Product category:
Compressors and Air Treatment
News Release from: Constant Tyre Inflation Systems | Subject: Vigia
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 February 2003
HGV tyre monitor maintains uniform
pressures
Vigia is a novel system that provides constant and automatic monitoring and adjustment of tyre pressures to deliver significant cost savings and safety improvements for heavy goods vehicles.
Proper inflation pressure is the most important factor in maximising both tyre safety and tyre mileage, particularly in multiple-axle, multiple-wheel vehicles Correct tyre pressure provides proper sidewall flexing and safe operating temperature of the tyres
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 22 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Under-inflation creates excessive heat, seriously reducing tyre life.
It also increases fuel consumption and can cause tyre failure.
Under-inflation of tyres is particularly serious when the inside tyre of a dual set begins to lose pressure.
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Because the inside tyre is not immediately visible and is supported by the outside tyre, the problem may not be noticeable in the way the vehicle handles, until it is too late.
After travelling a long distance, the inside tyre can build enormous heat, sometimes breaking into flames.
The outside tyre, now supporting the whole load for its paired set, is also damaged.
In some cases both tyres can fail with very dangerous consequences.
Maintaining the correct pressure is the easiest, yet most important factor in obtaining the best performance, economy and safety from a full set of tyres.
The Vigia system provides constant and automatic monitoring and adjustment of tyre pressure.
The system maintains a predetermined cold pressure, even in a moving vehicle or a vehicle with punctures tyres.
When tyre pressure falls, by however small an amount, in one or more tyres, the Vigia system automatically generates an audio and visual signal that informs the driver of the problem, and its location.
At the same time, the process of inflation commences instantly, keeping tyre pressures calibrated at the preset levels.
If the loss of air is substantial, as in the case of a blowout, and the equipment is not able to compensate for this loss, an audio and visual signal advises the driver.
At the same time, an electronic security mechanism blocks the equipment, stopping the system from pumping air, thus ensuring the normal operation of other air-driven systems (brakes, suspension etc).
The control panel incorporates electric valves, optoelectronic command sensors, check valves, gauges and indicator lights that allow the driver to be fully informed at all times on tyre pressure and system performance.
Each gauge corresponds to an independent circuit, providing information about the tyre air pressure for one or more axles with the same calibration.
Vigia is fed from the auxiliary air reservoir.
Any impurities are absorbed by a dedicated air filter.
Once the air is filtered, it reaches the control panel, from where it is redistributed to the tyres.
Novel rotors allow air to pass from a stationary point on the truck body to the rotating tyres.
(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 2 February 2003).
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