The application of adaptive steering technology in trailers has a long history, and its application in the field of vehicle design and manufacturing abroad has become very mature. But in China, except for applications in special fields, the application of this technology is still a new thing. Truck Home has also provided a detailed introduction to the adaptive steering technology in the article "High Oil Price Solution for Mobile Curtain Box Single Tire Trailers". At present, with the increasingly prominent demand for lightweighting in China, the use of air suspension and single tire has become more and more "visibility". While pursuing the best transportation solution, operating costs are also receiving more attention.
The types of adaptive steering technology are relatively complex, and most of them are mainly used for driving and passing in special environments. For passive follow-up steering axles, they have a prominent role in greatly extending the service life of tires and effectively reducing operating and maintenance costs. What are the different effects of installing a follow-up steering axle on the current popular three axle single tire trailer? Firstly, let's visually experience its function through the following video.
In the video, the BPW follow-up steering axle belongs to a passive structure. When the vehicle is driving normally in a straight line, the overall mass of the trailer forces the steering mechanism to tightly contact the upper and lower "V-shaped" end faces. The running state of the wheels is no different from that of a regular axle. When the semi-trailer turns, the "V-shaped" end face teeth are misaligned, and the wheels achieve passive steering. It has designed a steering angle limiting device and a return device, making it easier for drivers to cope with various steering states.
● Expensive price and limited promotion due to road conditions
SAF follow-up steering axle
The adaptive steering technology is more suitable for driving on complex road conditions, such as container transportation, express transportation, intercity logistics, etc. Under "harsh" turning conditions, the suspension system of the trailer is damaged and abnormal tire wear is improved. According to official European testing statistics, trailers equipped with centrifugal force automatic steering axles have a tire service life twice that of traditional rigid axle trailers. The gap between domestic road conditions and developed countries is becoming smaller and smaller, so the conditions for the use of this technology will tend to mature.
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YUEK follow-up steering axle
At present, the market price of follow-up steering axles is still in an awkward situation of being "too high to be cold", and more domestic users are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. Although the application price of this technology is relatively expensive, in foreign countries, due to the long service life of trailers, assuming a lifespan of 10 years, compared to tire wear, this cost is completely within a controllable range.
Anyway, we also hope that such technology can be promoted, which will benefit more truck drivers, and trailer tires will no longer be rubbed like "rubber".
