As a world leader being the global interface provider between truck & trailer, JOST emphasises the importance of road safety by subjecting all its products to stringent testing & field trial with our clients prior to launch by incorporating appropriate design and related safety factor to meet regulatory requirements and local practices, summarises Mr. Pradeep GS, Managing Director and VP – Sales & Marketing, JOST India. Read on for his comments on the above topic.
Excerpts:
Mandatory and other safety requirements in products
JOST participates in the preparation of road safety legislation in safety related products as an invitee member in many countries. In India Jost has been a part of such a panel at ARAI during the drafting of Trailer code AIS113, AIS-091 focused on safety and product reliability. Some products that Jost has in the direction of safety and convenience are:
Lubetronic
The LubeTronic 5Point was developed for fifth-wheel couplings without top plate liners. This is a lubrication system integrated into a fifth-wheel coupling.
- Lubrication intervals can be adjusted for use in long distance traffic and on-site traffic
- Very easy and compact
- Environmentally friendly and economical thanks to electronic dosing
- Sufficient lubricant supply for about 1 year
- Electronic fill level control with an LED display
- Refillable using lubricating nipples
- The quantity of grease dispensed remains constant, providing reliable lubrication for the fifth wheel coupling plate and the lockjaw.
- It is also suitable for use in hazardous-cargo vehicles
Sensorkupplung
The sensor coupling provides the driver with information relating to the locking status of the fifth wheel coupling
Flashtronic
The JOST FlashTronic is an electronic lock display system which uses a magnetic sensor to detect when a fifth wheel coupling is closed and secured. The lock status (open/closed) is displayed by an LED on the fifth wheel coupling:
- The fifth wheel coupling is only closed if the LED is flashing.
- The LED flashes once per second.
- After 10 minutes, the flashing frequency of the LED is automatically reduced. The JOST FlashTronic then flashes once every 5 seconds.
- If the LED does not flash, this means the fifth wheel coupling is open, or the JOST FlashTronic is inoperative.
- Deviating displays, e.g., if the LED is permanently lit, indicate a malfunction
Safety features and highlights in applications
- Double locking system for Jost 5th wheel
o The construction of the release handle with steps allows primary locking against the spring tension. Added to this there is a spring actuated latch which holds this in place once the locking takes place.
- Material & hardness control on the kingpin
o Jost kingpins are designed to mate with the lock jaw of the Jost Fifth Wheels considering the dynamic conditions of operations during constant articulation of the tractor-trailer combination.
- Permanent gear engagement on the landing leg
o This prevents reverse winding.
- Double control level for Rockinger ROKU80 towing hitches
Safety apprehensions at higher road speeds
- Current approved rating is based on 105 kmph, higher speed may affect the stopping distance & driver controllability.
- Unless overloading issue is under control, speed has a huge impact on stopping distance as well and damage roads faster.
Technology impact on safety in the times ahead
If we talk of the development Jost is doing in the most advanced regions of the world, some of them are featured below:
KKS
The KKS automates the entire coupling process!
In particular, this means:
- An automatic plug-in connection for pneumatic brakes and trailer electrical systems – no spiral cables
- Fifth wheel coupling with remote control and remote display – no coupling errors
- Electrically powered telescoping landing gears – no cranking
All components such as the fifth wheel coupling und telescoping landing gears can still be operated mechanically.
Of course it is still possible to connect KKS trailers or KKS tractors with conventional vehicles
Light-weighting necessity and trend
- Aluminium landing leg, direct mounting of FWC (remove corrugated mounting plate), DCA axle with forge aluminium bracket, Hollow Extruded axle constructions, etc.
- Light weighting reduces operational cost and is also road and environmental friendly.
Role of advanced materials in light-weighting
- Material play a vital role in weight reduction. Aluminium chassis/trailer/wheel are getting popular in China, lighter in weight and higher salvage value.
· However, light-weighting was not given importance until now due to the mind-set of overloading which would now drastically change with the new regulations coming in.