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Development of the Kenworth Truck of the Future has been made possible only with the express involvement of some of the leading names in transport innovation.
Honeywell, Raytheon and Bendix:
Honeywell is synonymous with advanced computer technology and in particular in relation to advanced imaging systems developed for the American Defence Forces. For the Truck of the Future, Honeywell has worked with Raytheon Commercial InfraRed to develop XVision.
XVision, marketed under the Bendix brand, is a non-military development that uses infra-red and heat sourcing technology to identify pedestrians that might not be clearly visibly due to sight obstructions or weather conditions. The same principle obviously applies to the identification of animals, one of the major concerns of truck drivers across Australia.
XVision improves driver awareness for up to 5 times beyond the standard headlamp range, providing more time for a driver to assess a situation and react if appropriate. An image of the item sensed appears as a head-up display on the windscreen within the driver’s line of sight and in a size appropriate to that of the object detected.
The XVision system addresses the statistical analysis that shows that while 28 per cent of all driving occurs at night, 55 per cent of all accidents occur at night (Source ITS, 1995). Further statistical analysis shows that 35 per cent of fatal truck crashes and 26 per cent of non-fatal truck crashes occur between 06.00pm and 06.00am with 24 per cent of fatal and 15 per cent of non fatal crashes occurring during the hours of darkness (Source: Truck & Bus Crash FactBook, 1995).
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is also the provider of the EverFlow Air Drier. This eliminates part of the traditional air drier componentry such as wet tanks and pressure protection valves while offering increased protection from water contamination and corrosion to air operated systems such those used for brake actuation.
Electronic Air Control, also marketed by Bendix, provides significant additional benefits that include the reduction of air compressor load improved air quality monitoring and reduced fuel consumption.
DRAGER:
As Europe’s leading manufacturer of breath alcohol analysis systems, Drager developed the Interlock as a means of determining that alcohol impaired drivers would be prevented from accessing control of a motor vehicle. Operation of a vehicle is only achieved after a satisfactory volume of breath has been blown through a mouthpiece, linked to the ignition system.
As well as preventing an impaired driver from driving, experience of practical benefits has shown that the Interlock also prevents disqualified drivers from continuing to re-offend as they did so usually when having consumed alcohol.
Drager’s Melbourne facility started manufacturing Interlocks in 1994. It has since exported over 8,000 units to the US market where legislation exists in 37 States to have Interlocks fitted to vehicles where a driver has been convicted of a drink driving offence. This requirement is in lieu of a mandatory licence suspension and is required to be installed for an average period of 18 months.
The feasibility of such mandatory requirements within Australia is currently under investigation by legislators in three States.
Drowsy Driver Monitor:
Driver fatigue is ranked as the number one cause of road accidents ahead of visibility and weather conditions.
In the Kenworth Truck of the Future a forward facing camera monitors reduced driver alertness by comparing the truck’s position in relation to the white line 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.
Driver Entertainment Systems:
The Truck of the Future is capable, through a dedicated Toshiba notebook computer, of providing the driver with the convenience of having e-mail and Internet access. The entertainment system contains the option of playing DVDs either through the computer screen, or through the 15-inch flat screen in the sleeping compartment. An eight speaker 12 stacker CD sound system completes the fully integrated and versatile entertainment experience. The am/fm stereo has an in-built 6 ½ inch LCD TV The TV can be used to watch television or to see what is directly behind and on the left-hand side of the truck via two miniature cameras. One is fixed to the back of the cab and the other to the passenger side rear vision mirrors.
Tyre pressure monitoring system:
A major factor in the quest to extend tyre life can be attributed to the maintenance of the correct operating pressures. But of much more serious concern is the incidence of a loss of pressure being undetected before major tyre damage occurs. Tyres fitted to the Truck of the Future are fitted with pressure sensors that communicate low pressure via a radio link to the driver.
Fleetcom, AES Satellite Tracking and electronic log recording:
A Fleetcom on-board computer monitors important vehicle and driving parameters. The range of electronic recording and monitoring systems cover categories such as on-board weighing, trailer and prime mover interface, engine and driveline interface. Automatic functions include monitoring vehicle and engine speed, oil pressure and water temperature and this data can be transmitted back to the vehicle operational headquarters together with data such as the interior temperature of refrigerated vans carrying heat sensitive produce.
The recording of driver’s hours and vehicle operating hours is now completed automatically. New systems contain “smart card” technology and data can be stored on a driver’s work card as well as stored electronically within the truck computer system or transmitted back by the on-board communications system.
Phillips GPS Navigation and GSM phone:
The loss of time incurred by a driver losing his way or not taking the most direct route is now minimised through the operation of a Phillips Navigation system that links through Global Positioning Satellites. An image of the relevant map is displayed on a dashboard-mounted monitor. The truck always “knows” where it is and where it has to go, communicating the need to turn left or right to the driver via either a synthesised voice or by a left and right graphics display. There is also a GSM phone integrated with the navigation system.
RAMI Aerials:
No longer does the roof of a truck have to resemble a porcupine with antennas bristling from every corner. The fitment of multiband RAMI aerials is the answer for a complete communications system with a pair of matched antennae handling the frequency linking for AM/FM radios, CB and UHF, data transfer and mobile phones. Reception of all these options can be effected simultaneously.
Battery safety and longevity:
The Can Pulse Battery Saver has the potential to double battery life by reducing the sulphation levels. When coupled with intelligent battery charging the benefits continue as the system prevents accidental damage to sophisticated electronic equipment. The Chargetron battery charger protects the battery system against wrong polarity connections and shorted leads. An Antizap surge protector also provides system security against surges that can damage electronic circuits.
Collision Avoidance with Smart Cruise: VORAD
The VORAD Collision Warning System developed by Eaton transmits a high frequency 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 range up to100 metres. The range can be varied to allow for the change in reaction times associated with the speed of the truck. 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 to highlight an object or other vehicle that approaches too close to the truck while it travels forwards. This complements the VORAD system.
Eaton Automatic Gear Shifting:
A Fuller RTLO 20918AS2 Auto-shifting 18-speed transmission features a gear selection control mounted in the armrest of the fully adjustable, ISRI air-suspended driver’s seat. This provides the driver with what amounts to push button gear selection or a totally automatic selection programme.
The autoshift feature reduces driver fatigue, lowers vehicle fuel consumption and also makes it easier for less experienced drivers to operate the vehicle.
The transmission uses helical gears in the auxiliary section for quieter operation and to reduce wear the internal lubrication has been improved with a revision to the oil pump design. Transmission temperatures are controlled via external oil to water heat exchanger.
Smart Bolt Technology:
This enables a more accurate bolt clamping force to be assured and provides the ability to continually monitor clamping forces. Maintenance is also subsequently reduced.
Minimised instrumentation:
The dashboard displays occur on five 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.
The electronic dash has a vast array of in built options available. These include digital gauge functions, performance analysis, engine diagnostics, trip planner, driver scorecard and driver assistance features.
The electronic dash provides the driver with unsurpassed real-time information on how he/she and the vehicle is performing.
Isri seating:
Both the driver and passenger seats are fully air suspended and feature lumbar and side supports. An hydraulic shock absorber is adjustable to suit the various weights of drivers and a push button height adjustment has its own memory of appropriate settings. The seat height is lowered or raised automatically when a driver leaves or enters the vehicle.
Windscreen tint technology
The tinted Protector AutoGlass 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 (i.e. resistance to flying objects such as stones or rocks), compared to current ADR requirements.
Multi-plexed cabin with smart wheel/mux switches
The muliti-plexed electronics systems incorporated within the Truck of the Future prime mover offers all the benefits of electronic connections without the problems of a high number of wires encapsulated within a wiring loom. The principle of multi-plexing is to enable different components to be controlled from a common wire link with instructions to each component dependent on a particular number of electrical pulses transmitted down the common wire link. The use of multi-plexxed electronics systems incorporated in the steering wheel and switch panels reduces wiring by 75 per cent.
NVH Reduction composite panel, bonded cab doors and toolbox doors.
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. The use of bonded doors reduces the number of visible fasteners, improving appearance and paint finish.
LED Lighting:
The Kenworth Truck of the Future uses the latest in L.E.D. technology to make sure it is clearly visible by other road users. Pioneered by lighting experts Hella Australia, “DuraLed” technology 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. The alternator itself is a Leece-Neville brushless unit rated at 160 Amps.
Hella New technology Headlamps:
New XENON 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.
PPG Harlequin Paint:
The PPG Harlequin iridescent multi-layer flake paint finish that shows a changing colourscheme dependent on the angle of light striking the prime mover bodywork. The predominant body colour changes through the spectrum from green to blue.
Refrigerator:
A small refrigerator with a capacity for six standard cans of drink, is fitted under the passenger seat with access via a flap down door facing towards the driver's seat. The unit is effectively silent in operation and is chilled by the vehicle air conditioning system utilising the existing air conditioning circuits and components developed by Denso.
Glare Stopper:
The mirrors contained within the aerodynamic covers on each side of the truck cabin are fully adjustable by a remote power control within the vehicle. Both mirrors reduce glare automatically when the lights from following vehicles strike the mirror assembly. The nearside mirror head also acts as a base location for the left-hand rear vision camera.
Meritor and Bosch - Disc brakes/ABS/Traction control
Meritor axles with Bosch ABS (anti-lock braking) are fitted to ensure safe skid-free brake performance throughout the vehicle combination. Disc brakes fitted on the front axle provide exceptional fade resistance together with ease of maintenance through fast pad removal and lower maintenance costs. The Meritor drive axles feature traction control to prevent wheel spin and incorporate inter-axle diff locks for maximum tractive ability. The rear axle ratios are 4.3:1.
Horton fan:
The Horton fan achieves an improvement in efficiency of 15 per cent while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. The higher torque of the fan unit, which operates through a spring engaged fan hub, keeps the engine at a more consistent operating temperature.
The radiator itself is a new compact design that incorporates the cooling requirements of the engine, charge air cooler, air conditioning condenser and transmission oil cooler.
Holland Hitch fifth wheel:
ELI (Electronic Lock Indicator) technology verifies the 5th wheel and kingpin locking sequence then relays the data to the driver through an icon display on the dashboard. The system warns the driver of an incorrect connection between truck and trailer.
Side and Rear View Cameras:
Television cameras mounted on the nearside mirror tower and at the rear of the prime mover, truck body or trailer present an overall picture of the roadway behind and to the side of the vehicle. Shown to the driver on a flat screen monitor mounted on the dashboard, the system obviously represents a major safety initiative.
Sleeper Compartment:
The fully insulated sleeper compartment features a full sized single bunk with ample storage for the driver's personal effects. Also contained in the sleeping area is a 15-inch flat screen television. The floor of the cabin is heavily insulated using Thermsulate embossed, multi-layered composite insulation to provide exceptional protection against heat and noise.
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