Goldhofer Implements iTAP into Hydraulic Axle Semitrailers

Enlarge Image Drivers with heavy loads can use their smartphones to adjust ride height.

December 31, 2014 - In a joint development project, Knorr-Bremse, developer of the intelligent Trailer Access Point (iTAP), and Goldhofer have implemented the iTAP functionality in vehicles with hydraulic suspension. This means that drivers with heavy loads can now take advantage of the numerous iTAP features, too, like using their smartphones to adjust ride height.

 

“At the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, we received the Trailer Innovation Award 2015 in the Chassis category for our revolutionary MPA Axle Technology, while our partner Knorr-Bremse received the award for its iTAP solution in the Smart Trailer category. Now we can offer customers the combined result of these two benchmarks, with new heights of user-friendliness,” said Stefan Fuchs, CEO of Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft.

 

iTAP, the intelligent Trailer Access Point, is a remote control app that permits the driver to control certain trailer functions without having to do the job on the trailer itself. The driver no longer has to leave the cab to make certain changes to the trailer. In the past, for example, the driver had to get out to adjust the axles on the trailer, said Volker Schmidt, chief design engineer at Goldhofer.

 

Since the iTAP module is installed directly on the trailer as an extension to the EBS module and has its own WLAN, trailer functions can be controlled independently of the tractor. The link between the driver’s smartphone and the iTAP access point is based on a secure connection and password-protected with the help of the brake pressure random number generator.

 

In addition to intelligent axle control with four pre-programmed and two freely programmable axle heights, the iTAP module also offers the driver permanent tire pressure and temperature monitoring. If a tire is damaged, the system automatically generates an alarm.