Safety under extreme conditions: BERU f1systems develops Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for busses
Motorsport proven technology from BERU f1systems improves reliability, safety and reduces tire wear.
(Ludwigsburg, 19 December 2007) Automotive engineering specialist BERU f1systems has developed a specific bus Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Canadian firm Nova Bus. The robust and reliable application is based on the technology of BERU’s Tire Safety System (TSS), which is fitted for example on vehicles by Audi, BMW and Porsche, and designed to solve key durability and performance issues for bus operators in harsh environments.
“Implementing a TPMS on a 60 foot articulated bus presents a number of unique design challenges,” says senior application engineer, James Shingleton. “Achieving good radio frequency (RF) coverage along the full length of the bus requires robust technology and clever component packaging.” In this particular instance the harsh operating conditions of the vehicle was another major consideration as components must be protected from the elements.
“In car applications, antennae are normally positioned on the underside of the vehicle because it provides the best RF reception,” explains Shingleton. “However, with the exception of the front antenna, which is mounted behind a splash shield at the front of the vehicle, this was not feasible for Nova Bus due to potential damage caused by winter road conditions. To solve this problem, the middle antenna is located inside the cabin, while the two rear antennae are raised to a higher position in the chassis. The performance of our system, which is proven in some of the harshest motorsports environments, allows it to function reliably, even in these shielded locations.”
Nova bus vehicles are used across Canada all year round and operating conditions can become very severe. In winter, incredibly cold temperatures, huge snowfalls and very heavily salted roads create an extremely destructive environment for external components. BERU f1systems’ existing solution, tested in all environments on rally cars, has achieved the required durability standards.
The Nova Bus TPMS consists of four DGA+ antennae mounted on the vehicle (two for the rear axle, one for the middle axle and one for the front axle), eight wheel sensors (four on the rear axle, two on the middle axle and two on the front axle) and the new BERU f1systems 24V TPMS Bus ECU.
Tire pressure monitoring is becoming increasingly mainstream as fleet operators try to reduce tire wear and maintain highest possible fuel efficiency. Legislation and increasing passenger safety requirements are also leading manufacturers and operators to fit robust solutions. BERU f1systems TPMS offers retrofitting possibilities either standalone or through a CAN network.
About BERU f1systems
Founded in 1993 and since 2002, a subsidiary of BERU AG, BERU f1systems offers advanced design and manufacturing facilities for vehicle wiring harness systems, tire pressure monitoring, stress measurement and composites. Supplied to world championship winning cars in every major formula and every Formula 1 team, components from BERU f1systems are now available in military, road car, aerospace and nautical applications. In January 2007, BERU f1systems won the prestigious Autosport International Innovation of the show for its Wire in Composite technology.
