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Day: 24 November 2020

Vaccine Transport Protection

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Temperature-controlled transport specialist Thermo King is ready to meet the challenge of storing COVID-19 vaccines, which are likely to require extreme conditions beyond anything previously needed in the industry. Paul Hamblin hears about the plans.

Pharmaceutical companies in final-stage clinical trials for COVID vaccines anticipate they will require strict temperature controls to safeguard their products – indeed, down to temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius. That requirement caught a lot of people in the industry off guard, says Jessica Poliner, VP Marine, Rail and Air for Thermo King, by Trane Technologies. “It’s because it’s about maintaining the temperature the vaccines need to be transported and stored at,” she explains from her office in Brussels. “It’s different than more usual vaccines, which are usually kept at 2-8 degrees Celsius. The stability profile of the potential COVID vaccines is much more uncertain, and so that certainly leaves more room for degrading, whether through human error or storage problems. It is maintaining that set point that is essential for the vaccine profile.”

Safe vaccine storage is an area that’s vital to get right, because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 20 percent of temperature sensitive health care products are damaged during transport, and 25 percent of vaccines reach their destination in a degraded state due to breaks in the cold chain.

Jessica Poliner says that she and her team have spent a lot of time talking to their customers, whether pharma companies, logistics firms, or forwarders, to look at potential solutions for something the whole world is waiting for. It is from these discussions that the temperature requirements became clear. “Everybody’s trying to put together their blueprints of what this will look like. With the Thermo King brand, we have the ability to transport, from road transportation to air cargo. What we’ve added to the mix is a storage solution as well, so that we can offer both transport and storage for vaccines at a very wide range from -70 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius.”

The requirement for ultra-low temperature isn’t new. “The neat piece with the -70 is that it’s actually a product we’ve used in the marine industry for over 20 years, originally developed to transport a premium grade sashimi tuna along some of the routes from the Mediterranean Sea to Japan and elsewhere. In the past few months we’ve worked to re-purpose that proven product into a solution for vaccine storage at that ultra low temperature of -70 degrees Celsius. So it’s really an exciting time for us to be able to tell a story about a product that we’ve sold a lot of in the past and
have a good experience with, but that’s not in essence being used for that purpose.”

Modifications to it have been relatively minor. “We make a refrigeration system and then put it into the container,” she explains. “We’re recommending a 10 or 20 foot container that has more insulation and some additional safety measures. Obviously if you are going into something at -70 degrees Celsius then safety and PPE are front of mind. But there really isn’t that much difference
to the product itself, which is partly the beauty of it.”

Of course it’s not clear when the solution will be required or in what volume, but Thermo King will be ready to support. “There’s so much uncertainty. Everybody’s been asked to scale, everybody’s been asked to move fast, and there’s still so much uncertainty with when, where and what storage temperature will be needed. Despite a few RFQs out (Request for Quotation), there are still a lot of question marks.”

So her team are having to think on their feet? “The key for us from a manufacturer standpoint is to make sure we have the product available. So, our cold storage product that goes to -70 degrees Celsius can be produced in 10 times the normal volume. That gives you a feel for how quickly we are trying to ramp up our supply.” The alternative used today for ultra-low transport is CO2 in the form of dry ice. This works well when in smaller volumes. “It requires manual intervention and control, so in essence, it’s a band-aid solution. Now volumes of vaccines to be transported and
stored are much higher, and that ‘market’ will look for solutions that are proven and safe, so this is where the Thermo King SuperFreezer makes the difference.”

Vaccine Transport Protection

Posted on by David Priestman

Temperature-controlled transport specialist Thermo King is ready to meet the challenge of storing COVID-19 vaccines, which are likely to require extreme conditions beyond anything previously needed in the industry. Paul Hamblin hears about the plans.

Pharmaceutical companies in final-stage clinical trials for COVID vaccines anticipate they will require strict temperature controls to safeguard their products – indeed, down to temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius. That requirement caught a lot of people in the industry off guard, says Jessica Poliner, VP Marine, Rail and Air for Thermo King, by Trane Technologies. “It’s because it’s about maintaining the temperature the vaccines need to be transported and stored at,” she explains from her office in Brussels. “It’s different than more usual vaccines, which are usually kept at 2-8 degrees Celsius. The stability profile of the potential COVID vaccines is much more uncertain, and so that certainly leaves more room for degrading, whether through human error or storage problems. It is maintaining that set point that is essential for the vaccine profile.”

Safe vaccine storage is an area that’s vital to get right, because according to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 20 percent of temperature sensitive health care products are damaged during transport, and 25 percent of vaccines reach their destination in a degraded state due to breaks in the cold chain.

Jessica Poliner says that she and her team have spent a lot of time talking to their customers, whether pharma companies, logistics firms, or forwarders, to look at potential solutions for something the whole world is waiting for. It is from these discussions that the temperature requirements became clear. “Everybody’s trying to put together their blueprints of what this will look like. With the Thermo King brand, we have the ability to transport, from road transportation to air cargo. What we’ve added to the mix is a storage solution as well, so that we can offer both transport and storage for vaccines at a very wide range from -70 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius.”

The requirement for ultra-low temperature isn’t new. “The neat piece with the -70 is that it’s actually a product we’ve used in the marine industry for over 20 years, originally developed to transport a premium grade sashimi tuna along some of the routes from the Mediterranean Sea to Japan and elsewhere. In the past few months we’ve worked to re-purpose that proven product into a solution for vaccine storage at that ultra low temperature of -70 degrees Celsius. So it’s really an exciting time for us to be able to tell a story about a product that we’ve sold a lot of in the past and
have a good experience with, but that’s not in essence being used for that purpose.”

Modifications to it have been relatively minor. “We make a refrigeration system and then put it into the container,” she explains. “We’re recommending a 10 or 20 foot container that has more insulation and some additional safety measures. Obviously if you are going into something at -70 degrees Celsius then safety and PPE are front of mind. But there really isn’t that much difference
to the product itself, which is partly the beauty of it.”

Of course it’s not clear when the solution will be required or in what volume, but Thermo King will be ready to support. “There’s so much uncertainty. Everybody’s been asked to scale, everybody’s been asked to move fast, and there’s still so much uncertainty with when, where and what storage temperature will be needed. Despite a few RFQs out (Request for Quotation), there are still a lot of question marks.”

So her team are having to think on their feet? “The key for us from a manufacturer standpoint is to make sure we have the product available. So, our cold storage product that goes to -70 degrees Celsius can be produced in 10 times the normal volume. That gives you a feel for how quickly we are trying to ramp up our supply.” The alternative used today for ultra-low transport is CO2 in the form of dry ice. This works well when in smaller volumes. “It requires manual intervention and control, so in essence, it’s a band-aid solution. Now volumes of vaccines to be transported and
stored are much higher, and that ‘market’ will look for solutions that are proven and safe, so this is where the Thermo King SuperFreezer makes the difference.”

SICK Extends Light Beam System Product Portfolio

Posted on by David Priestman

Producer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial automation applications company SICK has extended the range of its deTem 4 A/P multiple light beam system to eight metres, the longest ever available for an active/passive safety device, suitable for applications up to SIL3 / PLe.

The extra-rugged and compact SICK deTem 4 A/P safety light beam system offers wide flexibility to install safe access protection with entry/exit monitoring  in storage, material handling and logistics environments. With sender and receiver integrated into the active device, SICK deTem 4 A/P minimises wiring and helps achieve compact machine designs. With integrated muting functions there is no need for an external module and additional wiring effort.

With real-time diagnostics accessible by smartphone through Near Field Communication, and also via IO-Link, the SICK deTem 4 A/P is a smart system that enables operators to respond quickly to machine downtime. Engineers can access a range of diagnostic status and process data to manage maintenance interventions effectively.

Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist with SICK UK explains: “The SICK deTem4 Active/Passive light beam system offers operators fingertip diagnostics to respond quickly to stoppages in common access protection applications such as warehousing, palletising or packaging machinery.  You can find out straight away what caused a lockout just by using the easy-to-use status display on your smartphone.

“The SICK deTem4 A/P offers all the functionality you would expect from a high-performance SICK safety light beam system, and more. Its slim housing and active/passive functionality lend themselves to machine layouts where space is limited. With IP65 and IP67 protection ratings, an operating temperature range of -30oC to +55oC, the deTem4 is ready for harsh industrial environments.”

Guided by the SICK Safety Assistant smartphone App, and with integral dip switches and automatic range adjustment, in-situ configuration and commissioning are quick and simple and there is no need to use a PC.

Earlier this year SICK announced it had established a new web-based platform, SICK IntegrationSpace, to be the home for its growing data-based digital software and services portfolio.

SICK Extends Light Beam System Product Portfolio

Posted on by David Priestman

Producer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial automation applications company SICK has extended the range of its deTem 4 A/P multiple light beam system to eight metres, the longest ever available for an active/passive safety device, suitable for applications up to SIL3 / PLe.

The extra-rugged and compact SICK deTem 4 A/P safety light beam system offers wide flexibility to install safe access protection with entry/exit monitoring  in storage, material handling and logistics environments. With sender and receiver integrated into the active device, SICK deTem 4 A/P minimises wiring and helps achieve compact machine designs. With integrated muting functions there is no need for an external module and additional wiring effort.

With real-time diagnostics accessible by smartphone through Near Field Communication, and also via IO-Link, the SICK deTem 4 A/P is a smart system that enables operators to respond quickly to machine downtime. Engineers can access a range of diagnostic status and process data to manage maintenance interventions effectively.

Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist with SICK UK explains: “The SICK deTem4 Active/Passive light beam system offers operators fingertip diagnostics to respond quickly to stoppages in common access protection applications such as warehousing, palletising or packaging machinery.  You can find out straight away what caused a lockout just by using the easy-to-use status display on your smartphone.

“The SICK deTem4 A/P offers all the functionality you would expect from a high-performance SICK safety light beam system, and more. Its slim housing and active/passive functionality lend themselves to machine layouts where space is limited. With IP65 and IP67 protection ratings, an operating temperature range of -30oC to +55oC, the deTem4 is ready for harsh industrial environments.”

Guided by the SICK Safety Assistant smartphone App, and with integral dip switches and automatic range adjustment, in-situ configuration and commissioning are quick and simple and there is no need to use a PC.

Earlier this year SICK announced it had established a new web-based platform, SICK IntegrationSpace, to be the home for its growing data-based digital software and services portfolio.

Hope for the High-Street: Over 60% of Online Shoppers will Return

Posted on by Keith McKinley

There is hope for the high-street with nearly two-thirds (63%) of British shoppers will return to stores post-pandemic if they have a positive experience with a brand online, according to latest data.

Recent research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Manhattan Associates (supply chain and omnichannel commerce experts), shows that the fate of the Great British high street is not as bleak as some might have thought.

A survey of 2,000 consumers across Britain found that almost two thirds (63%) of online shoppers are either fairly or very likely to visit a physical store after having a great online experience with a brand: of the age groups surveyed, 18-24-year-olds were most likely to be influenced (80%) by positive online experiences, followed by 25-34-year-olds (65%).

This optimism from UK shoppers is positive for retailers that have endured a testing time over the last eight months. Despite many having to shut up shop and close their doors as part of the latest lockdown measures, these positive sentiments show that focusing on a positive online experience will pay dividends when restrictions are lifted, and that there is hope for the high-street when stores can reopen again.

Craig Summers, UK Managing Director, Manhattan Associates, commented: “The research is a ray of light for British retailers and shows how a great online experience can and (hopefully) will transcend into physical footfall.

While online might be the only channel available for many retailers right now, customers will be expecting the ease and seamlessness of their online journey to be mirrored when they return to stores in the New Year and retailers must be ready for that.

It’s things like having the ability to check in-store stock before visiting a shop, or the ability to deliver a variety of click-and-collect options are elements that all retailers will need to look at seriously if they are to encourage consumers to return to stores in large numbers in 2021,” added Summers.

When asked specifically about this year’s Black Friday events, the research rather unsurprisingly found that value for money (69%) and cheaper online deals (48%) were the two primary factors behind online purchasing decisions, but these were closely followed by the speed of delivery, which nearly two-fifths  (37%) deemed important.

“Speedy and reliable delivery, plus the restraints of a second nationwide lockdown will add pressure to delivery networks and supply chains over the next six weeks. However, many retailers will have learned from the initial challenges experienced during the UK’s first lockdown and should be more prepared for this crucial time of the year,” finished Summers.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,066 adults, including 560 who plan to shop online this Black Friday. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th October -2nd November 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Hope for the High-Street: Over 60% of Online Shoppers will Return

Posted on by David Priestman

There is hope for the high-street with nearly two-thirds (63%) of British shoppers will return to stores post-pandemic if they have a positive experience with a brand online, according to latest data.

Recent research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Manhattan Associates (supply chain and omnichannel commerce experts), shows that the fate of the Great British high street is not as bleak as some might have thought.

A survey of 2,000 consumers across Britain found that almost two thirds (63%) of online shoppers are either fairly or very likely to visit a physical store after having a great online experience with a brand: of the age groups surveyed, 18-24-year-olds were most likely to be influenced (80%) by positive online experiences, followed by 25-34-year-olds (65%).

This optimism from UK shoppers is positive for retailers that have endured a testing time over the last eight months. Despite many having to shut up shop and close their doors as part of the latest lockdown measures, these positive sentiments show that focusing on a positive online experience will pay dividends when restrictions are lifted, and that there is hope for the high-street when stores can reopen again.

Craig Summers, UK Managing Director, Manhattan Associates, commented: “The research is a ray of light for British retailers and shows how a great online experience can and (hopefully) will transcend into physical footfall.

While online might be the only channel available for many retailers right now, customers will be expecting the ease and seamlessness of their online journey to be mirrored when they return to stores in the New Year and retailers must be ready for that.

It’s things like having the ability to check in-store stock before visiting a shop, or the ability to deliver a variety of click-and-collect options are elements that all retailers will need to look at seriously if they are to encourage consumers to return to stores in large numbers in 2021,” added Summers.

When asked specifically about this year’s Black Friday events, the research rather unsurprisingly found that value for money (69%) and cheaper online deals (48%) were the two primary factors behind online purchasing decisions, but these were closely followed by the speed of delivery, which nearly two-fifths  (37%) deemed important.

“Speedy and reliable delivery, plus the restraints of a second nationwide lockdown will add pressure to delivery networks and supply chains over the next six weeks. However, many retailers will have learned from the initial challenges experienced during the UK’s first lockdown and should be more prepared for this crucial time of the year,” finished Summers.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,066 adults, including 560 who plan to shop online this Black Friday. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th October -2nd November 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

The Beauty of a Reliable Order Picking System

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With e-commerce on the rise, customers are looking for their orders to be delivered quickly, often by the next day. A reliable order picking system is therefore vital.

Online beauty products company flaconi in Germany is using Wanzl’s KT3 order picking trolleys at their 10,000 sqm warehouse in Berlin.

“We put our all into offering our customers a complete beauty experience with a high level of service quality,” says Steffen Christ, member of the flaconi management team and COO of Logistics. “In addition to our broad product portfolio, we set the highest standards with an optimal supply chain, simple order processing and fast dispatch. In our warehouse we work according to the ‘man to goods’ principle, and therefore have high demands of our order picking trolleys when it comes to day-to-day operations. That’s why we opted for Wanzl’s KT3 model.”

flaconi has a total of 100 trolleys, provided by the industry expert, in use every day for both storage and picking. The goods are stored securely on shelves that are metres high with lots of organised activity going on around – not a problem for the easily manoeuvrable trolleys from Wanzl. Two order picking trolleys need to fit next to each other in the narrow aisles when goods are being deposited or picked. In addition to high weight-bearing capacity, flexibility is also essential. Trips around the warehouse are long because the 720 brands and 45,000 products occupy a lot of space.

“A total of 150 employees work here and the trolleys are with them all the time,” Steffen Christ reports. “We’re impressed with the KT3 in use not only because of its load capacity of up to 300 kg, but mainly because it’s so manoeuvrable thanks to the additional fifth wheel and lightweight design. The separately mounted ladder also means our employees can reach the higher shelves.”

The product range stocked by flaconi in Berlin is both extensive and varied – from natural cosmetics and luxury products to the traditional Nivea cream. Tubes, glass bottles and all kinds of fragile jars find their way into the trolley’s baskets and compartments. And the trolley needs to be equipped for these various products. Its system design has allowed the KT3 to be adapted to the special wishes of the beauty pioneer. “To transport our goods efficiently, Wanzl came up with a custom configuration of the KT3 just for us. Along with the fifth wheel and ladder, all the trolleys have an additional pair of handles so they can be pushed comfortably along the aisles. We’ve also fitted the model for storing goods with a lattice back panel and four hook-in shelves, whereas we selected six hook-in shelves for the model used for picking,” Steffen Christ explains.

We first needed to work closely with flaconi in order to then develop a solution that was optimally tailored to its needs. As a holistic solutions provider, Wanzl attaches particular importance to support and providing an all-round service – a claim that the industry expert also shares with flaconi. Satisfied with the service, Steffen Christ summarises the collaboration: “It soon became clear which features we need the KT3 to have to meet our many demands. We greatly appreciate this solution-orientated way of working and the excellent communication. It made working with Wanzl a very pleasant experience.”

 

The Beauty of a Reliable Order Picking System

Posted on by David Priestman

With e-commerce on the rise, customers are looking for their orders to be delivered quickly, often by the next day. A reliable order picking system is therefore vital.

Online beauty products company flaconi in Germany is using Wanzl’s KT3 order picking trolleys at their 10,000 sqm warehouse in Berlin.

“We put our all into offering our customers a complete beauty experience with a high level of service quality,” says Steffen Christ, member of the flaconi management team and COO of Logistics. “In addition to our broad product portfolio, we set the highest standards with an optimal supply chain, simple order processing and fast dispatch. In our warehouse we work according to the ‘man to goods’ principle, and therefore have high demands of our order picking trolleys when it comes to day-to-day operations. That’s why we opted for Wanzl’s KT3 model.”

flaconi has a total of 100 trolleys, provided by the industry expert, in use every day for both storage and picking. The goods are stored securely on shelves that are metres high with lots of organised activity going on around – not a problem for the easily manoeuvrable trolleys from Wanzl. Two order picking trolleys need to fit next to each other in the narrow aisles when goods are being deposited or picked. In addition to high weight-bearing capacity, flexibility is also essential. Trips around the warehouse are long because the 720 brands and 45,000 products occupy a lot of space.

“A total of 150 employees work here and the trolleys are with them all the time,” Steffen Christ reports. “We’re impressed with the KT3 in use not only because of its load capacity of up to 300 kg, but mainly because it’s so manoeuvrable thanks to the additional fifth wheel and lightweight design. The separately mounted ladder also means our employees can reach the higher shelves.”

The product range stocked by flaconi in Berlin is both extensive and varied – from natural cosmetics and luxury products to the traditional Nivea cream. Tubes, glass bottles and all kinds of fragile jars find their way into the trolley’s baskets and compartments. And the trolley needs to be equipped for these various products. Its system design has allowed the KT3 to be adapted to the special wishes of the beauty pioneer. “To transport our goods efficiently, Wanzl came up with a custom configuration of the KT3 just for us. Along with the fifth wheel and ladder, all the trolleys have an additional pair of handles so they can be pushed comfortably along the aisles. We’ve also fitted the model for storing goods with a lattice back panel and four hook-in shelves, whereas we selected six hook-in shelves for the model used for picking,” Steffen Christ explains.

We first needed to work closely with flaconi in order to then develop a solution that was optimally tailored to its needs. As a holistic solutions provider, Wanzl attaches particular importance to support and providing an all-round service – a claim that the industry expert also shares with flaconi. Satisfied with the service, Steffen Christ summarises the collaboration: “It soon became clear which features we need the KT3 to have to meet our many demands. We greatly appreciate this solution-orientated way of working and the excellent communication. It made working with Wanzl a very pleasant experience.”

 

Digital Load Monitoring

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A sensor-based on-board system aims to enable faster, efficient and safer load monitoring to meet the requirements of a new EU Directive.

Continental has developed an On Board Weighing System (OBWS) that records and displays the weight of commercial vehicles, including trailers and semitrailers. “It is quick, easy, and independent from a stationary scale – before starting a trip,” says the company.

Further functions make it possible to increase efficiency far beyond the specifications of EU Directive 2015/719, which will go into effect in May 2021. The directive requires EU Member States to measure the gross vehicle weight of commercial vehicles more frequently. In order to plan accordingly and prevent sanctions, drivers and fleet operators must already know the load condition of a vehicle before starting a trip. So far, this has been almost impossible and poses particular challenges for vehicles for which the semitrailer is usually provided by the forwarder.

Constant load overview

In order to meet the new requirements, most EU countries are looking to rely primarily on a comprehensive, stationary solution. Continental says the On Board Weighing System offers added value that goes beyond the regulatory stipulations. “Even if the load is measured by sensors in the road in the future, the integrated solution will remain interesting for forwarding agents, fleet managers and drivers,” says Marc Leinemann, a technical project manager at Continental involved in the development of the On Board Weighing System.

“Even before a truck drives off, fleet operators and drivers can check whether the weight of the vehicle is within a safe range,” he added. “Systems that determine the vehicle weight only after the start of the trip do not offer this advantage. If the weight can be determined before a trip, vehicles can be loaded more efficiently and safely as well. This reduces empty runs.” The data provided also makes preventive maintenance possible. In addition, it can serve as a basis for new business models, for example with load-dependent transport tariffs.

Sensors measure axle loads

Fleet requirements vary, as they often comprise vehicles with different suspensions. The experts at Continental have therefore developed various OBW solutions that take the respective customer requirements into consideration. Chassis with air suspension are great for constantly determining the load condition of all individual axles. Continental also offers tailor-made solutions for chassis with steel suspension.

For example, the technology company has developed a sensor for vehicles with air suspension, which uses ultrasound to measure the height and pressure of air springs in order to determine the axle’s load condition. On the same basis, a height sensor has been developed for shock absorbers for vehicles without air suspension. The suspension travel of the shock absorber provides information on the load condition of the respective axle. The strain sensor from Continental is also suitable for both steel and airsprung axles. It measures the strain of the axle body and thus enables the load to be calculated. The sum of the axle loads results in the vehicle weight including the load.

Complete system from single source

In all four cases, the data gathered is collected, forwarded and evaluated, and the results are finally displayed via the app on the driver’s smartphone or on a display in the driver’s cab. Fleet
managers can also retrieve the data and optimise the utilisation of their fleets. Continental offers all products and services as a complete system from a single source – from the air spring to the sensor through to data processing and software applications.

Digital Load Monitoring

Posted on by David Priestman

A sensor-based on-board system aims to enable faster, efficient and safer load monitoring to meet the requirements of a new EU Directive.

Continental has developed an On Board Weighing System (OBWS) that records and displays the weight of commercial vehicles, including trailers and semitrailers. “It is quick, easy, and independent from a stationary scale – before starting a trip,” says the company.

Further functions make it possible to increase efficiency far beyond the specifications of EU Directive 2015/719, which will go into effect in May 2021. The directive requires EU Member States to measure the gross vehicle weight of commercial vehicles more frequently. In order to plan accordingly and prevent sanctions, drivers and fleet operators must already know the load condition of a vehicle before starting a trip. So far, this has been almost impossible and poses particular challenges for vehicles for which the semitrailer is usually provided by the forwarder.

Constant load overview

In order to meet the new requirements, most EU countries are looking to rely primarily on a comprehensive, stationary solution. Continental says the On Board Weighing System offers added value that goes beyond the regulatory stipulations. “Even if the load is measured by sensors in the road in the future, the integrated solution will remain interesting for forwarding agents, fleet managers and drivers,” says Marc Leinemann, a technical project manager at Continental involved in the development of the On Board Weighing System.

“Even before a truck drives off, fleet operators and drivers can check whether the weight of the vehicle is within a safe range,” he added. “Systems that determine the vehicle weight only after the start of the trip do not offer this advantage. If the weight can be determined before a trip, vehicles can be loaded more efficiently and safely as well. This reduces empty runs.” The data provided also makes preventive maintenance possible. In addition, it can serve as a basis for new business models, for example with load-dependent transport tariffs.

Sensors measure axle loads

Fleet requirements vary, as they often comprise vehicles with different suspensions. The experts at Continental have therefore developed various OBW solutions that take the respective customer requirements into consideration. Chassis with air suspension are great for constantly determining the load condition of all individual axles. Continental also offers tailor-made solutions for chassis with steel suspension.

For example, the technology company has developed a sensor for vehicles with air suspension, which uses ultrasound to measure the height and pressure of air springs in order to determine the axle’s load condition. On the same basis, a height sensor has been developed for shock absorbers for vehicles without air suspension. The suspension travel of the shock absorber provides information on the load condition of the respective axle. The strain sensor from Continental is also suitable for both steel and airsprung axles. It measures the strain of the axle body and thus enables the load to be calculated. The sum of the axle loads results in the vehicle weight including the load.

Complete system from single source

In all four cases, the data gathered is collected, forwarded and evaluated, and the results are finally displayed via the app on the driver’s smartphone or on a display in the driver’s cab. Fleet
managers can also retrieve the data and optimise the utilisation of their fleets. Continental offers all products and services as a complete system from a single source – from the air spring to the sensor through to data processing and software applications.

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