Self-driving platforms get CANbus control

CANbus control is allowing fire fighting vehicles to get into position more quickly and to be used more safely.

Access platform fire fighters need to be able to park their vehicle very accurately.

Get it wrong and either the platform won't reach or, if the platform has to extend too far, the vehicle could fall over due to lever effects.

In a recent design, a CANbus controller and HMI unit were selected to control the hydraulics for the outside stabiliser feet, applying more pressure where needed to adapt the balance as the the platform is rotated.

The system also controls the extension of the platform, with fail-safes for overload conditions.

The system interfaces to the existing engine CANbus system to speed up or slow down the hydraulic pump.

The biggest issue here was to set up the HMI to show the operator the exact position of the platform, indicating at the same time how much more extension was possible before any overload, so that an early decision could be made about whether to move the vehicle.

Safety considerations included using the CANbus system to first test the ground under the vehicle to ensure that the surface is sound enough to support the vehicle.

Fire engines can now be positioned and used within minutes of arriving on the scene, allowing fires to be tackled more quickly and with a higher degree of safety.

For more information on CANbus control, Sensor-Technik UK has a free 16-page introductory technical guide now available.

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