WABCO Uses IAA Show to Unveil Electro-Pneumatic Parking Brake for Trucks and Buses

WABCO Holdings Inc., which specializes in technologies to improve the connectivity, safety, and efficiency of commercial vehicles used the recent IAA Show in Frankfurt to unveil its innovative OnHand electro-pneumatic parking brake control for trucks and buses. This marks another step forward in the implementation of autonomous driving for commercial vehicles and this innovation is notable for its unique valve engineering and advanced mechatronics.

WABCO says the OnHand electropneumatic parking brake control is the lightest and the only one of its kind that can function independently of a vehicle’s air processing unit. It comes with automatic engage and release functionality and can be actuated easily through a dashboard switch. The control system can also validate the safe parking of the truck and trailer combination, even on sloping roads. The best feature of the system is that it can be used for back-up braking in the event that the electrical service-brake fails in redundant systems for autonomous driving applications.

Unlike conventional parking brake controls, the OnHand electro-pneumatic parking brake uses onnly three internal valves and needs less pneumatic piping than conventional parking brake controls, The system’s compact design makes it easier to install for vehicle manufacturers, makes the braking function more reliable and facilitates on-the-road service. The OnHand parking brake also enables multiple braking-related options such as Anti-Lock Braking Support during secondary braking and Advanced Hill Start Aid for inclined roads.

The OnHand parking brake can be seamlessly integrated with WABCO’s mBSP modular braking system platform, which was an industry first-to-market when it was launched in 2014. The mBSP braking platform offers vehicle manufacturers the flexibility to make truck and bus platforms with either electronic braking systems (EBS) or anti-lock braking (ABS) systems, thus minimizing the production and design costs of having to use different configurations.

Speaking about OnHand, Jorge Solis, WABCO President, Truck, Bus and Car Original Equipment Manufacturers Division said that it is the industry’s first stand-alone parking brake control for trucks and buses, and highlights WABCO’s differentiation as technology partner of choice for vehicle makers globally, As the system is independent of the vehicle’s air management system, it mobilizes vehicle intelligence making it more adaptable for truck and bus platforms on a global basis and giving manufacturers greater flexibility when it comes to installation.