Traveling throughout North America, Meritor Inc’s Vehicle Dynamics mobile laboratory tests on location various products and capabilities including:
•Truck and Trailer—SMARTandem axle, tire inflation systems, and drum and air disc brake development
•Specialty and Off-Highway—Adaptive damping systems for off-highway seats, as well as bus and fire truck suspensions
•Defense—The ProTec High Mobility Independent Suspension (HMIS), adaptive damping systems, tire inflation systems, and suspension height control are tuned for best performance for specific combat environments
Tim Burns, vice-president and general manager, Defense & Specialty, Meritor, said, “The lab allows us to provide on-site support at US government and independent test sites across North America. The lab’s vehicle test data acquisition capability reduces development time by allowing immediate optimization of ride and handling characteristics so we can tune the products to best fit real-world environments.”
The laboratory is outfitted with advanced chassis development equipment including two shock dynamometers, a 50-ton press, a coil spring compressor for oversize military high-rate springs, a large wet bench, and alignment equipment. It also has video equipment for documentation and is connected directly to the company’s Development Center in Troy MI through a wireless network.
The company recently redesigned its Vehicle Dynamics laboratory trailer with a new graphic wrap that looks like the rear door is open and employees are hard at work inside.
