Product category:
Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment
News Release from: BERU F1 Systems | Subject: TPMSs
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 27 November 2007
Bus tyre monitor copes with Canadian
conditions
Custom tyre pressure monitoring system solves key durability and performance issues for bus operators in harsh environments.
Automotive engineering specialist BERU F1 Systems has developed a custom bus tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for Canadian firm Nova Bus for use on the new Nova LFS Artic bus The system solves key durability and performance issues for bus operators in harsh environments
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 8 Dec 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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"Implementing a TPMS on an 18.9m articulated bus presents a number of unique design challenges", says Senior Application Engineer James Shingleton.
"Achieving good radio frequency (RF) coverage along the full length of the bus requires robust technology and clever component packaging".
In this particular instance the harsh operating conditions of the vehicle was another major consideration as components must be protected from the elements.
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"In car applications, antennas are normally positioned on the underside of the vehicle because it provides the best RF reception", explains Shingleton.
"However, with the exception of the front antenna, which is mounted behind a splash shield at the front of the vehicle, this was not feasible for Nova Bus due to potential damage caused by winter road conditions".
"To solve this problem, the middle antenna is located inside the cabin, and the two rear antennas are raised to a higher position in the chassis".
"The performance of our system, which is proven in some of the harshest motorsports environments, allows it to function reliably, even in these shielded locations".
Nova bus vehicles are used across Canada all year round and operating conditions can become very severe.
In winter, incredibly cold temperatures, huge snowfalls and very heavily salted roads create an extremely destructive environment for external components.
The TPMS must function with minimal maintenance for the entire life of the vehicle, which can be up to 20 years.
BERU F1 Systems' existing solution, tested in all environments on rally cars, has achieved the required durability standards.
The Nova LFS Artic bus TPMS consists of four DGA+ antennas mounted on the vehicle (two for the rear axle, one for the middle axle and one for the front axle), eight wheel sensors (four on the rear axle, two on the middle axle and two on the front axle) and the new BERU F1 Systems 24V TPMS Bus ECU.
Tyre pressure monitoring is becoming increasingly common as fleet operators try to reduce tyre wear and maintain highest possible fuel efficiency.
Legislation and increasing passenger safety requirements are also leading manufacturers and operators to fit robust solutions.
BERU F1 Systems TPMS offers retrofitting possibilities either stand-alone or through a CAN network.
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