The Bendix® Intellipark® Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System is now available as a factory-installed option on Kenworth heavy- and medium-duty models. This integration brings advanced safety capabilities, including rollaway mitigation, to Kenworth’s commercial vehicle lineup. By replacing traditional pneumatic valves with electronic controls, the system aims to enhance driver safety and operational efficiency.
Highlights
- Factory Installation: Intellipark is now a factory option for Kenworth heavy- and medium-duty trucks.
- Safety Interlocks: The system utilizes sensors to monitor door position, seat belt status, and vehicle movement.
- Driver Ergonomics: Electronic switches replace traditional push-pull knobs, featuring LED status indicators.
- Rollaway Mitigation: The system can automatically engage parking brakes if unintentional movement is detected.
Intellipark System Architecture and Safety Features
The core functionality of the Bendix Electronic Parking Brake system centers on mitigating rollaway incidents. This is achieved through the Rollaway Mitigation feature, which may automatically engage the parking brakes if the system’s logic determines an unintentional rollaway is imminent.
The system relies on a series of unique interlocks to verify vehicle status. Sensors monitor critical data points, including:
- Door position
- Seat belt engagement status
- Vehicle movement
In addition to rollaway prevention, the system includes Smart Unpark™ and, for towing models, an Auto Trailer Brake Release. These features are designed to prevent the parking brake from releasing unless specific safety criteria are met.
Enhanced Driver Interface and Ergonomics
Bendix has redesigned the driver interface to replace the traditional red and yellow push-pull pneumatic knobs. The new system utilizes electronic switches that maintain the industry-standard colors, symbols, and text for familiarity.
This shift to electronic actuation offers several benefits:
- Improved Ergonomics: The switches are easier to engage, reducing physical strain.
- Reduced Fatigue: The design eliminates the high-pressure “stinging” sensation often associated with manual dash valves.
- Visual Feedback: Built-in LEDs provide immediate, clear confirmation of brake status at a glance.
Strategic Partnership and Implementation
The collaboration between Bendix and Kenworth underscores a continued focus on integrating active safety technologies into North American fleets.
“It’s a point of pride to work alongside the team at Kenworth to make available advanced technologies and the best tools for North America’s fleets and drivers,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president, sales and marketing. “Having Kenworth equip their trucks with Bendix’s latest technologies such as Bendix Intellipark not only reflects a strong relationship that goes back decades but shines a spotlight on our shared focus on helping make roads safer.”
While the Intellipark system offers significant safety advantages, Bendix emphasizes that technology does not replace the need for skilled driving. Operators must remain responsible for safe vehicle operation and should consult the operator’s manual for proper usage and system limitations.
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