German equipment specialist, BPW, is introducing a new sensor that detects brake lining wear better than traditional indicators.
The BPW BrakePadMonitor uses an innovative inductive measurement process that continuously analyses the thickness of the brake lining, according to BPW. The degree of wear is displayed in 10 per cent intervals in the cargofleet 3 telematics portal from the BPW subsidiary, idem telematics, and in the associated driver app. For the first time, this means that a trailer’s brake linings can even be checked remotely and garage appointments can be planned in advance.
The robust sensor is installed in the fixed bearing of the brake, where it is protected against mechanical loads. It requires no maintenance, does not wear out, has no moving parts and lasts as long as the trailer, BPW explained in a statement. The sensor does not even need to be removed or adjusted when the brake linings and discs are replaced.
This sensor also monitors how much the brake caliper moves and therefore provides a warning in good time before dangerous overheating can occur.
BPW supplies the new BrakePadMonitor to suit the new generation of its trailer disc brake, the ECO Disc TS2. It can also be retrofitted at any time in the previous ECO Disc generation – which is one of Europe’s most popular trailer disc brakes with more than two million units sold.
Katharina Kermelk, Product Manager at the BPW Mechatronics Innovation Centre in Wiehl said: “The brake and therefore the brake lining are some of the most important wear parts on a trailer as they have great relevance for safety and costs. The BPW BrakePadMonitor means that for the first time we are providing vehicle operators with accurate remote diagnostics capability and enabling efficient forward planning for visits to the garage. This is an innovative example of predictive and preventive maintenance, which really pays dividends.”