Eaton Launches Remote Diagnostics Tool for Automated Transmissions

Eaton recently launched IntelliConnect, a suite of connected solutions designed to improve uptime and efficiency.

The initial module in the suite, IntelliConnect Remote Diagnostics, provides near real-time monitoring of vehicle fault codes. Designed for Eaton automated and automatic transmissions, it gives users customized delivery of information through email alerts, the Navistar OnCommand Connection portal, an existing telematics portal, or through Eaton's web site www.EatonIntelliConnnect.com.

Once the monitoring data is received, Eaton's vehicle system experts go beyond reading the faul codes and create action plans, looking at data from other vehicle components to determine potential root causes and solutions.

Eaton is partnering initially with Omnitracs by integrating its data to support IntelliConnect. Plans are to offer IntelliConnect via other telematics providers in the future.

"IntelliConnect is about seamlessly connecting our customer's data with Eaton's deep vehicle knowledge, and providing solutions that reduce the amount of time a customer will need to diagnose a problem and repair a vehicle," said Gerard Devito, chief technology officer, Eaton Vehicle Group. "Omnitracs Fault Monitoring application easily creates the link that our customers need to access the benefits that only we can provide for Eaton transmissions."

IntelliConnect will optimize the features of Omnitracs' Fault Monitoring application with immediate diagnosis and prioritization of transmission system fault alerts. By getting vehicle information about the problem and expert guidance within seconds, fleet maintenance and operations management will be informed of root causes quickly so they can take proactive steps to fix a problem. The system will be supported by Eaton's Roadranger 24/7 call center.

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Eaton Showcases Near- and Far-Future Technology

You may think of Eaton as primarily a transmission company, but at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany, this fall, they showed a range of future technologies both near and far, from transmissions for electric vehicles to autonomous vehicle technology to waste heat recovery.

Starting with the near future, Eaton announced it has developed a 2-speed transmission for heavy- and medium-duty electric commercial vehicle applications to meet growing demand in the European and other markets, which will be in full production this fall.

Eaton partnered with UQM Technologies, Longmont, Colorado, and Pi Innovo, Plymouth, Michigan, to design and produce the UQM PowerPhaseDT system. Eaton developed and will supply to UQM a 2-speed transmission for an electric vehicle application, and Pi Innovo will develop and supply to UQM the transmission control unit. Together, the components will be combined with UQM's current PowerPhase HD220/HD250 motor and inverter system to create the UQM PowerPhase DT, a full electric drive system.

For medium- and heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles, the system offers better grade performance, acceleration and efficiency. Eaton's 2-speed transmission provides a greater speed and torque range, which allows a smaller electric motor to power large vehicles. The smaller drive train also allows for improved packaging efficiency, greater payload capacity, and lower cost when compared with direct drive or single speed drivetrain strategies.

In addition, the 2-speed transmission keeps the electric motor operating in the highest efficiency region for a greater portion of the drive cycle. Combined with the high efficiency of the UQM PowerPhaseDT electric drive system, it will allow greater overall vehicle efficiency, save on the cost of batteries, and increase driving range.

Eaton is also working on developing a four-speed transmission for electric vehicles.

Eaton has been building on its transmission technology ...Read the rest of this story

PurePower Expands Turbocharger Lineup

PurePower Technologies is expanding production of its turbocharger product, lineup including turbochargers for light-, medium- and heavy-duty truck engines.

The new offerings include remanufactured turbochargers for all makes.

PurePower earlier this year was acquired from Navistar by an investment group, allowing it to become an independent supplier of diesel fuel-injection systems, machining products and systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

It offers assembly, remanufacturing and test lines for high-volume turbochargers. The company uses a modular approach for an assortment of all makes, sizes and model engines including wastegate and variable geometry turbochargers.

The company's hot gas test and heavy-duty engine dynamometer cells provide real-world validation of the turbocharger to the original design intent, according to the company. With its 100% end-of-line cold functional test process, every turbo can be correlated back to the compressor map. NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) analysis will identify any hidden defects, which can affect long-term reliability of the turbo. The company's engineering quality is certified to TS 16949.

"Over the last seven years serving as an in-house supplier to Navistar, we've invested more than $10 million in our turbocharger production capabilities," said Jerry Sweetland, president and CEO, PurePower Technologies. "Now that we are an independent company, we will continue to invest in the latest turbo technologies to ensure that we offer only the highest quality turbochargers for remanufactured and OEM applications."

Related: Pure Power Technologies Goes Independent From Navistar

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

PurePower Expands Turbocharger Lineup

PurePower Technologies is expanding production of its turbocharger product, lineup including turbochargers for light-, medium- and heavy-duty truck engines.

The new offerings include remanufactured turbochargers for all makes.

PurePower earlier this year was acquired from Navistar by an investment group, allowing it to become an independent supplier of diesel fuel-injection systems, machining products and systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

It offers assembly, remanufacturing and test lines for high-volume turbochargers. The company uses a modular approach for an assortment of all makes, sizes and model engines including wastegate and variable geometry turbochargers.

The company's hot gas test and heavy-duty engine dynamometer cells provide real-world validation of the turbocharger to the original design intent, according to the company. With its 100% end-of-line cold functional test process, every turbo can be correlated back to the compressor map. NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) analysis will identify any hidden defects, which can affect long-term reliability of the turbo. The company's engineering quality is certified to TS 16949.

"Over the last seven years serving as an in-house supplier to Navistar, we've invested more than $10 million in our turbocharger production capabilities," said Jerry Sweetland, president and CEO, PurePower Technologies. "Now that we are an independent company, we will continue to invest in the latest turbo technologies to ensure that we offer only the highest quality turbochargers for remanufactured and OEM applications."

Related: Pure Power Technologies Goes Independent From Navistar

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Ontario's FleetRover snags funding for telematics system

USDOT: Volvo recall achieves 100 percent completion

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation today announced that the last of the nearly 16,000 U.S. heavy trucks voluntarily recalled earlier this year by Volvo Trucks North America for a serious steering defect have been identified and repaired, achieving a 100 percent vehicle safety recall completion. The recall was overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in collaboration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

read more

Volvo steering shaft recall hits 100% completion