Innovative Piedrafita System to optimise fleet performance and efficiency:

In the field of defence, vehicle availability and performance are critical factors that directly impact the operational capability and safety of missions.

Piedrafita, a leading company in technological innovation, has developed an advanced suspension monitoring system designed to improve the availability, performance and efficiency of military vehicle fleets. This technological development focuses on providing detailed, real-time monitoring of each vehicle, detecting and preventing possible failures that could compromise its correct operation.

Robust and compact hardware: the heart of the system

Piedrafita's suspension monitoring system is based on a robust and compact hardware, known as Smart Logger. This device is key to the management of suspension systems, integrating sensors strategically placed in the dampers and different components of the system. These sensors are capable of collecting essential data about the use in real conditions, allowing an exhaustive analysis of the vehicle's behaviour.

The Piedrafita Smart Logger not only collects data, but also processes it in real time, providing valuable information that can be used to optimise vehicle performance and increase efficiency.

This proactive approach allows operators to detect and prevent potential failures before they become critical issues, ensuring greater fleet availability.

Comprehensive monitoring of suspension elements

In addition to the dampers, the system monitors the track tensioner, a vital component that protects the running gear from external overloads and ensures safe suspension damping. The incorporation of sensors in the intelligent track tensioner allows constant monitoring, ensuring that any anomalies are detected and addressed immediately. This not only extends the service life of the suspension, but also contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the vehicle.

Data recording, processing and analysis

Piedrafita's Digital Suspension Controller is designed to record, process and analyse data from both the vehicle and the different suspension components. This real-time data processing capability is essential to provide valuable information that can be used to improve maintenance decision making throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.

By identifying patterns and trends in component wear and tear, operators can plan maintenance more effectively, reducing downtime and optimising fleet performance.

DSC system functionalities

Piedrafita's Digital Suspension Controller (DSC) offers a number of advanced functionalities that make it a comprehensive solution for defence vehicle fleet management. The main functionalities of the system include:

• 1. Terrain Detector
  The DSC provides real-time knowledge of the type of terrain over which the vehicle is travelling. This functionality is essential to adapt the suspension behaviour to the terrain conditions, thus improving vehicle stability and performance.
   
• 2. Suspension Data Management
  The system continuously monitors and processes information from the suspension sensors, providing a detailed view of component status and performance. This information is crucial for identifying potential problems before they affect vehicle operation.
   
• 3. Component Traceability
  The DSC also offers full traceability of suspension components. This means that the system keeps a detailed record of which suspension element is fitted to which wheel on the vehicle, allowing for more efficient and accurate maintenancemmanagement.

Main features of the DSC system

Piedrafita's Digital Suspension Controller stands out due to a number of advanced features that enhance its functionality and performance:

• Advanced Algorithmics: The DSC uses advanced algorithms to monitor and process data in real time. This allows the system to identify the type of terrain and severity of use of each device, providing accurate and timely information for decision making.
   
• Traceability: The system provides information at all times on the status and location of suspension components. This traceabilitycapability is essential for effective maintenance management andto ensure that components are in optimum condition.
   
• Decision support: The system notifies when a suspension is nearing the end of its service life and needs to be replaced. This functionality helps operators plan maintenance more effectively, reducing downtime and ensuring vehicles are always in optimal condition.

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

Keeping the fleet in good condition is essential to reduce breakdowns, accidents and operating costs. DSC optimises maintenance by using real sensor data to monitor vehicle condition and performance. It predicts the optimal timing and frequency of preventive and corrective maintenance based on the actual usage and condition of each vehicle. DSC also identifies and diagnoses potential faults and problems before they become critical.

• Preventive Approach: Vehicle and crew safety is a priority for any fleet manager. Adopting a preventive approach is one of the best ways to ensure that the fleet operates efficiently. Using a remote diagnostic system such as DSC provides information on vehicle faults as they arise. Sensors indicate when there is a problem that needs urgent attention, allowing for extended vehicle life and ensuring the highest quality maintenance.
   
• Remote diagnostics and performance monitoring: DSC facilitates the monitoring of vehicle performance, ensuring smooth operation. It also predicts when parts will need to be replaced, enabling advance planning of orders so that you are always prepared. Reliable software stores driver information, vehicle records and maintenance issues in one place, making it easy for managers to access at all times.
   
• Vehicle reports: These reports help to understand vehicle functions and measure parameters such as costs, performance and maintenance, providing crucial information for decision-making and optimising the performance of the military vehicle fleet.

Compatibility and Versatility in Harsh Environments

The Piedrafita DSC is fully compatible with new and legacy platforms, covering vehicles from one to seventy tonnes. This versatility makes the system an ideal solution for use on a wide range of vehicles used in defence, including:

• Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
• 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles
• All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
• Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV)
• Self-propelled artillery systems (SPH)
• Main Battle Tanks (MBT)

Its innovative development is designed for a range of target audiences, including:

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Subsystem manufacturers
• Maintenance centres
• End-users

Commitment to innovation and excellence

With this new technology, Piedrafita reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence in fleet management. The Digital Suspension Controller provides advanced tools that ensure optimal performance and maximum vehicle operability in demanding operating conditions. By integrating DSC into your fleets, the availability and efficiency of defence vehicles will be significantly improved, ensuring the success of your missions and the safety of your crew.

Find out all its capabilities in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQrt9czf6g

www.piedrafita.com