Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems has entered into an agreement with International Truck and Engine Corp. to supply its new hydraulic power brake system as standard equipment on select models of the truck maker’s medium-duty models.
The new Meritor WABCO hydraulic power brake (HPB), which is the next generation of the company’s hydraulic actuation and anti-lock braking system (ABS), is designed to provide full-power braking performance functions and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). EBD is designed to automatically adjust the drive axle brake pressure to achieve more balanced braking for the vehicle. Optional automatic traction control (ATC) also is available with the package.
HPB is available immediately on International’s RXT, 3200, 4200 4×4 and 4000 Series 4×2 models. “Our new HPB system offers significant advancements and many industry-first features that will positively impact motor carriers’ safety and performance,” says Jon Morrison, general manager of Troy, Mich.-based Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems. “The system also provides an excellent platform to launch additional active safety systems such as electronic stability control. We’re honored that HPB holds standard position on International’s portfolio of business-class trucks.”
The HPB system has two main components designed to help it provide unparalleled stopping distances through faster system reaction times — a hydraulic compact unit (HCU) and a dual-circuit master cylinder. The HCU consists of two independent electric motors driving two pump systems, two accumulators, a dual-circuit fluid reservoir with integrated filters, pressure-relief valves, solenoid valves and a dual-circuit relay valve.
Meritor WABCO says that when the brake pedal is applied, the master cylinder provides a signal pressure proportional to the pedal force, which allows pressurized fluid to flow from the accumulators to the appropriate brakes. When the pedal is released, brake fluid returns from the brake calipers to the reservoir, and the line pressure returns to zero. This feature is distinct to the HPB system, according to the company, resulting in faster reaction time for enhanced stopping performance.
