HODGES TRANSPORTATION, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A15-072

Description

Successful brake system performance during long mountain descents is critical. Prior test events can fail to successfully replicate the severity of the extended down grade conditions, leading to recognition that definition of successful operational tests is required. Therefore the development of an updated test procedure and development of a Brake Fade Warning System, both of which rely on a number of technical objectives is described herein. The final solutions must accommodate a variety of brake systems and therefore must consider various vehicle platforms and the amount of energy required to bring the system to a successful and safe stop after completion of the extended down grade operations. New vehicle designs have substantially improved on vehicle sensor communication (SAE J1939) enabling integration of a brake fade warning system providing appropriate information to vehicle operators using the existing CAN architecture. A fully developed warning system would be applicable to commercial vehicle systems, improving safety by replacing the FHWA/FMCSR/ATA recommended brake snub approach. By developing this system with legacy DoD vehicles as well as new commercial vehicles and the associated technology in mind there is significant benefit to the conduct of this project.