Here is a article about volvo truck brakes . Both air, compression now hydraulic converter on prop shaft all controlled by electronics and new accident radars.
The complexity of these new systems is why I say if ABV can't partner up or lic patents they will be a small niche player and probably not survive and not be on road. Just getting so complicated. Volvo now have discs on many prime movers and they are floating so won't rub or squeal like drums . Mack/ Kenworth have it as a option and standard using Bendix. These new brakes are easy to change pads compared to drums style so comparison by company and shareholder from now on should be our oil filled product against current model discs on trucks. In extreme environments and possibly very frequent high load usage ABV should have advantage if it can be produced economically but they have to get it out there in volume fast.
http://www.successfuldealer.com/kenworth-adds-bendix-air-brakes-option-for-t370/
http://mashable.com/2013/01/23/volvo-truck-no-squash/
Brakes
- Electronic Brake System (EBS) operated by compressed air standard with air springs
- Panic Brake Assistance cutting stopping distance
- Automatic brake force adjustment between tractor and trailer
- Brake disc with flexible attachment for long life
- Electronic Stability Program available 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 tractors and on 6x2 rigids
- Exhaust Pressure Governor available as exhaust brake
- Compact retarder with VEB+ equals braking effect of about 865 kW
Increase average speed with VEB+
With Volvo's patented VEB+ you get high and uniform braking power without any fading. Since VEB+ covers the engine's entire rev range, you can handle most of the truck's braking needs with the engine brake.
VEB+ delivers extremely high braking effect - 578 hp with the D16E. When driving in hilly landscape you have good potential for increasing your average speed without affecting driving safety. In practical terms, what it means is that you can remain in a higher gear on downhill gradients.
Compact retarder brakes during gearchange
Volvo's compact retarder is a gearbox-mounted hydraulic retarder that effectively supplements the vehicle's standard braking system. It suits most manual gearboxes as well as I-Shift. Since the retarder is attached to the propeller shaft, braking effect is also utilised during gearchanges.
Together with the latest generation of I-Shift, Volvo's compact retarder provides extremely high braking capacity.
Maximum braking effect with the compact retarder combined with EPG is about 670 kW, and with VEB+ it is about 865 kW.
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