The technology company ZF has added a new digital solution to its commercial vehicle portfolio. The TraXon modular transmission system, successfully used by truck manufacturers worldwide, will be equipped with an optional predictive maintenance function starting in 2019. This offers fleets the capability to monitor the condition of critical individual components such as transmission oil or clutch disks via the cloud. Maintenance can thus be planned proactively, which in turn could shorten vehicle downtimes and avoid stranded vehicles.
These predictive maintenance capabilities could reduce costs and extend the transmission's service life at the same time.
To accomplish this, ZF uses transmission modules that are already pre-installed in the vehicle and transfer information about the transmission's condition to the vehicle OEM's cloud. The OEM data platform is also connected to the ZF Cloud. The latter has the ability to take the primary data it has received and compile reports on the condition of the transmission components. These can then be read by the OEM or fleet operator and used to proactively plan maintenance.
"With our new predictive maintenance function, we are expanding our reliable TraXon transmission system with an eye toward networking. Vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators gain real added value, as they can count on both our deep transmission expertise as well as our digital competence when it comes to the diagnostic reports. This further demonstrates that ZF lives up to its aspiration of being a comprehensive supplier of intelligent mechanical systems," said Winfried Gründler, head of truck & van driveline technology, ZF Commercial Vehicle Technology Division.
With its predictive maintenance strategy, ZF focuses on critical individual and wearing components such as transmission oil or clutch disks. The benefits: The constant ability to evaluate data enables relevant components to be replaced or repaired in good time, which helps avoid expensive breakdowns. The transmission's service life can be extended; standstills and downtime can be reduced. In addition, fleet operators can do without complex contingency plans to maintain the supply chain in the event of a breakdown. As a result, the total cost of ownership can be significantly reduced.
Utilizing and adapting existing company technologies
During the development of the new TraXon function, ZF used experience gained in its Industrial Technology Division, where the company already offers predictive maintenance for wind turbine gearboxes. The company also has an eye to the future of road transportation: If autonomous driving prevails in the commercial vehicle industry in the long run, predictive maintenance will be important to enable smooth logistic processes on long routes.
