ZF Adds Predictive Maintenance Function to TraXon Transmission
ZF has informed that it has designed a new digital solution to its commercial vehicle (CV) portfolio. The company’s TraXon transmission solution, which is widely applied in trucks all over the world, will get an optional predictive maintenance (PdM) feature starting next year.
It will provide an opportunity
for fleet operators to keep track of the state of crucial elements such as ATF
or clutch plates by means of the Cloud. ZF claims that it will be extremely
helpful in maintenance of the car, which now can be planned in advance, and in
turn could shorten car standing time and evade stranded cars. It can also
facilitate to cost-saving and simultaneously prolonging the gearbox life.
That’s how ZF’s PdM is
supposed to operate
With the new-made PdM function, ZF makes TraXon ready
for the digital era in the CV segment. For this purpose, ZF employs
transmission modules that are already pre-set in the car and transmit data about
the transmission's status to the vehicle OEM's Cloud. The OEM data platform is
also linked to the ZF Cloud. The latter has the capability to analyze the
initial data it has obtained and create reports on the status of the gearbox
elements. These can then be read by the OEM or fleet operator and put into use
to schedule maintenance services in advance.
With its PdM approach, ZF fixes its attention on crucial separate and wear-prone elements such as ATF or clutch plates. According to ZF specialists, it allows the uninterrupted capability to estimate data, making it possible to change or overhaul important elements at the proper time and prevent costly damages. Moreover, fleet operators don’t need complicated emergency plans to support the supply system in case of a breakdown. Therefore, the overall maintenance expenses can be substantially decreased. The company also is determined to catch up with the future trends of road transportation: If self-driving systems eventually dominate in the CV segment, then the PdM will play a major role in providing smooth logistic operations on long routes.
About TraXon
In the company ZF, this gearbox is considered to be an
innovative product which meets the needs of the CV market thanks to its universal
solutions. For example, it is for the first time when heavy-duty trucks can be
equipped with a double-plate clutch in line with the hybrid module and at the
same time transmit a higher torque and have a wide range of gear ratios.
Great video presentation
about TraXon transmission
The ZF Traxon is capable of transmitting up to 3000 Nm of torque, therefore it is a great solution for the market of heavy-duty trucks with the permissible total weight exceeding 60 tons. This transmission is offered in two versions (12 and 16 gears), both versions have modifications with direct and overdrive gears, in the latter case — with especially long gear ratios of the top gear. This gearbox allows the driver to easily run a heavy truck when maneuvering at low speeds. As a result, the load on the clutch decreases and it wears less. In addition, the design of this gearbox may also include the option with two additional reverse gears, which allow trucks to reverse long distances at high speeds under special operation conditions — for example, in case of highway engineering. The upgraded tooth gear and built-in noise damping device allowed ZF engineers to significantly reduce the noise level (by 6 dB compared to AS Tronic). Another innovative solution is PreVision system. Thanks to connection to the GPS receiver and the interface for receiving navigation signals, the gearbox operates in the proactive mode and saves fuel.
TraXon Hybrid
The modular design is considered to be one of the most significant advantages of this gearbox. In addition to single- and double-plate dry clutch (the latter is used for transmission of high torque), ZF firstly offers the heavy-truck modification TraXon with the hybrid module TraXon Hybrid. The electric motor power equal to 120 kW and separated clutch allow implementing all functions of hybrid systems — energy recuperation during braking, movement in the electric mode, short-term power increase and “start/stop” function. In the process of cargo transportation, the electromotor may be also used for power supply to additional devices (for example, refrigerating systems). As an additional option, ZF engineers may also provide a power takeoff mechanism which is installed between the gearbox and the engine. This solution is especially efficient for trucks equipped with special auxiliary units (such as crane), because such vehicles need a higher torque.
