New technology that improves the safety of truck drivers and other road users has been demonstrated by Australian truck manufacturer Kenworth Trucks, with the launch of the most advanced heavy truck the company has built so far. The Kenworth "Truck of the Future" is based on the company's T604 prime mover and incorporates a vast array of the latest technological advances that may be part of all modern highway trucks in the future.
Announcing the project at the company's Bayswater, Victoria production facility, Kenworth Chief Engineer Gary Hartley said,
"The Truck of the Future is not just a design experiment. Almost everything fitted to the Truck is available right now. What we have done is bring all this new technology together and incorporate it in one stunning example of innovation for today's transport operators."
Reduced driver fatigue was a critical aim of the research. The cabin environment offers low noise and maximum comfort through the Kenworth NVH, (noise vibration and harshness) program. The Protector AutoGlass tinted XIR laminated windscreen glass produces a more uniform cab temperature, blocking radiation, reducing interior heat and providing an improvement of over 300 per cent in penetration resistance (ie resistance to flying objects such as rocks), compared to the current Australian Design Rules requirements.
The mulitiplexed electronics systems incorporated in the steering wheel and switch panels reduces wiring by 75 per cent. The dashboard displays occur on four screens, similar to systems used by the aircraft industry. These screens replace conventional dials and gauges and the data shown can be displayed on any screen in a selected order as a matter of driver preference. On-board monitoring of tyre pressures is also included.
Clear vision of the information displays is aided by the adjustable steering column that alters for reach, height and rake. Rear vision mirrors automatically adjust to reduce glare from the headlights of following vehicles and vision for passing vehicles in wet weather conditions is improved by the incorporation of SpraySafe panels to reduce road spray. Interior noise levels are significantly reduced through the use of special sound absorbent composite panels for the double-skinned firewall. Exterior drive-by noise has been lowered through using noise reduction muffler systems and a Thermsulate high efficiency thermal barrier prevents heat from the exhaust stacks from entering the cabin.
Vehicle and load anti-theft measures include the Bosch vehicle tracking alert system to locate and identify stolen vehicles, driver fingerprint recognition for engine starting and a Drager alcohol monitor interface that measures alcohol consumption of the driver prior to permitting engine start. Remote central door locking is a standard feature. The VDO/Dayton GPS mapping navigation and vehicle fleet management system indicates the vehicle's location, and also the most direct route to its destination. Data such as oil and water temperatures, truck and trailer service and maintenance conditions, vehicle speed, driver performance and all driver's log book details is recorded electronically and can be transmitted back to a company's operating base through a Fleetcom interface via AES satellite tracking technology. Separate data recording systems within the truck's own intelligence provide an alternative reference archive.
The Truck of the Future monitors driver fatigue by using a forward-facing camera to compare the truck's position in relation to the road markings. A strident alarm sounds if a sudden steering movement is detected or the truck starts to weave or move uncharacteristically within a lane. The driver's performance is also monitored to make sure a lane change is accompanied by the correct use of indicators before and after a manoeuvre. As well as sounding an audible alarm, a "Stop Driving" alert is flashed onto the dashboard display when faults are detected. This alerts the driver to take a break if there has been an extended period behind the wheel. Statistical analysis in the United States has shown that in 93 per cent of road accidents a driver detected the hazard too late to react sufficiently to avoid a collision. An additional half-second prior alert could avoid a collision in up to 60 per cent of all accidents.
In addition to onboard drowsy driver alerts, the Truck of the Future has proximity collision warnings and "Smart" technology through the VORAD Collision Warning System developed by Eaton. VORAD transmits a high frequency (Doppler) radar signal to the front and side of the vehicle and triggers an audible tone and a dashboard mounted light display when a vehicle or object is detected within a specified distance set by the driver. The number of lights displayed on the dashboard increases, as does the regularity of the audible alert as the other vehicle or object detected get closer. When activated automatically, VORAD can disconnect the cruise control and operate the engine brake to ensure safe vehicle separation on the highway
A colour television monitor on the dashboard displays images from cameras showing the rear and side of the vehicle when reverse gear is selected.
At night, the X-vision system switches to infrared imaging with a Head-Up display on the inside of the windscreen. This can highlight a heat source such as animals ahead or to the side of the road, even in foggy conditions. The system is sufficiently sensitive to detect an overheating tyre on a vehicle ahead, enabling an alert to be given through the CB radio system prior to sudden tyre deflation.
The latest LED technology pioneered by lighting experts Hella Australia ensures full light output from 8-28 volts but uses a low power consumption of 0.4 Watts at 12 volts for side marker lights. This represents a reduction in current draw of 90 per cent when compared to conventional lighting systems. New XENON high-energy gas discharge headlights deliver twice the light output while consuming only two thirds of the usual energy for a brighter, better view of the road at night.
The driver entertainment options include a stereo radio plus a 12 stack CD player linked through a graphic equaliser to eight speakers. A pair of RAMI aerials provide complete reception and transmission capabilities for all the communications systems. There's also a lap top computer which doubles as a DVD player with Internet links, a flat screen colour television and an integrated food and drinks cooler developed by Denso that utilises the existing air conditioning circuit and components.
Power comes from the latest electronically controlled Caterpillar C-15 engine, which produces 366kW (490hp) at 1,600 rpm and peak torque of 2,372 Nm rated at 1,200 rpm. This is matched to a Fuller RTLO 20918AS2 Auto-shifting 18-speed transmission with a gear selection control mounted in the armrest of the fully adjustable, ISRI air-suspended driver's seat.
The autoshift feature reduces driver fatigue, lowers vehicle fuel consumption and also makes it easier for less experienced drivers to operate the vehicle. The Meritor axles feature fade resistant disc brakes with anti-lock braking (ABS) on the front axle and traction control incorporating inter-axle diff locks for maximum tractive ability for the drive axles. The rear axle ratios are 4.3:1 and the suspension features load-sensing airbags to indicate axle loads.
Other innovative features of the Truck of the Future include:
- A CAN Pulse system charging system that contiguously de-sulphates the battery plates for longer life while maintaining maximum battery performance and protecting from voltage spikes.
- Bonded door construction that reduces externally visible fasteners for improved appearance and paint finish.
- Low aspect ratio tyres for reduced rolling resistance and better fuel economy.
- New radiator design for improved cooling and less fan operation to aid fuel economy by the reduction in parasitic power loss attributed to ancillary equipment.
- New air drier with a reduction in components (replaces wet tank and pressure protection valve) lighter weight and improved serviceability.
- Smart-bolt technology provides more accurate bolt-clamping force with the ability to continually monitor clamping forces leading to a reduction in maintenance requirements.
- Fifth wheel safety through the Holland Hitch safety interlock that displays correct kingpin engagement and locking through an illuminated dashboard icon.
The appearance of the Truck of the Future also reflects the latest developments within the paint industry. The PPG Harlequin iridescent multi-layer paint finish shows a changing colour scheme dependent on the angle of light striking the prime mover bodywork. The predominant body colour changes through the spectrum from green to blue.
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