The Future of Access Hardware Technology In Off-Highway Equipment Design Access Hardware and Positioning Solutions for the Off-Highway Industry Connect create innovate
Off-highway equipment design takes many factors into consideration. From rugged worksite environments to harsh vibrations, and sealing and operation issues caused by dust and dirt, the design engineer must address them all. Historically, design needs have centered on the exterior of the equipment, where the greatest operational impact takes place. However, new advances in technology are bringing the design focus to the inside as well within interior cab and chassis enclosures. As technology-focused influences from the automotive industry begin to impact the design process in these application areas, it has become more important than ever to ensure that these solutions meet industry standards and provide robust, quality operation in off-highway environments. Additionally, off-highway manufacturers are facing challenges with regard to changing industry compliance standards and global supply requirements. Therefore, it is essential for design engineers to choose hardware from a global supplier that uses its proven core technology and engineering expertise as a platform for the incorporation of new technological enhancements. This white paper will discuss new technologies emerging in the Off-highway industry, examine industry factors affecting off-highway interior and enclosure applications and define best practices for global access hardware supplier selection. Contents Next Generation Technology 3 Changing Market Standards 6 Global Design and Supply Requirements 7 Choosing an Off-Highway Solutions Supplier 7 Conclusion 8 2
Next Generation Technology The upsurge of new technology available to the Off-highway industry has provided engineers with a multitude of design options for interior cab and chassis enclosure applications. Influences from the automotive industry have led to the incorporation of next generation technology into off-highway applications, offering more benefits to the end user. Because off-highway equipment operators often spend long periods of time within vehicle cabs, equipment manufacturers are increasing their focus on enhancing comfort and convenience. Many are choosing to integrate features from automotive applications into off-highway designs to improve the end user experience despite adverse offhighway environments and long hours of operation. As new technologies become more widely available to the Off-Highway industry, equipment manufacturers are selecting access hardware solutions that not only enhance functionality, but also improve the end user experience. Two common automotive technologies surfacing in off-highway equipment applications today are electromechanical locks and latches (EMLs) and position control devices for touchscreens. 3
Positioning Technology Advancements in electronics are leading the way in off-highway equipment applications as manufacturers incorporate these new features into their designs to accommodate operator preferences. The shift from analog to digital control systems and the availability of touchscreen technology for example, have allowed the companies that manufacture them to incorporate more features into operating system controls. With the increasing use of touchscreen technology to monitor and control vehicle systems, off-highway equipment manufacturers are outfitting vehicles with display mounts that allow for greater control of the LCD screen. For instance, industry safety trends are influencing off-highway equipment manufacturers to maximize visibility in the cab. More glass however, means more glare for the operator using the operating system controls. To alleviate this issue, engineers are integrating positioning solutions such as Southco s line of display mounts. The tilt-only functionality of the T Series display mount, for instance enables effortless display positioning and infinite angle options in off-highway equipment applications. In applications requiring more adjustment, such as when operator height must be accommodated, Southco also offers a tilt and swivel mount that tilts both vertically and horizontally, with a range of motion stops for added flexibility. The positioning capabilities of the mount allow the screen to be tilted in different directions to suit the height differences of multiple operators who may use the same vehicle. Position control solutions chosen for off-highway applications should be robust in their construction, and able to withstand vibration and bumping that may result during operation and transportation. To accommodate operator preference, it is essential that a display mount support the screen or monitor when it must remain stationary, yet be easy to move when repositioning is required. Display mounts should offer a full range of motion, easily allowing the operator to hold a screen in a precise position without any set screws, torque handles or other user intervention. When specifying display mounts into off-highway designs, it is important to select components capable of a reliable, repeatable cycle life that outlasts the lifetime of the vehicle. Mounts should be designed to prevent the slow fading from a user-set position to an undesirable position, known as drift, eliminating the need for service or adjustment. 4
Electronic Access Solutions (EAS) Another area of new technology growth in the Off-Highway industry is the transition from mechanical to intelligent electronic operation. As new technologies become more readily available, manufacturers are seeking products that simplify integration and offer enhanced safety features to the end user. Electronic access solutions (EAS), for example, streamline the incorporation of standard automotive features, such as remote-controlled, keyless entry door systems into offhighway equipment. An EAS is composed of three primary components: an access control or input device, an electromechanical lock or latch (EML) and a system for monitoring the status of the access point. Radio frequency identification (RFID) access control devices, like Southco s RF Wireless Controller, provide keyless electronic actuation in entry door application and improve the operator experience. When used together with a key fob-style wireless transmitter, the RF Wireless Controller allows for remote locking and unlocking when combined with an EML, such as Southco s Electronic Rotary Latch. This EML works similar to a standard rotary latch, but facilitates electronic actuation through the use of the RF Wireless Controller. The RF Wireless Controller can protect off-highway vehicles against the threat of theft or misuse on the jobsite. When used as part of a complete electronic access system, key fobs replace mechanical keys and add convenience for the operator, who can easily lock the cab from the ground. Installing a wireless system replaces universal existing lock-and-key mechanisms that come standard with off-highway vehicles, and because the locking mechanism is housed inside the enclosure, creates a clean exterior appearance that protects it from vandalism. New advancements in technology have also enabled electronic locking where it was previously not possible. Southco s Sealed Heavy Duty Electronic Actuator, for example, provides powerful electronic actuation in outdoor environments. This fully-enclosed actuator is constructed of corrosion-resistant materials that protect the mechanism against moisture and dust, and can be used to actuate mechanical locks and latches. The Sealed Heavy Duty Electronic Actuator operates via signals received from access control devices, like the RF Wireless Controller, which actuates the connected rotary latch to remotely open the door. The flexibility that electronic access solutions offer allow them to be integrated into many off-highway enclosure applications such as engine covers, baggage doors, access panels, tool boxes, truck hoods and storage compartments. When specifying an electronic access system, it is important to choose an EAS that enables access management and prevents unauthorized access through the use of concealed latching that eliminates vandal entry points. An effective electronic access system should allow the convenient, simultaneous locking or unlocking multiple access points. Additionally, an EAS must be designed with a mechanical override feature to allow manual release in the event of a power failure. 5
Changing Market Standards As new technologies continue to emerge in the Off-Highway industry, manufacturers face challenges in meeting regionalized regulations in the global manufacturing environment. Requirements within the global off-highway sector dictate standards for materials used in the production of component parts, such as metals and chemicals, as well as requirements for withstanding shock and vibration. Average and maximum values of shock load that can be expected from a given machine Source: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Survey In anticipation to changes to RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive 2011/65/EU, which is scheduled for review by the European Union (EU) in 2016, manufacturers and suppliers who export to the European Union as well as around the world are exhausting products that contain lead. In response, engineers must ensure that their designs contain components that are free of these materials. Another EU-mandated requirement is compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals). Regulation No. 1907/2006 establishes specific duties and obligations on companies in the European Union that manufacture or import chemical substances on their own, in preparations, or in articles. Because a part has the potential to be recycled from one vehicle to another, manufacturers of off-highway equipment must ensure that their global suppliers are compliant with REACH to protect future end users as well. North American Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for safety and security are acknowledged globally as a leading influence for off-highway vehicle manufacturing. FMVSS dictates everything from materials used to operating temperatures and crash sustainability in the production of vehicle parts. Because many off-highway OEMs produce vehicles in locations around the world, components designed into applications must be consistent across regions in order to maintain compliance with FMVSS. To ensure the global accessibility of their products, off-highway equipment manufacturers must choose parts that perform against even the most stringent requirements. 6
Global Design and Supply Requirements Global access to design components has become more important than ever, especially when it comes to investing in new technologies. Balancing product development and supplier budgets continues to be a struggle due to the ever-changing state of the global economy. In response, many manufacturers have chosen to meet their global supply needs by designing and manufacturing components closer to the source of demand. Global supply needs often dictate how designers decide which parts to use, because import/ export cost can be high and can impact overall production costs. By integrating locally produced components, off-highway equipment manufacturers investing in new technologies will experience decreased cycle times and reduced product development costs. Using regionally serviced parts also helps manufacturers reduce inventory without compromising service or productivity. From interior applications such as storage compartments and entry doors, to exterior engine hood releases and toolboxes, off-highway designs must optimize durability, safety and performance and lower cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle. Additionally, off-highway vehicle maintenance needs require replacement parts that can be secured quickly, due to mounting costs that operators face when vehicles are out of service. Losing a day of operation can set back the time allotted to complete a project or job and result in loss of profit, thus the ability to source products locally has become a key factor in choosing a supplier. Choosing an Off-Highway Solutions Supplier When selecting an access hardware solutions provider, it is important to select a supplier that offers best-in-class, industry standard products for the off-highway industry and also has the capacity to integrate new technology trends into its product offering. Because the overall shape and design of cabs and chassis are constantly evolving, off-the-shelf solutions may not always be an option when specifying a new access hardware application. A supplier must have the ability to modify proven solutions or integrate them into custom designs to accommodate these changing design trends. To meet the unique needs of new design applications, a supplier must possess the capability to leverage its engineering leadership to provide new technologies that build upon core access hardware solutions. 7
Products incorporating new technology must be compliant with global industry standards no matter where they are manufactured. Choosing a supplier with a global footprint allows manufacturers to secure resources wherever they are in the world allowing an application to be designed in one country and manufactured in another, and facilitating the sourcing of replacement parts. A best-in-class off-highway access hardware solutions provider should have the following characteristics: Global supply and manufacturing presence Meets industry compliance standards across the globe Core line of hardware that meets interior and exterior off-highway application needs Cutting-edge, innovative product design and development to meet next generation end user needs Conclusion As the technology landscape continues to evolve, manufacturers of off-highway equipment must be prepared to address market trends by incorporating innovative new features into their designs. Choosing the right access hardware solution should be based on the engineering expertise and experience of a supplier, as well as its ability to provide custom solutions that suit a variety of standard and custom off-highway applications. When designing for off-highway industry applications, such as chassis enclosures and interior cab solutions, it is important for engineers to anticipate new challenges presented by compliance and global manufacturing needs. New technologies introduced into the design process must be adapted from reliable, robust access hardware solutions in order to preserve quality and functionality. By integrating new technology into off-highway enclosure applications such as entry doors, access panels and engine covers on the exterior of the vehicle, and positioning technology such as display mounts within the interior of the cab, manufacturers can improve usability, safety and reliability for the end user for years to come. 8
About Southco Southco s dynamic history begins in the late 19th century, when specialty pipe manufacturer South Chester Tube Company was founded to meet the extraction and transportation needs of the bustling oil industry. The success of the company led to its establishment of Southco, Inc. in 1945, to target the emerging fastener and latching business. Over the last 60 years, Southco s success has extended its manufacturing capabilities and representation worldwide, positioning the company as the leading global provider of Engineered Access Hardware solutions. Today, Southco s passion for providing quality engineered solutions has cultivated new and innovative products such as traditional mechanical and electronic locks and latches, wireless electronic controllers, positioning hinges, captive fasteners and inject/eject mechanisms. The quality and flexibility these touch points allow them to be used in applications across many different industries such as networked telecommunications, medical equipment, self-service kiosks and enclosures, automotive, off-highway/construction, RV/caravan, marine, HVAC and industrial machinery. Southco continues to prepare for the possibilities of the future by investing in next generation technologies to refresh and expand its diverse product catalog. Southco remains poised to utilize the engineered touch points of its access hardware solutions to improve customer products, and is committed to helping its customers solve and overcome engineering challenges for another 100 years, and beyond. Please visit www.southco.com to view our complete range of solutions. 9