Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has announced that its Bendix® Intellipark® Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) System is now available as a factory-installed option across the Peterbilt Motors Company lineup. This rollout includes all heavy-duty, medium-duty, and Model 520 vocational vehicles.
Highlights
- Expanded Availability: Now optional on all Peterbilt heavy-duty, medium-duty, and Model 520 trucks.
- Rollaway Mitigation: Automatically engages parking brakes if the system detects an unintentional rollaway risk.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: Replaces pneumatic knobs with electronic switches featuring LED status indicators.
- Fleet Data: Provides operational data for analysis and supports integration with Bendix® Fusion™ ADAS.
Enhancing Safety with Rollaway Mitigation
The primary function of the Intellipark EPB system is to help mitigate rollaway incidents. This technology is particularly critical in environments involving hills or uneven terrain where vehicles can drift if parking brakes are not set correctly.
The system utilizes interlocks to monitor critical vehicle status indicators. If the system determines that an unintentional rollaway is imminent, it automatically engages the parking brakes.
Smart Unpark™ Functionality
The system includes a proprietary feature known as Smart Unpark™. This function utilizes sensors to monitor three key variables before allowing brake release:
- Door position
- Seat belt status
- Vehicle movement
These inputs help verify that the driver is present and the vehicle is prepared for safe operation before the brakes are disengaged.
Driver Comfort and Ergonomics
Bendix has replaced traditional red and yellow pneumatic push-pull knobs with ergonomic electronic switches. These switches are designed to reduce the physical effort required to engage the brakes, eliminating the “stinging” sensation associated with manual dash valves.
Despite the modernization, the interface retains familiar colors, symbols, and text to minimize the driver learning curve. The switches also feature built-in LED lights, providing the driver with clear, at-a-glance visualization of the brake status.
Operational Efficiency and Maintenance
Beyond safety, the Intellipark system offers several operational benefits for fleet managers and maintenance teams. The electronic activation results in quieter operation compared to pneumatic systems.
The switch to electronic control also reduces parts complexity, which can simplify maintenance procedures. Furthermore, the system is capable of generating data regarding parking brake usage. Fleets can utilize this data for operational analysis and to identify opportunities for future driver training.
Trailer Brake Management
For towing models, the system includes an automatic trailer brake disengagement feature. This prevents drivers from dragging trailer brakes, helping to reduce:
- Tire wear: Prevents flat-spotting and premature degradation.
- Wheel-end damage: Reduces stress on mechanical components.
- Downtime: Minimizes unscheduled repairs caused by brake drag.
Integration with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Intellipark system is fully compatible with Bendix® Fusion™, the company’s flagship advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). This compatibility ensures a cohesive safety suite for Peterbilt vehicles.
“We highly value our partnership with Peterbilt, which is defined by our long-standing shared commitment to safety,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re proud to have Bendix Intellipark equipped on Peterbilt trucks and to be part of this latest step toward safer vehicles for fleets and drivers in North America.”
Important Safety Considerations
Bendix emphasizes that the Intellipark system is a driver assistance technology and does not replace the need for safe driving practices. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.
Drivers should not rely solely on the system to intervene. Operators must be trained on the proper operation and limitations of the technology as outlined in the operator’s manual.
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