Eaton Corporation Innovation Truck Shows the Future at Mid-America Trucking Show
15 March 2000
Eaton Corporation Innovation Truck Shows the Future at Mid-America Trucking Show
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--March 15, 2000--On North American Demonstration Truck
Eaton Corporation installed advanced safety and communication features to their Innovation Truck including - Eaton(R) Electronic Brake System (EBS), enhanced Blind Spot Video Aid integrated with Eaton VORAD CWS, Internet connection, and PLC4 Trucks tractor-trailer communications. This one-of-a-kind truck is a research and demonstration vehicle that offers the trucking industry a glimpse into the future of trucking technology. The truck will be on display at Outside Booth no. 9234 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville March 23, 24, and 25.
Eaton(R) Electronic Brake System (EBS) - reduces brake response time using an electronic signal from the foot valve to the brake relay valve. EBS improves brake system integrity and can help to reduce stopping distance. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and traction control are still an integral part of the new control system. EBS also helps to maintain proper brake wear balance at each wheel and between the tractor and trailer. It increases foundation brake life and improves brake pedal feel. In addition, EBS and its smart electronics provide the platform for a variety of truck control features including: stability systems to prevent roll-over accidents, autonomous cruise control, brake system diagnostics and prognostics. EBS will improve safety and enhance mobility and productivity. Eaton is producing EBS for the European market while testing continues in North America.
Enhanced Blind Spot Video Aid - a concept product that integrates Eaton VORAD CWS warnings into one display and has smart control algorithms to give the driver the view of his blind spots when he needs it. When the VORAD system warns the driver of a potential object in the blind spot the driver can look at the in-cab display to see what is in the blind spot to help him make an appropriate driving decision. The display is triggered by software based on the turn signals, reverse gear, and vehicle speed. The driver also has manual control at any time. The display is turned off most of the time so as not to distract the driver. Video cameras eliminate traditional blind spots and help the driver maneuver the big rig more safely and more productively when backing up. Fleets tests are being planned on this concept later this year to prove-out value and further develop performance. This blind spot video aid is envisioned as an enhancement option to the already commercially available Eaton(R) VORAD(R) EVT-300 Collision Warning System.
Internet connection - Eaton believes Internet communication will be the core of future smart communication systems both on land and in vehicles. The truck is equipped with an Internet connection using cellular phone links to demonstrate applications such as email, truck service, and routing information. This technology also facilitates future ITS technology where the driver can be notified of speed limits, stop signs, low bridges, red lights, and traffic congestion.
PLC4 Trucks tractor-trailer communications - In an effort to demonstrate enhanced tractor/trailer communication technology Eaton has installed PLC4 Truck (power line carrier) nodes covering basic and advanced messaging from tractor to trailer on the Innovation Truck. This communication mode serves as a robust and inexpensive way to communicate information from trailer systems to the tractor without the need of a new cable and connector. Advanced product offerings such as Brake Wear sensors, Tire Pressure Management, and trailer ABS/EBS will communicate via this enhanced communication bus.
While Eaton's reputation has been earned by providing rugged, reliable driveline components, the Innovation Truck extends the company's industry leadership through the integration of intelligent truck systems. The company is committed to lead in offering truck customers new value through novel integration of hardware, software, and data link communications.
As a demonstration vehicle, the Innovation Truck brings together leading edge products from Eaton and advanced products from their marketing partner, Dana Corporation. Products available for sale on the Innovation Truck include: Eaton(R) Fuller(R) AutoShift(R) Transmission, Dana Spicer Tire Management System, Eaton(R) VORAD(R) EVT-300 Collision Warning System with SmartCruise(R), Eaton(R) FleetAdvisor(R) System, Eaton(R) Anti-Lock Braking and Traction Control Systems, Eaton(R) Fuller(R) Solo(R) Maintenance Free Clutch, and Eaton(R) New Generation Rocker Switches.
As a research tool, the Innovation Truck captures the voice of the customer on emerging product concepts such as the: Eaton(R) TruckPC(TM) Driver Display, Eaton(R) Enhanced Blind Spot Video System, Eaton(R) Lane Tracking System, Dana(R) Spicer(R) Maintenance Reduction Brake Sensor System, and Eaton Electronic Braking System.
Together these products and concepts provide the most advanced systems on any commercial truck in the world, according to Alan R. Coloske, Innovation Center-Strategic Business Analyst. "The Eaton Innovation Truck helps us develop and prove-out our engineering innovation with real truck customers," said Coloske. "The vehicle helps us educate ourselves and the industry at the same time. It also sends a strong message that Eaton is much more than a trusted Roadranger(R) drivetrain systems provider. Today, we are developing and integrating intelligent systems that will help make each truck and each fleet safer, more productive, and more profitable as the trucking link becomes integrated into the supply chain. We are dedicated to making technology pay-back."
He added that Eaton provides products that increase fuel economy, improve safety, improve performance, and help recruit and retain qualified drivers. The Innovation Truck is a valuable tool that helps Eaton understand marketplace needs, explore emerging technologies, develop new concepts and bring new products to market faster.
The Eaton Innovation Truck has visited OEM's, fleets, suppliers, insurance companies, trade shows, and TV news stations. It will continually be updated with new innovations and concepts and continue visits to industry stakeholders. For a video and brochure or questions on the Eaton Innovation Truck, contact Alan R. Coloske at 248/354-6837 or Email alanrcoloske@eaton.com. You can also visit the Innovation Truck website at http://www.truck.eaton.com/innovation.
For more information on all Eaton truck components, visit Eaton on the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Eaton Corporation, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To talk to an Eaton Roadranger, call the customer support help desk at 1-800-826-HELP (4357). In Mexico the number is: 8-332-1515.
The Truck Components Operations of Eaton is the leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of drivetrain systems and components for medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial vehicles on the American continents. In concert with its manufacturing and marketing partners, principally Dana Corporation, Eaton provides The Roadranger System, a complete system of drivetrain components and services, including manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, steer, drive and trailer axles, brakes and chassis control systems, and fleet logistics, communications and management.
Eaton is a global manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace and semiconductor markets. Principal products include hydraulic products and fluid connectors, electrical power distribution and control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, ion implanters and a wide variety of controls. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company has 63,000 employees and 195 manufacturing sites in 23 countries. Eaton's sales for 1999 were $8.4 billion. The Internet address for Eaton is: http://www.eaton.com