLC to be used with vehicle networks. Because connections to the vehicle harness only require four wires, the device can be installed virtually anywhere. It incorporates eight digital (up to 32 V dc) inputs, eight high-current load outputs, and three analog inputs. The unit also has a self-diagnostic mode that evaluates high-current outputs and provides status, via J1939, on the health of the SSLC and the attached system. It provides an inexpensive control module that can operate components such as lights, fans, motors, wipers, and solenoids without requiring a complex power control center or a large relay interface.
Communication hardware
The PLC generic communication hardware kit from NEXIQ Technologies allows an existing Pro-Link to communicate over the PLC (power-line carrier) communication link, which allows "trailer-to-tractor" communication for the antilock braking system (ABS). Using the software provided and installed in the Pro-Link diagnostic tool, users can test the ABS brake fault notification communicated between the tractor and trailer using PLC. The test can be executed through the J560 cable set or the existing six-pin Deutsch connector. The Pro-Link with the PLC converter can be used to turn on the trailer ABS warning light in the cab as well as to detect the warning-light signal from the trailer ECU.
Electronics terminals
Delphi Connection Systems' Micro64 terminals, distributed by Pioneer Standard Electronics, are designed for high-density electronics applications. The one-piece terminal design has the flexibility to mate to both the USCAR standard 7.5- x 0.64-mm (0.3- x 0.025-in) square pin or a more stiff and robust 5.5-mm (0.22-in) long by 0.8-mm (0.03-in) diameter round pin. The rugged units provide a terminal rating of 7.0 A continuous current at 95°C (203°F) and a maximum operating temperature of 125°C (257°F). They are validated to USCAR underhood specifications for temperature extremes, moisture, engine compartment fluids, mechanical shock, and vibration. Triple-ribbed, self-lubricating, silicone rubber cable and connector seals offer enhanced sealing performance.
