Heavy Vehicle Stability Notification and Assistance

After ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System), the introduction of ESP (Electronic Stability Program) for passenger cars in 1995 was another milestone in the continuous enhancement of safety in road traffic. ESP for passenger cars stabilizes a skidding vehicle and thus makes it more controllable for the driver. Due to their additional degree of freedom (articulated vehicle) and high center of gravity, heavy trucks and trailers often have the problem of jack-knifing and roll-over. Therefore Knorr-Bremse SfN GmbH is developing tailor made safety systems for trucks as well as for trailers not only to cover skidding, but also to prevent jack-knifing and roll-over. These new systems are on the truck side the ESP System for trucks and on the trailer side the trailer ECBS with integrated ROP (roll-over prevention) function. Both systems work completely independent from each other, whereat ESP for trucks stabilizes the complete combination (even with standard ABS-trailers) and ECBS with ROP for trailers prevents roll-over from out the trailer.

This paper describes both safety systems, their functionality and their benefits for commercial vehicles.