New brake adjustment system to have RFID technology

TORONTO — Brake problems on trucks and buses could be spotted and fixed sooner with a radio frequency identification (RFID) inspection system being developed by Zonar Systems and Canadian firm Spectra Inc.

Zonar Systems and Spectra Inc. of Toronto will co-develop an RFID-enabled brake diagnostics system based on Spectra’s proven brake sensor technology. The device leverages the company’s extensive experience with heavy-duty brakes and Zonar’s patented RFID verified visual inspection system. The companies say the system would be low cost, easily utilized and highly effective.

The inspection system uses electronic sensors mounted at key locations on each truck or bus. The driver uses a hand-held electronic monitor to “check in” and inspect each sensor position, entering into the system any safety or maintenance concerns. Information then is electronically transferred instantly to a central database to provide immediate problem alerts and a permanent record that the checks were performed.

Not the best place to find out your
brakes are out of adjustment

“Brake problems on trucks and buses are a safety concern, plus a huge maintenance and cost issue for operators. Our existing inspection product is proven on fleets, and adding this new sensor technology will revolutionize the way brakes are checked,” Mike McQuade, director of research and development at Seattle-based Zonar said in a press release. “Soon, drivers will be able to check the brakes daily with a simple push button test.”

Added Spectra Chairman Andrew J. Malion: “I predict that electronic vehicle inspection will be welcomed with open arms by the commercial trucking industry because it will impact safety and revenues dramatically.”

The Zonar/Spectra inspection system will work on all air brake equipped trucks, buses, trailers and container chassis and is simple for drivers to use during federally required pre-and post-trip safety inspections.

Brake adjustment is the number one safety and maintenance concern with operators and regulators. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), brake problems account for about half of all safety defects resulting in heavy vehicles being put out of service.

McQuade predicted that the new Zonar/Spectra brake inspection product would help commercial operators meet federal safety improvement goals. “Another expected benefit is that it puts drivers into a safety mindset when they start their day.”

Recently, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board condemned traditional auto-slack adjustment practices, saying that improper adjustment and maintenance of automatic slack adjusters leads to several fatal collisions.

A new NTSB report highlights the lack of understanding of the proper function of auto-slacks by both drivers and mechanics.

Read more on this issue in the March issue of Today’s Trucking.